Total pages in book: 177
Estimated words: 169272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 846(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 169272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 846(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Kat is looking at me expectantly, awaiting an answer about that possible double date in LA. “Yeah, uh . . . Great,” I murmur, picking up my drink. My brain is exploding. I need to shift the topic. “Hey, Kat, maybe you should think about opening Golden PR in Los Angeles instead of Seattle. Maybe you could do PR for the entertainment industry.” I know Kat’s been dying to talk about the future with Josh. Namely, the possibility of her moving to LA to be with him. So, why not help a sister out and raise the topic for her?
To my astonishment, Jonas jumps in to reply to my comment before Josh or Kat. And even more shockingly, what he says is unexpectedly rude. “Well, that’d be pretty stupid.”
“What would be stupid?” Henn asks, instantly coming to my defense. “Sounds like a great idea to me.”
I flash Henn a look of gratitude. I don’t know if Henn is a spy or not. Or why he hasn’t even hinted about his newfound wealth to me. All I know is he’s awfully cute when he’s feeling protective of me. Honestly, it feels amazing to finally have a boyfriend who doesn’t hesitate to defend me.
“No, no,” Jonas says with a chuckle. “I meant it’d be stupid for Kat to move to LA. What would be the point of her doing that when Josh is moving back home to Seattle in a couple months?”
My jaw drops, yet again. Well, that’s a twist I didn’t see coming. Kat didn’t mention Josh moving back to his hometown during our lunch today! On the contrary, Kat went on and on about how hard she’s finding the long-distance aspect of her relationship with Josh. Did Josh tell Kat this amazing news after my lunch with her today?
“What?” Kat shrieks. “You’re moving to Seattle—for good? To live?”
Okay, that reaction makes clear Josh hasn’t already told Kat his amazing news. I look at Josh, excited to revel in this happy surprise with him, but my stomach sinks when I see his stiff body language. His pale face. The look of barely contained panic twisting his handsome features. Uh oh. I think Jonas just spilled some of his brother’s beans.
“Yeah,” Josh says to Kat, his voice tight. “I’m moving home. Just got a place.”
It’s plain to see Kat isn’t interpreting Josh’s demeanor the same way I am. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be acting this enthralled. “When?” she gasps out excitedly. “This is awesome. A dream come true.”
“In two or three months, probably.” Again, Josh’s stiff energy doesn’t match Kat’s.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kat says excitedly. “Did you just decide today? This is incredible news. Oh my god. I’m elated!”
Jonas looks deeply confused. To Kat, he says, “You didn’t know?”
Kat’s smile falls a bit. “No, he didn’t mention it to me.” Boom. She suddenly gets it. Her brow furrows. Her energy wilts. “Why didn’t you mention it to me, Josh? Were you planning to surprise me?”
“Uh . . .” That’s all Josh manages, before pressing his lips together into a thin line.
“How long have you known?” Kat asks. “You said you already found a place?”
Josh looks guilty as sin. “Yeah, I’ve known for a little while. Let’s talk about it later, okay?”
“How long have you known?” Kat demands, her tone hardening. “Did you know when I said that thing about the long-distance thing being brutal? Did you know then?”
Josh looks sheepishly at the group. “Let’s talk about it later, babe. Don’t get all worked up about it. I was just waiting until it was for sure.”
Kat visibly perks up. “Oh, it’s not for sure yet? That’s why you didn’t tell me?”
“Well, no. Actually, it’s for sure. I’m moving.”
“Oh.” Kat looks conflicted now. This would be the best possible news, if only Josh himself had bothered to mention it to her. “That’s great,” Kat says weakly. “So, you’ve already made plans? You’ve got a place?”
“Let’s talk about it later. What’s everyone planning to sing next?”
As Kat asks Josh another stream of questions, I lean in and whisper to Henn. “Looks like you’re not the only guy who doesn’t tell his girlfriend big news.”
Henn grimaces. Thanks to my comment, he now knows, for sure, he didn’t misinterpret the look of pure shock and hurt he saw on my face earlier. As the two guys onstage finish their song to raucous applause, Henn runs his hand through his dark hair and says, “You’ve got some questions for me.” It’s a statement, not a question.
“I sure do.”
The place is noisy, what with everyone applauding the “American Pie” dudes, so I motion toward the front door, signaling we should take our conversation outside.
“Grab your coat,” Henn says, rising from the table. “It’s cold out there.”
As we reach the front door, the karaoke host booms behind us, “And noooow, I have a very special treat for you!” Normally, I’d love to witness a “very special treat” in a karaoke bar, but at this particular moment, the only thing I want to witness is Henn giving me honest answers to several major, nagging questions.