CHAPTER NINE
Harlow
The blind date that I’d agreed to weeks ago is, in fact, rubbish. The only good parts of the evening were getting ready at Fleur’s and the delicious food. Thankfully, it was a double date with Fleur and Lee, so we didn’t just sit there in silence. I like my men with a little more substance and confidence. This guy resembled a wet lettuce. As I let myself into our apartment, it’s quiet, and I jump when I see Ezra on the sofa, a game paused on the TV. He turns to smile at me as I walk in.
“Is breaking and entering not going a bit far?” I say.
“Is that not romantic these days?” he asks, humor in his voice.
“Not quite. I’m assuming there’s a reason you’re sitting in my apartment?”
“Yeah. Despite what you’re clearly inclined to think, I’m not stalking you. Sawyer’s gone across the road to grab some food.”
“Oh.” Sawyer had mentioned that the new neighbors were cool, but I didn’t know they hung out. Although, we hadn’t talked much in the last couple days. Sawyer comes in behind me with food from Chung’s.
“Hey, Angel. You look incredible.”
“I was just about to say that,” Ezra complains.
“I’ll take it from both of you.” Yep, those are actual words that just came out of my mouth. They both snigger as I roll my eyes at my mistake, and I make my way toward my room but am stopped before I reach it.
“Chill with us. We’re gonna put a film on.” There’s no reason for me to say no to Sawyer, and I really don’t want to anyway. I’ve missed him recently, and he seems in a good mood.
“Okay, let me get changed.” This dress may have received a welcome response from the guys, but it’s not exactly lounging-on-the-couch material. After washing my face, I come back out in sweats and a tank. I settle next to Sawyer on the sofa, and he offers me his plate, but I honestly couldn’t eat any more, even if it is Chung’s.
“Did you eat?” he checks, always looking out for me.
“Yeah. We went for Thai.”
“You and Fleur?”
“And Lee and his friend, a double date I’d agreed to a while ago.” I say it offhandedly because there will most definitely not be a repeat. I already don’t remember the guy’s name, that’s how awful I am. Ezra looks up and pins me with a glare that may or may not heat me.
“I hope you look that good when you’re dressing up for me,” he drawls, and I cock an eyebrow at him. “My housewarming party, of course,” he adds with a smirk.
“Oh, I forgot to mention it,” Sawyer says. “It’s tomorrow.”
“I’ll try and make myself look presentable,” I say impassively.
“Oh, please. Even in sweats, you look like a Barbie doll.” Ezra says it with a hint of reverence, and for some reason, I don’t hate the comparison this time.
“She hates that,” Sawyer tells Ezra.
“Barbie? Why?”
“It’s an insult,” I explain, even though it didn’t sound like it coming from his mouth. “Who wants to be described as an airhead? I’m so much more than my looks. Try complimenting my personality, my drive, my brain.”
“They have Barbie doctors now. And racecar drivers. And chefs.” He seems willing to carry on listing the offered professions as if it’s proving something, so I jump in to stop him.
“You sure know a lot about dolls, but that’s not what people mean when they say it.”
“No. They mean you look like the perfect doll. No offense intended,” he continues, “you really do. I think you’re looking at it the wrong way. It can be an observation and not a criticism. I for one would be more than proud to have you by my side, looking like a Barbie or not. Might as well own it, you can’t exactly change how you look.”
“I could dye my hair, or cut it all off,” I quip, but I’m feeling a stirring at his insistence to look at the positives in what he’s said, even if he’s so casually skipping over it. The fact that he wants me to see the good in it so sincerely makes me feel a type of way. Maybe I could be convinced to give it a chance.
“No,” Sawyer interjects.
“I think Sawyer’s a fan of the blond,” Ezra says with a smirk. I grin over at Sawyer, but he’s focused on his plate as if it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever seen.