“Is what?” Bryce prompted.
I shook my head. “Forget it. I don’t know what I need.”
“How about a to-do list a mile long? Your mom can’t argue with that, right?”
I smiled. “Does Monica consider that a valid excuse?”
“Well, no. But we’re on a deadline. Maybe she’ll cut me some slack. And you can be sure to tell her how hard we are working.”
I laughed. “Fine. Let’s get this rolling.”
We shifted back into business mode, divvying up tasks.
“Why don’t we just keep each other in the loop as we get things done so nothing falls through the cracks?”
He nodded. “I’ll send a text when I confirm which of my guys is available to the highest bidder. And when I get the stage rental confirmed.”
“Awesome. I’ll just text when I check stuff off my list, too.”
“Anytime you need an emergency meeting to avoid a bachelor ambush, just text me.” He leaned in and whispered, “The codeword is pineapple.”
I laughed. “Oh, okay. That’s a totally natural word for me to work into conversation.”
“Obviously. That’s why I chose it!” He grinned. “Don’t forget to bring my pineapple.”
“Not suspicious at all,” I said with a serious expression.
“My pineapple had a nightmare.”
I nodded and pressed my lips together, a laugh threatening to escape.
“Pineapple makes me itchy.”
The laughter bubbled up and I swatted at his arm. “You’re a goober.”
“I know. Seriously though. I’m happy to be your excuse to get you out of another dinner with Kenny.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. And I’ll be sure to mention to Monica just how busy we are pulling this together.”
He tapped a finger to his nose and pointed at me. “Perfect.”
We parted ways, and I left the park with a huge smile on my face. Bryce had always had that effect on me. My thoughts went back to the ridiculous idea I’d had. If only I could replace all of my mom’s dating pressure with extra time with Bryce. Just until I left.
But I knew Mom would get her hopes up and read way more into the situation than she should. We were just friends. Maybe I’d find some extra ways we could work on the fundraiser to get her off my back. But I wasn’t going to lie to her.