Page 40 of Revenge Puck

What woman wouldn’t want to enjoy a meal with a handsome man?

It’s not like we’re in a secret relationship, we’re…

Going on a secret date.

Who am I?

My phone buzzes on the bathroom counter, making me jump.

I glance down, expecting it to be Blaire but it’s not.

Mom.

Of course it is.As if I weren’t keyed up enough.

I stare at the screen for a second, debating whether to answer it, because my mother does not call to say a quick hello. She calls because she’sbored. Or has a million questions about something. Or wants to gossip.

Still, if I don’t answer, I’ll feel guilty. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, honey!” She wastes no time cutting to the chase, but I’m not so easily directed. “What are you up to?”

I glance at my reflection again, resting my hand on my stomach to quell the nerves.

“Getting ready to go out.”

“Oh?” Her voice perks up immediately. “Do you have a date?”

My parents weren’t aware I was dating anyone—I hadn’t mentioned Preston because he and I had only been out a handful of times, even though we’d texted for almost a month.

“I’m having dinner.”It’s not a lie.

There’s a beat of silence on the other end. “With who?”

I tuck the phone between my shoulder and ear while retouching my lipstick. “I’m going out. It’s not a big deal.”

“Is it someone from work?”

My stomach dips.

Technically, yes.

“You could say that.”

“Is this someone a man?”

“Mom.”

She laughs on the other end of the line. “What? Can’t I ask questions? You and your brother are so secretive when it comes to your love lives. I want to be a part of your life, sweetie.”

I sigh. “I’m not so secretive when it comes to my love life, Mom. I have no love life.”

Also, not a lie.

One-night stands do not count.

“Well, I hope whoever he is, he’snice.”

“Thank you, Mother.” I shake my head, leaning closer to the mirror to check my mascara. “It’s not serious. It’s dinner.”