Page 41 of Playing the Backbeat

“Ugh.” She groans. “You don’t get it.” She whirls her body around until she’s sitting upright, one hand on her forehead.

“I can’t argue with that. So, what’s the plan for today? Going out with the girls?”

I’m nervous. And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. Dee and I have been friends for years, and today is no different fromany normal day…well, except that I’m about to ask her if she wants to spend her birthday…with me.

“No.” She shakes her head before flipping over to wrap her hair in a messy bun on top of her head. “It’s a Wednesday. Not a very convenient day to celebrate, so we’re going all-out on Saturday instead. I’ll see Emi, Kai, and Morgan on Sunday. I’m hanging out here today, which I guess is good. I’ll need all day to manifest a better year than the last one.”

“Okay. Well, I won’t interrupt…whatever this is.” I turn toward my room, taking three hurried steps before I stop.

Don’t be an idiot. This isn’t a big deal. Just fucking ask her.

“Hey, Dee?” My voice breaks on her name.

“Yes?”

“If you really aren’t planning on doing anything today, I found this thing close by that I thought you might enjoy.”

“Oooo, well this is a surprise.” She claps her hands together, resting her chin on her folded fingers. “Okay, is it…a sex club?”

“Um, no.”

Is it hot in here?

“A book club?”

“Well, no.”

“A bowling club?”

“No.”

“An arcade?”

“Not exactly.”

“We could do this for a while.” She smirks at me. “Want to spare me the suspense and let me in on the secret?”

“You’re going to need to change.”

Her smile grows as she runs past me to her room. “Itisa sex club,” she shouts, followed by a cackle that I’m sure our neighbors can hear through the walls. “Leather or lace? What’s the vibe?”

She slams the door shut and I follow, resting my forehead on her bedroom doorframe. “You need to wear athletic clothes.” I startle, stepping back in shock as she swings the door open in a rush.

“Oh, this is some freaky shit, huh?” The smile on her face could rival the Cheshire cat.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but we are not going to a sex club.” She crosses her arms, a look of disbelief and disappointment passing over her face.

“Then where are we going?”

“How do you feel about a shot at immunity?” I ask.

Every muscle in her body locks up. Her eyes close and her head drops back. She takes in a huge inhale before she meets my gaze again. Her face completely emotionless.

“Dylan, I swear to fuck, if you’re messing with me right now, I’m going to kick you in the shin.”

“So violent. That won’t help you win any votes.”

Her eyes widen, filling with unshed tears. “Dylan…” Her voice wobbles.