Marcella seemed amused when I told her about our airport antics, which I still wasn't amused by. However, seeing her again put me in an immensely better mood than I had been in before, so I decided to let it slide.
She was also way too delighted about this whole "Hanson's staying in my house" thing. I was going to allow the girl one more giggle before I pronounced her an irreversable teeny-bopper.
"So, how's Ed?"I asked, attempting to change the subject.
A wrinkled nose and a flip of the hand answered that question.
"Besides,"she said with a smile,"I have a feeling it's better for me to keep my options open right now."
I groaned."Zac's still pining away for his ex, so don't get any ideas about him, and unfortunately Taylor seems to have taken a liking to Brina."
"What about Isaac?"she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"He wasn't that crazy about Brina."I did not like the look she was giving me. It should be outlawed in all major countries."Hopefully he'll like you better,"I muttered under my breath.
"Ah."Marcella smiled."I get it, you invited me here because you're hoping Isaac will get at thing for me."
"I didn't say that."
"You did too. It's not my fault you don't listen to yourself. Maybe you didn't use those exact words, but the general idea is the same."The distinct southern twang she'd aquired while living in Georgia was starting to seep its way back into her voice.
Maybe it had been in the back of my head when I invited her (maybe), but it hadn't been the entire reason. There was no reason for her to be giving me that look.
Well, maybe a little reason.
Just a little one.
****
"Yo, there's the love."
That has got to be one of the worst pick-up lines I had ever heard in my entire life. However, somehow I was not surprised that it came from Zac.
What surprised me was that it was directed to Marcella.
So much for Mandy. From the look that Zac was giving to Marcella I concluded that he hadn't been pining away quite as hard as I'd previously thought. Either that or maybe things hadn't gone well in the get-back-Mandy operation.
Either way, I could not figure out why just one of my friends couldn't go for the right Hanson. Just one. What are the odds that neither girl would fall for Isaac? Not that Marcella was falling for Zac. At least I was praying that it was just a momentary lapse of sanity.
Things weren't looking good.
****
"Bye, Mom!"I called out, letting the screen door slam behind me. Marcella had gone to the movies with Zac (traitor) and I needed some serious shopping therapy.
Isaac instantly appeared at my side the second I was out the door."So, where are you going?"
I let out a sigh that was supposed to make him go away."The mall."
It wasn't working. I walked faster, hoping to get to my car before he could ask.
No such luck."Can I come?"
"Fine."I rolled my eyes.
He stopped and stared at me, surprised."Really?"
"Just get in the car before I change my mind."