Absolutely Not in Love (Sweater Weather, #7; Appies, #2)

by Jenny Proctor

I refill my wine glass, letting myself relax. Summer has clearly forgotten all about Felix and his fancy Audi. I offer her the bottle, but she declines. “I’m done for the night,” she says. “But you have more, because we’re going to talk about you now, and I think you might need it.” I pause mid-sip. Well, crap. I should have known better. “Do we have to? I promise there is nothing worth talking about.” Summer lifts an eyebrow. “Your life is that boring, huh?” “Totally boring,” I say. “Same old, same old.” Summer leans forward, her elbows propped on the table. “How’s your dating life?” she asks. “Nonexistent.” “Are you on any dating apps?” I scoff. “Are you on any dating apps?” “Several,” she says, without breaking my gaze. “And I’ve got a date almost every weekend.” “That’s fine for you,” I say. “But that doesn’t sound like very much fun to me.” “I’m not talking about casual hookups,” Summer says, though I know her well enough that I don’t need the clarification. She’s a social person who loves to be around people, but she’s never been one to sleep around. “I’m talking real first dates.” “Only first dates?” I ask. “Until I find the right guy,” she says, with a confidence that says she’s positive she will. I take a gulp of wine, my skin prickling under Summer’s intense stare. Summer is my closest friend and I trust that she’ll love me no matter what, but when she puts me in the hot seat like this, it’s impossible not to squirm. “Don’t knock them if you aren’t willing to try...