They were still talking about random things when Nick's phone beeped and he glanced down at the screen, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly.
"What's wrong?" Viola asked, catching the change immediately.
He flashed her a quick smile. "Nothing. My mother wants me to come over for dinner." He got up from the couch. "I guess I won't be having dinner with you two like we planned. By the way, about what you asked of me the other day, our journey to Nightshade. Is it still on?"
Viola nodded. "It is. I will be going next week Thursday. Will you be free then?"
"More than free." He leaned down and before she could say anything, pressed his lips briefly to her cheek, then straightened up and crossed over to the kitchen to do the same to Zoe, who was unpacking their meals on the counter.
"Good night, girls. Don't have too much fun without me."
---
