The mac and cheese was starting to congeal on my plate, while Nina was still grinning at Ruby's question about us dating, her foot nudging mine under the table again like she was daring me to react.
Ruby was staring at her sandwich, probably wishing she could disappear after accidentally setting off that conversational landmine.
I cleared my throat, desperate to move past the awkwardness. Ruby's question had thrown me, but it also reminded me of Jake's hopeless crush. This was my shot to gather some intel for him—carefully, without looking like a total creep.
"So, uh, Ruby," I said, keeping my voice casual despite the nervous twitch in my fingers. "You got any big plans for the weekend? Like, hanging out with anyone special or…?" I trailed off, hoping it sounded natural and not like I was fishing.
She looked up, her ponytail bouncing slightly. Her cheeks went pink again, and she fiddled with her water bottle cap.
