Free The Perfect Prom Date by Marysue G. Hobika Page B

next to mine, and then shook hands with my parents, “Nice to meet you both.”
          We talked with my parents, as we ate. Brennan told them all about baseball and his plans for college. My mom smiled a lot, while my dad simply nodded his head. I couldn’t be sure, but I thought my parents liked him.  
          “I know Ellie is getting ready to meet some friends. Josie, are you two still planning on staying in and renting a movie tonight?” my mom asked, finishing the last bite of her pizza.
          “Yeah,” I said, suddenly feeling tense. Was my mom actually going to suggest that Brennan and I go with Ellie to the party?
          “That’s what I thought,” she smiled. “I just wanted to let you know that you and Brennan can watch one down in the basement. Dad and I are calling dibs on the family room TV.”
          I always knew that my mom was pretty cool, but I wasn’t so sure about my dad. I thought for sure he’d object, but he didn’t. I guess Brennan had really impressed him with his plan to major in aerospace engineering.  
          “Thanks,” I said hardly believing my good fortune. I was going to be spending the evening with MY GORGEOUS GUY, hanging out watching a movie down in the basement, and my parents approved!  
          “Come on, Sean, let’s leave this two to finish their pizza.” My mom pushed back from the table and stacked my dad’s empty plate along with hers.  
          My dad took his time, but followed her back into the house.  
           “They seem cool,” Brennan said, when the door closed behind them  
          “Yeah, they’re alright,” I agreed. I was lucky to have such understanding parents.
          A few minutes later, we finished eating and were on our way to the basement. Suddenly, Ellie appeared wearing tight jeans and a skimpy top. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw us, scowling. “What’s going on, sis?” she asked, accusingly.  
          “Nothing. We’re staying in tonight.”
          “Well, that’s nothing new for you,” Ellie said snidely, “but what is Brennan doing here?” She looked him up and down, and I felt my anger rise. I wanted to slap her across the face for checking out MY GUY right in front of me. Who does she think she is?  
          “Brennan is here to see me.” My eyes flashed angrily.  
          “Oh, that’s right, you’re tutoring him in math, I forgot.” Ellie refused to believe that a hot guy like Brennan would willingly choose to hang out with me.  
          “Not tonight,” said Brennan, casually. “No books.”   He lifted up his hands to demonstrate that they were empty.
          Ellie frowned and her forehead wrinkled.  
          I smiled broadly, not hiding my happiness. “Brennan and I are going to watch a movie down in the basement.”
          “WHAT? This is wrong on so many levels,” Ellie complained.   Her voice rose with every word, “Mom and dad never let me hang out down there with a boy.”
          “I wonder why?” I rolled my eyes.  
          “What I wonder,” Ellie put her hands on her hips for emphasis, “is why Brennan is here with a loser like you?”
          “Fuck you, Ellie.” I took a step closer to her. This time I really was going to hit her.  
          “Are you going to show Brennan your temper?” she asked in a patronizing voice, watching me closely. “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” She turned to Brennan, “Redheads are known for their bad tempers. You could do so much better.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and stuck out her chest.  
          Brennan put his arm around me and pulled me to him. “I like redheads, temper and all.” He leaned closer to Ellie and whispered, “I actually think it’s kind of hot.
          Now it was Ellie’s turn to be angry. Only Ellie didn’t show her temper, she just got even. The smug look on her face made my stomach queasy. “Here’s an idea, you should ask Josie to show