Truth or Date by Susan Hatler Page A

What’s it going to be?”
    Tension tightened in my shoulders and I forced my hand to stay still as the manicurist clipped away at hangnail after hangnail. My poor nails had been neglected way too long. “Why is everyone pressuring me about my progress with Ethan?”
    “Because you’re our friend and we’re interested in your life?” Ellen’s tone made it sound like a no-brainer.
    The big bar in the massage chair rolled up my back, pressing into some knots that I swear had come back since the other day. “Uh-huh.”
    “Oh, fine.” Ellen sounded as if she’d been caught. “You know how expensive it is per head and if he’s not coming, I need to know. George’s grandparents keep inviting people even though I’ve turned in the numbers already. They’re driving me insane.”
    “Isn’t that what in-laws are for?” I joked.
    Rach tilted her head in Ellen’s direction as her manicurist lathered cream on her hands. “In his grandparents’ defense, you did kind of spring this wedding on all of us. I’m surprised they didn’t think you were preggers.”
    Ellen’s mouth fell open. “If they did, they didn’t ask. Unlike some people.”
    A burst of laughter escaped my mouth. “You didn’t, Rach!”
    She shrugged. “Like you didn’t wonder the same thing before I told you she wasn’t.”
    Ellen opened her eyes long enough to roll them. “My mom inquired as well, but I’m not going to wait to marry the love of my life just to avoid silly rumors.”
    My brows wiggled up and down. “No kids in the near future?”
    “It’s stressful enough planning this wedding. I can’t even think that far ahead.” Finally, her lids opened and she turned my way. “So, what’s the verdict on Ethan?”
    The pressure in my back mounted. “Like I told Kristen, we’re going to dinner tonight and I’ll ask him then. Don’t give away my date’s seat.”
    “Speaking of Kristen, how’s the living sitch?” Rachel’s tone held humor in it. “I figured you would’ve pulled each other’s hair out by now.”
    “Not yet.” I grunted as the roller found a painfully tight spot in my upper back, then I adjusted the remote control to concentrate on that area only. “I’m afraid I may have created a monster. You know how anal Kristen is about healthy food, mostly protein shakes? Well, last night I dared her to eat a carton of ice cream.”
    “You guys still playing Truth or Dare?” Rach eyed her now French-manicured fingernails and thanked the lady who nodded back to her.
    “It’s fun.” Especially playing with Chris, but I shook my head to clear that thought away. “Except I noticed two of my donuts missing this morning. And Kristen always eats oatmeal for breakfast.”
    “Sounds like you’re a delectable influence.” Rach’s eyes went wide. “Uh-oh. We might need your size six dress, after all, Gina.”
    “Don’t even joke,” Ellen snapped back making us both chuckle. “Speaking of the bridesmaid dress, Kathia finished the adjustments so she wants you to try it on again tonight just to be sure.”
    When had my life turned go-go-go? “Okay, I’ll stop by after work. I hope it won’t take long. I’m meeting Ethan for dinner in Old Sac at six.”
    Ellen examined her gorgeous mani. “I’m not going to say it . . .”
    “Good.” I threw her a grateful look. If only I’d asked Ethan yesterday at lunch, everyone would calm down. Including me.
    As we were wrapping things up at the nail salon, I had the urge to tell the girls about the game Chris and I’d started last night, but decided against it. What would be the point? I’d done Chris a favor last night and would do him another tonight. No big deal. It’s not like any of it was real. No matter how much fun we were having.
    ****
    I strode into The Boat House stressed out to maximum capacity. After work, I’d hurried to Blissfully Bridal as directed, tried on the strapless red bridesmaid dress, and held my breath as Kathia zipped it up. I let out a