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“Nothing,” he quickly insists, “but I’ve been doing some thinking.”
“Okay, about what?”
“My mom. And you.”
At first, I don’t think I heard him correctly, but when he just continues to stare at me, I realize I heard him just fine. But, since this conversation could be about anything, I play it cool and ask, “What about your mom and me?”
He levels me with a look that tells me he’s serious and blows my mind when he speaks. “I think you should date my mom.”
After a few very long seconds, I open my mouth to reply, but nothing comes out. I shift in my seat, feeling the heat of his gaze as he stares back at me. Am I that transparent? I know I’ve fought this damn crush on Ellie for longer than any man should, but I thought I’d done a pretty damn good job of hiding it. Of course Logan sees it, but he’s my oldest, closest friend and knows me as well as I know myself, so the fact he’s caught on doesn’t surprise me all that much. But Brody?
Well, shit!
“Listen to me before you say anything,” Brody starts, moving on his seat so he’s closer to the edge…and closer to me. “My mom is the best. She’s smart, funny, sweet, can cook good food, which I know you like, and she likes football. She doesn’t like bugs much and can’t sing very well, but that’s not something that should make or break this deal, right? She also works really hard and puts everyone but herself first all the time, but even then, she does everything with a smile and gives it her all. She’s never once missed something I wanted her to attend and always has the good snacks in the cabinet, even though she’d rather I eat fruit or something healthy after school.”
That last one makes me smile. “Brody—” I start but am cut off.
“And she’s pretty, right? I know she’s my mom, but I’ve heard people talk about how beautiful she is.”
My throat tightens, making it hard to draw oxygen into my lungs. First off, I want to know who’s saying this so I can beat their ass for looking at her, but I know that’s not logical or sane in the least. “Yeah, Brode. Your mom is gorgeous.”
“See? I knew it. And you like hanging out with her, otherwise you wouldn’t come over so much. Plus, you’re not dating anyone, so why not her?”
My head is spinning like I’ve drank too much tequila and haven’t eaten any food. In fact, I might be a bit nauseous too. “Bud—”
“And…you said yourself you didn’t ask that girl out in high school and regret it. Well, what if you regret not asking my mom out now?”
I’m stunned. So caught off guard, I have no idea what to say.
Do I confess the truth? Tell him his mom was the girl I crushed on in high school? If I tell him that, will he realize that crush hasn’t died and is, in fact, alive and well?
With a sigh, I decide to step into this conversation delicately. “Your mom and I are good friends, Brody. I’m not sure dating is in the cards for us.”
“I think you’re wrong.” The conviction in his voice gives me pause.
“Why do you say that?” I ask curiously.
“Because I see the way she looks at you, and she’s just…I don’t know…happier when you’re around.”
The air swooshes from my lungs as his words hammer into my brain, etching themselves in place like a tattoo.
“I have been thinking about this for a while now, and I have an idea.”
The corner of my lip curls up. “Yeah? Well, lay it on me.” Curiosity has gotten the best of me.
“I think you should take her to dinner, but not at the diner. If you guys go there, she’ll end up in the kitchen, helping, and you know it. She talks about the steak house, but never goes because she doesn’t want to spend the money. If you can afford it, take her there.”
I want to smile but keep the grin off my face. “I can afford it,” I reassure him.
“Okay, cool. I know everyone says cops and teachers don’t make squat, considering all they do, so I wasn’t sure,” he adds.
“Definitely underpaid professions, but I can afford to take your mom out to a nice restaurant,” I pledge.
“Great! When do you want to do it? Maybe Saturday? I checked her schedule before we left, and she works until two. That should give her time to get home and ready for the date, right? I know girls need a lot more time than guys do.”
“They do, but—”
“And afterward, maybe you can take her to the movie in the park. I heard they’re showing The Wedding Singer. You know Adam Sandler is her favorite, right?”
