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After laughing at the irony of the pretty boy across the table calling Colby one, I shared the thought. “It’s kind of funny you, of all people, are calling him that.”
“Ah, nice way to avoid answering the question.”
“Theoretically speaking, say Colby and I did, you know, eventually start something. How do you think Josh and Haylee would react to the news?” He was friends with the both of them, so I valued his opinion on it.
He contemplated the inquiry, answering after the food arrived. “Haylee would be thrilled because she’s always had a soft spot for Colby. Josh would be tougher given his friendship with Brian and his little brother’s, uh, previous bachelor status.”
“That’s a nice way of putting it.” I concentrated on my hash browns.
“I think the real question is would you care? In other words, if everyone disapproves, would you stop, theoretically, being in love with him?”
I shook my head. “No way, but I think their acceptance means a lot more to him. Timing is important, hypothetically speaking, as it may be better to tell them after we’d been together months plural rather than only a few weeks.”
He shrugged but acted as though he wanted to say something.
“Don’t go holding back now.”
“Okay. What you need to ask yourself is if you’re waiting because you wish to prove it to them or to yourself. It’s reasonable you might want to see if this works out before involving others, but make sure you’re both agreed on the real reason you’re not telling anyone.”
“You’re really good with advice.” It didn’t take a rocket scientist to guess Colby didn’t have a lot of confidence in being successful with a long-term relationship, but considering how hard he was trying and the fact that I was no expert, I was willing to give it more time.
“You’ll both figure it out, I have no doubt. The last piece of counsel I’ll offer is that the way they react may come down to how you tell them. What you don’t need is for them to find out and make assumptions. Better to do it on your terms, don’t you think?”
I nodded, then wanted a change of subject. “Tell me what’s new with you.”
We chatted it up through the rest of breakfast, then I dropped him off at his hotel and drove home. After a shower and climbing into bed at close to three o’clock in the morning, I sent a text to Colby, figuring it was around lunch his time.
“Miss you.”
My phone rang immediately with his number, and I answered. “Hi, you.”
“Hi. Are you only now getting in?”
“About a half hour ago. Took a shower, now I’m crashing.”
“You sound sleepy. How was the club?”
“Loud, but fun. Then Will and I hit a diner for breakfast. I dropped him off before coming home.”
“And how is pretty boy Will?”
I fell into a fit of giggles over the same terms they had for one another. “He’s good, and I happen to think you’re prettier.”
“Glad you think so. Did you talk about how smitten you are with me?”
“No, but I did ask him where I could get a dress for a movie premiere. I don’t think he appreciated that I thought he’d know.”
He chuckled. “No, I don’t suppose he would. How about I have you meet with a stylist at Barney’s this week so you can pick something out? Or, if you don’t have time, I could have them send you a few to see which one you might prefer.”
“You don’t need to pay for my dress.”
“Since I invited you, I’d like to. Which option do you prefer?”
“Option B, please. And I’ll pick one easy to get out of because that’s all I can think about.”
“You’re not the only one as I’m already counting the minutes. I’m in meetings most of the day, but I’ll call you tonight.”
“Mm, sounds good.” I was starting to fade.
“Sweet dreams, Kenz.”
“‘Night.”
