Another sister.
There it was.
I forced a small smile, nodding politely at Hunter.
Hunter, blissfully unaware of the chaos rolling through my head, laughed. “Well, whatever it is, good for you, man. I’m just glad to see you out in the world again.”
I wasn’t sure what that meant. And I didn’t ask.
Because all I could hear, echoing louder than the game coming back on the TVs overhead, was that word again.
Sister.
Maybe this whole fake-date thing wasn’t such a good idea after all. I suddenly was having a whole new irritating wave toward Gina again.
Josh waved between himself and Hunter. “We used to work together.”
“I figured.” I cleared my throat and almost extended my hand before remembering the wings. “Sorry. Nice to meet you. Yeah, I definitely annoyed this guy enough, growing up.”
“That’s fun. You guys are just out enjoying the game then at least? Your team is getting cooked.”
“My sister bailed on her.”
“What a great guy,” his friend said, pulling him into what looked like a headlock. “You know what a good guy my friend is?”
I nodded, glancing toward Josh again, who was staring at me. It looked like he hadn’t stopped looking at me with that soft, understanding smile on his face that might’ve been pity after our conversation. Again. Wow.
“Oh,” I said, “I know.”
six
“Thank you,”I said. “For hanging out or whatever.”
Josh offered a swift nod of his head as we came upon my apartment door. Our apartment. “Hey, I take great honor in being your first date, Brielle.”
I paused. “Practice date.”
“Basically the most important.”
“Sure,” I offered a laugh and a shrug. “Sorry it took up your whole evening.”
“I had a great time. What are you talking about?”
Right, I was sure he had.
“I mean, I’m glad I could help.” Josh let out a low whistle. “Gina’s trying to get you cuffed before Christmas. Ruthless.”
“When you put it that way …”
“It was also good to talk with you again, Brielle.”
I opened my mouth and paused. Tried again.
“Well, I guess I’ll”—I pointed toward my room—“get out of your room now.”
He shrugged, leaning back on the couch. “You could watch TV if you want. I feel bad that I pushed you guys out of your new space. I’ve been meaning to tell you that this space is as muchyours as it is mine, but with you avoiding me and all, I kind of left it up to you.”
Again, I didn’t correct him that I hadn’t been. But now, as I stood there, looking at him?—
