“Hey. I just ordered,” he stated.
I patted him on the shoulder and then went to the counter and ordered a hot pastrami sandwich and a bowl of vegetable soup. After paying, I returned to the table and slid into the chair across from him. “Perfect timing. I just got done with practice and was about to head home for lunch.”
“Is that a ritual?”
“No.” I chuckled. “Why?”
“Because you’re on a hot streak, and I don’t want to mess with any superstitions you might have.”
I grinned, knowing he was talking about how I’d scored a goal in each of the last three games. “That’s all skill.”
We both chuckled and one of the sandwich makers dropped Hayden’s sandwich off to him. Instead of taking a bite, Hayden said, “So, I wanted to ask you something.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“I was wondering if you’d be my best man?”
A huge ass smile spread across my face. “You don’t even have to ask. I’d be honored.”
“Great.”
My lunch was set down in front of me and then I asked my friend, “Do you have a date in mind?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. With one of Tyler’s dads working as a sports analyst for the Padres, my schedule for shooting the Celtics, and yours with the Bruins, it’s going to be tough picking a day that will work for all of us.”
“Whatever day it is, I’ll make it work on my end.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that, but there is something else.”
“Okay?” I took a bite of my sandwich.
“I’m not sure it will be a good idea for you to bring Ford.”
I stopped chewing, the food still in my mouth. “Bring Ford?”
“As your date.”
I swallowed my bite. “There’s no reason for me to bring Ford.”
“Really?” He took a bite of his turkey sandwich. “You’re not back together?”
I shook my head. “No. I haven’t seen him since he was in the hospital.”
“Oh. I thought for sure you two were going to start dating again.”
I set my sandwich down and tried to keep my cool. Before, I had a lot of apprehension when it came to Ford and how he had wronged Hayden and Tyler, but that was over and done with. Hayden hadn’t been fired, Tyler had moved on, and I was certain Ford hadn’t used me to try to get Tyler back. But before I could say anything, Hayden continued.
“I know I can’t tell you who you can and can’t date. It’s just that my wedding?—”
I held up my hand. “I get it, but he and I aren’t dating again.”
We weren’t dating, but that didn’t mean I didn’t miss him, and even though I hadn’t heard from Ford in several days, I sent him a text later that night when all I was doing was thinking about him.
Hey! Just checking on you. Are you doing ok?
To my surprise, he responded:
Yeah. How are you?
