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“What?” I furrow my brows. “No! I mean, yes, Brandon’s nice. But it wasn’t like that. Nothing happened between me and Hunter, so it’s not like I chose between the two. Hunter’s the total playboy cliché—panty-melting looks, knows exactly what to say to seduce you, and flirts like you’re the only woman in the world. Trust me, he knows exactly what to do to charm the panties off any woman and get them into his bed. He’s a player, and I think my heart knew that. It also knew Brandon was the one.”
Sophie laughs. “Always the hopeless romantic.”
“So even if my ex didn’t cheat on me, I wouldn’t have wanted to date a guy like that anyway. It had nothing to do with choosing between the two because the moment Brandon and I met, I was captivated. Yes, I was attracted to Hunter, and we had chemistry, but I’ve been attracted to other guys before. You know how Mom always said to find a guy you can see a future with? How we should date with purpose? That’s what I saw in Brandon.” My thoughts are all over the place, and I blame the wine for that but continue anyway. “His ridiculous pickup line had me cracking up, and it was easy to see he was a genuine guy. It made me feel like giving him my heart was right, and that he’d take care of it and never break it, if that makes sense.” I take another drink to stop myself from rambling.
“I’m really glad it worked out,” Sophie says with a dazed look in her eyes. “He looks at you like you’re his whole world,” she adds with a goofy grin. “Which is kind of sickening for us in the single girls’ club.”
“He really does,” I agree, smiling. “Even if I’d pursued Hunter, I can guarantee you it would’ve ended in heartbreak by now, considering the way he acts. I don’t think I could’ve handled his mood swings and attitude.”
“Well, when a guy like Hunter looks like he could barge through walls and lift anyone over his head, he’s bound to catch some attention,” Sophie says with a laugh.
“Yeah, playing football all those years and going to the gym religiously helped make him so muscular, and he knows it, too. I’m actually surprised his brain hasn’t exploded from how big his ego is.”
Sophie and I both giggle, and soon, we’re laughing so hard we start crying. We continue drinking and cracking jokes, and by our fourth glass of wine, I know she’s no longer worried about Maria’s boyfriend moving in. Though she can’t do much about it now, I’m glad I could offer some comfort and distract her, even if only temporarily.
I realize it’s getting late, and I should go home since I have to work in the morning. “My first spring concert is this Friday, so I need some sleep since it’s going to be another hectic day. We’re practicing in the auditorium tomorrow, and then Thursday is the stage rehearsal. I’m super nervous.”
“I’m so proud of you, Lennon. I’m positive it’ll run perfectly!” She flashes me a sincere smile. “I wish I could come and watch it.”
“I know you do, but you’re also really busy, so don’t even sweat it.” I lean over and give her a hug. “I’m going to call an Uber since you’re a little tipsy.”
She giggles, agreeing.
“Brandon’s probably passed out already, so I don’t wanna bother him,” I explain, opening the app, knowing he doesn’t stay up super late during the week. I put on my shoes and jacket and tell Sophie goodbye. “We’ll chat again soon, okay? If it becomes unbearable, I’m sure Brandon wouldn’t mind you crashing on our couch while you look for another place.”
“Thanks, sis. I doubt it’ll resort to that, but thanks for the offer.”
Thirty minutes later, I’m back at the apartment and look for Brandon, but I see the light is off in our bedroom.
“You fall in a wine cellar? Damn.” Hunter’s loud voice makes my ears ring. I turn and see him lounging on the couch without a shirt. Ugh. Why?
“Can you keep it down? Brandon’s sleeping.” My head pounds, but I don’t admit that to him.
“He’s not home. I thought he was with you.”
Hunter’s words have me frozen in my tracks. “Are you sure? He went for a motorcycle ride like four hours ago. He dropped me off at Sophie’s before he took off.”
“I’ve been home since five,” he tells me. “Did you call him?”
“No, I figured he’d be in bed already.” I pull my phone from my pocket and call him. It rings five times, then goes to voicemail. “No answer.”
“Let me try,” he says, shifting his weight to one side and grabbing his phone.
“You really think he’s going to ignore my call, but answer yours? He’s probably still out cruising, has lost track of time, and doesn’t feel his phone vibrating,” I tell him, but I wait anyway to see if Hunter gets through.
