“Serious as a heart attack.” He winced, knowing that was a poor phrase to use with either of them.
“Really?Really?” She crossed her arms and glared. “What about that parade of girls you brought home?”
He stammered. “That has nothing to do with anything now!” He couldn’t very well blurt out that since Rosie wasn’t an option, he’d tried like hell to find someone else. Yet every time Rosie came for a visit, he was reminded of how the current girlfriend couldn’t compare. That always heralded the beginning of the end for his relationships. It had gotten to the point last summer he wasn’t going to bother dating, then when he had to play catch-up to switch majors his last year of school he didn’t even havetime.
“I can’t even with you right now!” Olivia threw her hands in the air and stalked back to the other side of the table where Jake stroked up and down her arms, reassuring her. Matt couldn’t tell what he was saying, but it didn’t seem to be helping much.
Matt should be furious. But he knew this was how Olivia would react. As badly as he wanted to yell back, the restaurant was already staring. He didn’t want to make an even bigger scene. That would only hurt Rosie more.
Was she coming back?
The waiter came around with their checks and awkwardly handed them out, obviously trying to work around the tension at their table. Matt stuck his card into the black folder and wiped a hand over his face as he slumped back in his chair. Mia came back to the table, sticking her card into her own folder, and taking Rosie’s card out of her wallet to pay for her check.
She slid into Rosie’s chair and spoke softly in his ear. “She’s really upset, but she’ll be okay. I told her I’d sign for her, so she doesn’t have to face Olivia.” He nodded. “It’ll be okay.”
“I fucked up,” he spoke just as softly.
“It’s not your fault Olivia didn’t know. You tried.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Rosie likes you a lot, I can tell. It’ll work out. Olivia will come around.”
“I hope so.” He chuckled. “You might not want to quit your day job, Cupid.”
“Maybe not yet.” She winked.
Olivia stormed out the minute the checks were paid, Jake hot on her heels. Caleb thanked everyone for coming. When he got to Matt, he shook his hand.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m happy for you, man.”
“Thanks. So sorry to ruin your party.” Matt grimaced.
Caleb just laughed. “Are you kidding? You salvaged it. That took all the attention off my dumb ass and that stupid burger.”
Matt found himself chuckling along. “You’re welcome?”
Rosie came out of the bathroom, her eyes red. She gathered her card and her purse, then turned to Caleb.
“Happy birthday. Sorry about the drama.” His brave angel put on a good show, but she couldn’t fool him. He was taking her home and not leaving her side until they’d talked.
“Like I was telling Matt, you did me a favor. And congratulations.”
Nadia came around Caleb and hugged Rosie tight. “Yes, congratulations, Rosie. Don’t let her get to you. You deserve to be happy, too.”
Rosie sniffed again and a tear escaped to run down her cheek. “Thanks, Nad. I’ll talk to you later.”
As she passed, Nadia patted Matt on the shoulder. “Be careful with her.” It was both a warning and a threat. He nodded in acknowledgment.
Jade offered her congratulations to Rosie and Matt as well, then they were the last two at the tale.
“I’m so, so sorry, Rosie. I tried; I swear.”
“I believe you. Mia reminded me how when Olivia gets set on something, she’s a bulldozer. Nothing stops her.”
“Let’s go home. I want to make it up to you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Please.” Matt wrapped his arms around her and spoke low in her ear. “At least let me hold you tonight.” If she didn’t want sex, that was fine and completely understandable. But he needed reassured that she wasn’t leaving him.
“I’d like that a lot.” She pressed a quick kiss to his chin. “Let’s go home.”
