She nods her chin toward Carter, who breaks into a shit-eating grin and gives her thefinger.
The waiter comes and takes our orders. The conversation does not cease. It’s natural between the four of us, and I’m grateful for that. The only thing that could have made this awkward situation between Carter and me worse was if these girlfriend duties were also awkward.
His friends are great. It’s easy.
As dinner ends and I finish my third glass of wine, Penny and I are laughing so hard that the other two are barely even a thought. It’s only when I glance their way do I realize they’re both watching us, smiles on their faces. My laugh tapers off when I catch Carter’s eye.
He dips his chin, as if saying I’m doing a good job.
And that isn’t theworstfeeling.
When we get up to leave, Carter slides his hand to my lower back. He’s chatting with Penny about something, but he keeps me close with every step.
A group of kids stop us to ask for a photo, and both guys say yes without a thought. Penny steps between me and the boys, like she’s used to this, and takes the phone. She snaps a bunch of pictures for them, telling them to do stupid stuff to get a laugh, and when she hands the phone back, the kid’s eyes flicker to me.
“You the broad he knocked someone out for?”
I go stiff.
Broad?
Penny slowly turns to look at him, eyes a bit wide.
“Thatwas a mistake,” she murmurs.
Carter is back then, hand on my waist. He tugs me to his side, but gives the kid a tight smile as he does. This one is a bit more threatening than the last. The boy is a child, but he’s a child with the attitude of someone who will grow up to be a horrible, horrible man if not corrected.
“This is mygirlfriend, if that’s what you’re asking.”
The kid’s lip tugs upward. His eyes slide from my face to Carter. “Then I totally get it, dude.”
I tentatively look up at Carter. He takes a long breath through his nose, centering himself. Unlike the last guy, this kid can’t be more than sixteen years old. Carter can’t square up with him in the middle of this restaurant for giving him the weirdest, douchiest compliment I’ve ever heard.
I slide my arm behind me and take his hand, squeezing his fingers.
“Right. Thanks, kid,” is all he says.
“Brave boys.” Penny clicks her tongue, shaking her head at them. “Here’s a tip. Don’t refer to women asbroads,or you’ll never get the pleasure of being with one.”
Carter grunts in agreement.
Declan lets out a booming chuckle, hauling her to his side and smooching her head.
I give Penny a quick hug goodbye before I get into the G-Wagon. I’m so full, and my head is a little fuzzy from the wine, but I had a good time. That’s rare. I don’t really have fun unless Whitney and Autumn are involved.
On the drive back, Carter glances at me. “Wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“It was a free dinner. I can’t complain.”
He nods, shooting me a look. “Hm. Thought you hated dinner.”
I stifle a laugh, shoving his arm gently. Jerk.
When he drops me off, he walks me to the door. Doesn’t try anything funny, just reaches up, puts his hand on my shoulder, and gives me a little squeeze. He thanks me, which I find silly since he paid for dinner, and he only pulls away from the curb once I’m locked inside my apartment.
Like I promised my friends, I text them immediately.
The only issue is, they think this is a real date. I hadn’tknown that Carter told Declan and Penny the truth, but it feels safer keeping our situation quiet, even if they’re my best friends. I don’t want to have to explain. I’d rather nobody know about the handouts he is offering me.
