“The guys too,” Claire adds. “Riot said all of them would have no problem kicking Braden’s ass on your behalf.”
Hannah laughs. “Yeah, Logan told me Dillon said he wants the first shot.”
“Maybe I want the first shot.” Chuckling, I shake my head.
“I wasn’t sure if I should say anything because it’s just gossip, but I heard at the rec centre that Braden is seeing someone from Bracken Creek,” Claire shares.
“If he’s got a new girlfriend, why does he want Beck back so badly?” Meg throws her hands in the air in exasperation.
“He doesn’t, really. He likes the control he has over her,” Claire says, resting her head on the back of the couch.
“If the relationship is over, he wants it on his terms. Classic narcissist behaviour, if you ask me.” Hannah rolls her bottom lip over her teeth and sighs. “I’m so sorry this is happening, Beck.”
“No need.” Turning to Claire, I ask, “Did you hear who the woman is? If he has been seeing someone and still taking my money, I may actually lose my shit.”
“No. I caught bits and pieces of a conversation between a couple of his friends in the weight room. I didn’t want to make it obvious that I was trying to listen.”
“That’s too bad. How can we find out for sure?” Meg asks.
Before anyone can answer, Ben comes into the living room, dragging the backpack behind him. “Mommy? My movie is over. Is it time for book club yet? I want to show everyone my new library book.”
Claire smiles widely at her son. “Of course. Come sit on my lap and show us what you brought.”
Twenty-Nine
I’ve been to Bob’s dozens of times, but walking across the parking lot with Ryan by my side feels different. Not in a bad way, just that we have history here. In the past, I enjoyed finding new ways to irritate him and he took the bait every single time. I probably won’t be able to resist teasing him a little, but tonight, we’re here on an actual date. We’ve only been a couple for a short time, but part of me is feeling stupidly confident that what we have is real. The other part is freaking out.
“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” I say, tilting my head up as we get closer to the entrance. “I was the one who wanted to come here.”
Every month, Bob’s hosts a variety of theme nights. Karaoke, line dancing, whatever the staff is in the mood for. Ryan has never gone out of his way to attend any of them, but that doesn’t mean Carson hasn’t dragged him along occasionally. Tonight is trivia night, and it’s one of my favourites.
“Maybe you’re worried that you’ll get all the answers wrong,” he says with a wink. “That would be embarrassing,”
“Nah.” I snicker and shake my head. “The girls always kick the boys’ asses. That won’t change tonight.”
“I like your confidence, but your winning streak may be coming to an end.” He smirks and nudges me.
We walk only a few more feet when he stops in the middle of the sidewalk. Facing me, he loops his arms around my waist. “So, what’s bothering you then?” he asks more seriously.
Resting my palms on his muscular biceps, I meet his blue-grey eyes. “This is the first time we have seen our friends together since we started doing this thing.”
“You mean dating?” He raises an eyebrow and pulls me tighter.
“Yes, that.” I smile softly when he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
“They all know, and they support us, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Probably some good-natured ribbing,” he reassures me. “Is there anything else bothering you?”
So many things, but I’m going to try not to think about them tonight. I want to have fun with Ryan and our friends, so I shake my head no.
“Are you ready to go in?”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Releasing him, I turn and walk backwards towards the door. “Get prepared to lose.”
The place is already busier than usual for a Thursday night. A few people near the door look when we enter, then go right back to planning their strategy. Some regulars take Trivia Night super seriously.
The tables have been arranged around the room to accommodate all the teams. Blank paper and a few pens are in the centre of each. The TV above the bar is playing the hockey game, but the sound has been muted. By the time we begin, nobody will hear it anyway. Two bartenders are moving quickly, filling orders before the first round begins.
“Dillon’s here.” I point towards where he’s sitting on a stool, leaning his forearms on the bar, with a beer in front of him. “He never comes out with us.”
