“You’re being weird,” I mumbled.
“No more than usual,” Kev added, washing his big bite down with his beer.
The table talk turned to the game tonight. The guys joked around, teasing each other in their normal bromance fashion and I was grateful they gave me company. As an hour passed, my embarrassment had been forgotten as the tension eased, and we traded stories of our dumpster-fire dating-lives. I all but fell off the chair as I heard about the dates the guys had dubbed, Sleepy, Sleezy, and Pukey.
As we finished our drinks, it was easy to notice the new onslaught of young women vying for attention from the guys. Kev’s eyes had wandered to a brunette in a low-cut top and tight jeans.
“I think I’m good now. I’m going to head out,” I said, pulling my wallet out to cover my tab. I didn’t want to get in the way of their guys’ night out.
Josh swatted my hand away from my purse. “Don’t even think about it.”
I tried to protest, but my attempts were futile. They had given the server very clear instructions to add my bill to theirs. The server shrugged her shoulders, as if to say there was nothing she could do.
“Next one’s on me,” I promised.
“Deal.” Kev smiled, happy that I let it go.
“How are you getting home?” Josh asked.
“Walking. It’s a nice night. Plus, I could use the air.”
“I’ll come with you,” Josh blurted, already standing from the table.
I froze in place. Josh, come home with me? And why did that sound more tempting that an innocent walk home? His eyes were lingering on me and I felt subconscious.
“You don’t need to,” I objected, secretly relieved he offered.
“It’s no biggie, we live together anyways.”
Kev coughed on his drink.
“Not together, together,” Josh spit out, realizing what he said. “You know, in the same building.” He glared at Kev, who was a shade of deep red from inhaling his drink into his windpipe.
“Then it’s settled, you take her home.” There seemed to be an insinuation there that Josh was glaring at him for.
“How about you?” I nodded to Kev.
“Meh. I see a pretty thing to the right that might just keep me awake.”
“Ewe.” I rolled my eyes.
Kev laughed. “Have a good night. I hope I will,” he said, leaving Josh and I alone as he strolled over to the brunette making eyes at him.
The cool night air was refreshing compared to the stale bar. I clutched my bag for no other reason than I wasn’t sure what else to do with my hands while we walked in silence. Josh seemed unusually stiff, with his hands jammed into the pocket of his jeans, our elbows barely brushing.
The silence hung between us. It was odd, different from inside the restaurant when we were laughing and joking. This felt cold, awkward almost, but why was this weird? He offered to walk with me. Maybe he was annoyed that he felt obligated? Although Josh wasn’t the type to do anything he didn’t want to. Maybe I was reading too much into it. Probably because I had never spent any time with Josh outside of the team stuff, except for that one night way back when, and then we pretended it didn’t happen.
“Despite being stood up, tonight was fun.” I agreed.
Josh’s shoulders relaxed a little. “It was. You’re a good time.”
There was a swell of pride in my chest. For once, I felt like I got to be myself and enjoy my night without judgement.
“Do you want me to flag a ride?” Josh asked.
“No. I’d rather not be in a vehicle right now.” I could already feel the contents of my stomach rolling at the thought. Vodka was not a good choice for me. Damn nerves. “I can walk. It’s only a few more blocks. But you should grab a ride.”
Josh stopped, shaking his head while staring at me. “I’m not leaving you.”
