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“Thank you,” Blaine said. “I tried telling Tam, but she just re-explained it all to me as ifI’mthe one who doesn’t get it.”
The stew wasn’t anywhere near hot enough, and Blaine nearly threw it back in the microwave. “We need a new microwave.”
“Then get one,” Trey said.
Blaine picked up his phone and started tapping to do just that. As he did, Trey added, “Men and women are so different. I don’t know how anyone makes a relationship work.”
“You and me both, brother,” Blaine said without looking up.
Trey cleared his throat. “You and Tam…aren’t getting along?”
Blaine glanced up then. “No, we get along as well as we ever have.”
“Which means she argues with you about everything.” Trey smiled, but he wasn’t making fun of Blaine. “You used to get so mad at her in high school.”
“I’ve grown to appreciate that quirk of hers,” Blaine said. “Sometimes she makes me think about something in a new way.”
Trey looked thoughtful, and Blaine wondered what was running through his mind. He finished ordering a new microwave, put his phone down, and said, “That should be here in three days.”
He turned back to the stew and opened the door to stir it again. “So, have you asked out who you were thinking of?”
“No,” Trey said. “I don’t know. She’s…” He let the sentence hang there.
The stew was warm enough to eat, so he slammed the microwave and went to sit beside his brother. “She’s what?” he asked, deciding to push Trey a little.
“I don’t know if she’d say yes. I don’t think she’s looking to date anyone right now.”
“You’ll only ask if you’re sure she’ll say yes?”
“Wouldn’t you?” Trey looked at Blaine, clearly wanting to know.
He had a point. “I don’t know,” Blaine said. “You didn’t seem to ever—I don’t know. I know you retreated from the dating scene when you broke up with Lindsey. You’ve been out since, though. You seem to be willing to ask.”
“I ask when I know they’ll say yes,” Trey said. “I can’t get a read on this woman.”
“Who is it?” Blaine asked, his curiosity driving toward the roof. “I promise I won’t make fun of you or tell any of the brothers.”
Trey put a spoonful of stew in his mouth, and before he could chew and swallow, Spur came in the door down the hall, talking loudly with someone on his phone. “…check with him, Rudy, because that’s not what I have in my book.”
“That doesn’t sound good,” Blaine said. “I think that’s my cue to leave.”
“No,” Trey said, tossing his spoon toward the sink. “I was just headed out.” His spoon clanged against the sink and bounced out. Their eyes met, and Blaine burst out laughing. Trey joined in, and when Spur entered the kitchen, the storm on his face blew out a little bit.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing,” Trey said, getting up. He retrieved his spoon and faced their oldest brother. “Who was on the phone?”
“Rudy Costas,” Spur said, frowning. “Can I have some of that?”
“Sure,” Blaine said. “It’s not all the way hot or anything.”
“I don’t care.” Spur got out a spoon and leaned over the counter to scoop up some beef and potatoes. “He says the stud fee for Goin’ Back Home is sixty, not forty.”
“Better get Duke in here,” Trey said. “That’s a third more.”
“It’s half more,” Spur said. “Half of forty is twenty. He wants fifty percent more.” He pointed the spoon at Trey and then Blaine. “Goin’ Back Home is barely worth forty.” He shook his head. “It’s fine. I’m going to talk to Duke and find out what’s going on.”
“Sounds good,” Blaine said, taking his last bite of stew. His stomach had settled somewhat, and he stood up. “I’m off to get my date.”
