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He gave me a skeptical look. “If the hockey guy upset you, I’ll be more than happy to kick him out on his ass.”
A nervous laugh bubbled up inside me. “No, no, you don’t need to do that. He just hit a nerve. I’m fine, I promise.”
“You know, a problem shared is a problem halved.”
“If I open that can of worms tonight, I might never be able to put the lid on. But thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Anytime. You ready to go back in there?”
“Yeah.” I smoothed the hair out of my face and took another deep, calming breath.
“Your friend, the cute one obsessed with literary quote hoodies, seemed worried. Wanted to come back here and check on you herself.”
“Rory is good people.”
“She can’t be that good if she’s shacked up with a Laker.” His eyes twinkled.
“They’re not all the shallow misogynistic players you make them out to be, you know,” I said as we went back inside.
“Don’t tell me you were actually falling for Ward Cutler’s charm.”
“How the hell do you know his name?”
“Looked him up, didn’t I?” He grinned. “I need to know who’s sniffing around my girl.”
There was nothing suggestive in his tone, only brotherly affection and protectiveness.
“Thanks, Kal, you’re a good guy.”
“Tell that to Janelle.”
“No luck there yet?”
“I did a bit of groundwork, but she’s too hung up on her mystery FB.”
“FB, huh?” I chuckled.
“Thing is, I don’t want to be her FB. I want to be her BAE.” His brows waggled with insinuation.
I shoved him gently, still laughing. But the second we stepped back into the bar, Rory rushed over to me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Sorry about that.” I glanced over her shoulder, looking for Ward. “Where is everyone?”
“The guys are heading to Lakers House for pizza and video games. I wanted to stay and make sure you were okay.”
“You didn’t need to do that,” I said.
“Yeah, I kinda did. Do you think you can take a break for a little while?”
“I can’t, it’s not—”
“Go,” Kal said. “It’s quiet now that your buddies left. I can handle the bar, and Kaylee can manage a few tables.”
“Are you sure? Chad—”
“Isn’t here tonight. So go hang out with your friend.”
“Thanks.”
