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Her name was Evie, and she was Seth’s cousin and the daughter of his aunt Debbie.
I nodded at Evie. “Just one more, please.”
Seth held up a hand. “I’d like another one, too.”
Evie walked by him and slapped his head playfully in passing. “Coming right up.”
Trisha shook her head and laughed. “I think she missed you.”
Every Tuesday, if we weren’t at sea, we’d eat at The Beachcomber; it was tradition. Everleigh used to join us when we were younger, and a part of me hoped she’d rejoin the tradition today, but she’d been ignoring my calls and texts for the past two days. I kept waiting for her to walk through the door, but the night was almost over.
Trisha clasped her hands underneath her chin and smiled at me. “If annoying Everleigh into submission isn’t working, what’s your next game plan?”
Seth chuckled and tossed a french fry into his mouth. “I’m going to call her ass up and tell her how disappointed I am in her. She might not want to be around you,” he said, pointing at me, “but I was her friend, too. I didn’t do anything to her.”
Trisha agreed with a nod. “That’s true, but she did just lose her grandmother on top of everything going on with Jensen. There has to be a lot going on in her mind.” She rubbed a hand down his back. “Maybe we should stop by her house and see her. I’d love to meet her.”
Evie came over with our beers, and Seth smirked at me over the rim of his glass. “We might just do that.” He winked at me. “How pissed are you going to be if she sees me and not you?”
I waved him off. “I have no doubt she’ll be happy to see you. All I know is I’m not giving up.”
The door to the restaurant opened and Seth’s eyes widened. “Well, well, look who just walked in.”
My pulse skyrocketed and I jerked my head around, thinking it would be Everleigh, but it wasn’t her; it was Michelle and her husband, Grady. Even though Michelle and I didn’t work out, I was happy we were able to stay friends. Her husband was a good guy. They spent many Tuesday nights with us here at The Beachcomber, but I didn’t think they were going to show up tonight.
Michelle waved and grabbed Grady’s arm as they walked over. Seth and I stood and shook Grady’s hand when they reached the table.
“Good evening, fellas,” Grady said. “Sorry, we’re late.”
Seth slapped a hand on his shoulder. “No worries, man. We were just talking about Jensen’s failed love life.”
“Thanks,” I grumbled, gulping down my beer. “You don’t have to remind me that I’m the fifth wheel here.”
Michelle sat down beside me and frowned. “What’s going on? Did you play along with the ruse?”
Seth burst out laughing. “He did and it backfired in his face.”
Michelle slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, Jensen, I’m so sorry. Did you get what you wanted, though? Do you think she still has feelings for you?”
I nodded. “She does, but she’s still keeping her distance. I’ve been trying to get close to her.”
Michelle’s smile widened. “How? By being annoying?”
Trisha snickered across the table. “That’s what I’m saying. You’re not going to get the girl like that.”
“Then what do you suggest?” I asked.
Trisha leaned closer, her gaze lit with mischief. “Show her what she’s missing.” She glanced down at my arms and smiled. “I mean, come on, Jensen, I’ve seen how women look at you.”
Seth jerked his head toward her. “What are you saying, love? Do you think my best friend is sexy?”
Trisha laughed and kissed his cheek. “I’m just trying to tell Jensen that he needs to use what God gave him. He has a smokin’ body and women love that. If Everleigh has been single for as long as I’ve heard she has, then she won’t be able to resist.”
Michelle nudged me with her elbow, and I looked over at her. “Trisha’s right,” she agreed. “But don’t make it obvious that you’re trying to get under her skin.” She set her hand on my wrist. “Everleigh will come around. Just be patient.”
Sighing, I finished off my beer. Patience was something I didn’t have. I knew there was a time limit on Everleigh being here which meant I had to move quickly if I wanted to make her realize we were meant to be together. I didn’t have much time.
15
