AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Would anyone understand the love we had for each other? I didn’t know. But I held on tight, choosing to believe we’d make it through the challenges ahead together.
CHAPTER23
BECKETT
When we arrived at trivia,our friends were in their usual seats, chatting over appetizers and beers. My stomach rumbled noisily.
Wes snorted. “Work up an appetite today?”
Heat rushed into my cheeks as memories assailed me of all the many, many ways we’d both worked up an appetite. We’d spent most of the night indulging in each other in a way we hadn’t been able to when Andi was nearby, then wallowed in bed most of the day as well—Wes wrapping his arms and legs around me and protesting when I so much as suggested getting up. But eventually life intruded.
We always came to trivia, and though I considered suggesting we skip it, I knew that wouldn’t really get us out of facing our friends. Bobbi had already texted a couple of times to make sure we were cool after the date fiasco.
We neared the table, and I sidestepped Wes to take the seat next to Bobbi. Over the years, we’d all kind of migrated into regular spots around the table, and Wes usually sat beside her. Wes raised an eyebrow at my move, a smirk tugging up his lips because he knew I was being a jealous brat.
Not that I didn’t trust him. I did. But I figured Bobbi and I would need to talk tonight anyway, and if it put a little more space between her and Wes, well…thankfully green had always been a good color on me.
“I’ll go order us some food,” he said. “Let you and Bobbi chat.”
What, already?I hadn’t planned to jump into it quite this soon. I needed time to warm up and maybe have a beer or two for liquid courage. But Bobbi was already leaning in eagerly, one long-nailed hand clutching my forearm.
“Beckett, are we okay?” she asked.
“Of course,” I said, meaning it even though my voice was a little too stiff. “I said we were when you texted.”
Laurie watched from across the table, but Tucker and Hunter were involved in a separate conversation. Clark and Augustus had their heads bent together, as well, meaning we didn’t have too much of an audience.
Bobbi frowned. “I know, but I’m not convinced we really are. You’re not even looking at me.”
I forced myself to turn and attempt a smile in her direction. Bobbi was a pretty woman, though about ten years older than Wes and me. I’d never once gotten the idea he was interested in her—or vice versa, really. Bobbi was playful and flirty. That was who she was. Would she sleep with Wes if he offered? Maybe she would have before she realized we were involved. But now? I didn’t think so. “I’m not mad. I promise.”
She exhaled noisily. “Oh, thank goodness. You know I only want the best for both of you. Whatever makes you happy, okay? Even if it’s—”
I stepped on her foot before she blurted it out loud enough for the whole bar to hear. She winced, but thankfully stopped babbling.
“I know. We dragged you into that date. And, really, I was more uneasy because it’s just hard to know how anyone will react to this situation.”
“Well, I’m not just anyone, you know? I’m your friend. I’ll always be on your side.”
Bobbi was right. Our friend group had always been supportive and nonjudgmental.
Augustus, Clark, and Tucker had all found love—sometimes in unexpected or unorthodox ways. No one had held it against Tucker that he had a secret husband. No one had been angry with Clark when they found out he’d started out only pretending to date Hunter.
None of them were related, though. Wes and I were pushing the envelope. But what was new? We’d always been the troublemakers in this merry little band.
“Thanks, Bobbi.”
“So, all’s forgiven?”
Clark looked up just then. “What is there to forgive?”
Hunter and Augustus looked our way too.
Bobbi fumbled for a reply. “Oh, I just, um…”
“It’s no big deal,” I said.
Wes came up behind me and set down two beers along with a plate of nachos. “What’s no big deal?”
