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“I’m starving,” I reply.
“Should we get pizza?” he asks.
“Honestly, I ate so much junk while I was away. I’ve decided to go healthy for the next little bit.”
“With preseason starting, I should too. What are you up for then? There’s a great eclectic place I order from. They do a great salmon or chicken breast,” he offers.
“That sounds perfect. Surprise me,” I say to him. Truth is, Evan has been surprising me at every turn. Most of the players Dad has brought home for meals over the years are jocks who basically use their fame to sleep around. Evan is so much more. He’s insightful, caring. He’s dedicated to this friendship and he’s easy on the eyes. Sometimes I feel this overwhelming spark when I’m near him, but I tell myself it’s because we are two unattached people who have a lot in common.
Evan scrolls through his phone and calls the restaurant. They put him on hold. “This place has their own delivery drivers. They like to make sure everything is fresh and warm with delivery.”
I nod. “That sounds amazing.”
My stomach grumbles as Evan places the order of chicken and salmon. He orders some appetizers and dessert.
I cock my right brow when I hear him order two desserts. Then he gets off the phone.
“Trust me, you’re going to enjoy this meal,” he assures.
“Oh, I believe you, I’ve been enjoying my meals these last few months a little too much.” I pat my belly.
“You’re gorgeous, Patty. Nothing to worry about there,” he says with ease. His tone doesn’t hold any flirtation and his grin is laid-back like he’s talking to a friend, which he obviously is.
“I don’t know about that.”
“You’re adorable.” He bops me on the nose. Yup, definite friendship move there. “Come, let’s chill until the food gets here.”
He walks over to his couch. It’s a large cream sectional, but it’s really comfortable with cool throw pillows on it.
I take the seat beside him.
“You know, Liam hired a real estate agent to find him and Skylar a place,” he mentions.
“I know. Skylar told me. I’m so happy for them.”
“That means the apartment across the hall will be available soon. When Liam wants something, he doesn’t waste time, and he really wants a place that will have a yard for Crew,” Evan declares.
“That makes me happy to hear. Skylar deserves every ounce of happiness. I hope they find something soon,” I say.
“They will, and when they do you can move in next door,” Evan winks.
“I feel like you’re getting ahead of yourself there,” I counter. “I’ve spoken to Liam and Skylar about moving into his place. But I don’t see that happening so quickly. Even though it would be convenient with work.”
“It’s super convenient,” Evan says. “Plus, we could hang out all the time. Kaleb lives upstairs, but he likes to keep to himself. Brett is always entertaining the ladies. Aaron and Brad are a couple floors up. We hang sometimes too. They’re cool guys. Everyone else is married so they’re busy with their families,” Evan explains and then he becomes pensive.
I knock him in the shoulder. “What happened? You look pretty damn serious,” I note.
“It’s nothing.” He waves me off.
“Doesn’t seem like nothing. Talk, Hayworth,” I urge.
“It’s no big deal. I just went out to Philly to spend some time with my friends from college. We had a bit of a reunion. Wolfe was there with his family too. Everyone basically has a significant other and most of them have kids. I just felt like the odd one out.”
“Your time will come too,” I assure him.
“Not with my bad judgment in women. I’m beginning to think it’s a special gift I acquired. I don’t have a relationship with my father. Maybe the lack of a male role model in my life did something to me,” he confesses.
“That is just crazy talk. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re a stand-up guy and a good friend. By the sounds of it, Evie was beautiful and smart,” I say, not liking how those words feel on my tongue. “You couldn’t have known she was going to screw you over.”
