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“You hate fishing.”
“Yeah, but he loves it. All for a good cause, right?”
I reach out and squeeze his hand. “You’re a good brother. I can’t remember when last he took time off to do that. So, enough about me. Tell me what’s been going on with you.”
“I want you to meet Cassie.”
“That’s the new girl you’re seeing?”
“Yeah. I’ll bring her by later. I need your stamp of approval.”
“Sounds serious.”
He’s never asked me for my input, but then again, Nathan’s never really been serious about any girl. It’s always made me hope that he might have some buried feelings for Maya. They’d be perfect together and everyone can see it, except for him.
He shrugs. “Might be. It’s about time I start thinking about settling down, you know?”
*****
An hour later, I'm ready to leave. Maya sat with me while I had dinner. I've met Cassie. She seemed friendly enough, although the moment she found out I was Nathan’s sister-in-law, she seemed a little bit too friendly, as if she was trying too hard. I hear my name being hollered. Looking over at the bar, I spot Andrew, a huge smile on his face, waving at me. I grin back because it’s impossible to not smile when Andrew unleashes the full force of his smile on you. Grabbing his beer, he strides over to me, butterflies erupting in my stomach when I see Kallan following him.
“Do you mind if we join you?” Andrew asks, eying the empty booth across from me.
“Maybe she’s waiting for someone,” Kallan grumbles, flicking the back of Andrew’s head.
Since Kallan and I had dinner, it feels as if things between us have shifted in some way, and he’s looking at me now with a million questions swimming in his eyes.
“Just me.” I smile and watch as they take their seats.
“You must have gotten here early to get a booth,” Andrew says, looking around the pub.
“My brother-in-law owns this place. He always keeps a table available for his friends.”
“That’s so cool. You married well,” he jokes, taking a sip of his beer. My smile slips a fraction, and the downturn of Kallan’s mouth doesn’t escape me. “Olivia isn’t around by any chance?”
“Olivia?”
He shrugs when he sees my raised eyebrow. “She’s cute.”
“She’s also nice,” I warn, squinting at him.
“Everything okay, Bailey?” Maya asks, glancing between Kallan, Andrew, and me, an empty tray under her arm.
I introduce them and watch as she retreats behind the bar, sharing a few words with Nathan. A few minutes later, she’s back with a tray of shots.
“It’s on the house. Welcome to the neighborhood, guys.”
*****
IT’S LATE WHENI get home. One shot turned to two, which turned to three, and I’m feeling kind of floaty and warm.
Quinn’s sprawled out in front of the TV, a beer in his hand, and he’s looking at me when I step in.
“You’re home.” I can’t remember when last he’s been home before me.
“Where were you?” he asks, his eyes following my movements as I hang up my coat and toe off my shoes.
“Does it matter?” I’m so relaxed from all the drinks I had, but I’m also tired and not in the mood to talk to him. All we do is fight, and I don’t want to spoil a good evening.
