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Chet and Eva turned to look at who had spoken. A guy a few inches taller than Chet stood there, his face familiar to Chet but he couldn’t quite place it.
“Sure.” Chet scanned the groups of people talking outside, recognizing that Rachel’s tiny frame might not be so easy to find.
“I’m Tyler. Tyler Vance.”
“Nice to meet you, Tyler. I’m Chet and this is my sister, Eva.”
Tyler stuck out his hand and Chet shook it. Tyler turned to Eva as well. Chet couldn’t help but notice his sister’s wide eyes as they too shook hands, her small one completely enveloped by Tyler’s. The guy was big. A few inches taller than Chet, which meant he had to be at least six foot five and was made entirely of muscle. His size was intimidating for sure, and yet his smile and demeanor exuded kindness.
“I was hoping to find Rachel because I want to sign up for the Miles for Mental Health Run, but I’m afraid I might be too late.”
“That’s cool. I’m doing it as well.” Chet put his hands in his pockets and scanned the crowd again. People were making their way to their cars so the numbers milling about were dwindling. “And I’m sure Rachel would be happy to fit you in somehow.”
“Thanks. I moved here not too long ago but I’ve been in New York for playoffs. I just got back and found out about it. I figure it’s a great way to get to know people, and I run a lot anyway.” He shrugged. “It’s a win-win in my opinion.”
The mention of New York clued Chet in to where he’d seen Tyler before. He snapped his fingers and pointed at him. “You are Drew MacIntire’s trainer, right? I couldn’t pinpoint at first why you looked familiar, but…”
“Yeah. I work with Drew.” Tyler smiled at Chet and then at Eva who now for whatever reason had gone completely frozen and apparently mute.
“That’s great. Oh! I see Rachel. She’s just over there.” Chet pointed to where Rachel was chatting with Hannah.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Hey. I was headed to get some dinner. Do you wanna join? Burger and a beer on me?”
“That sounds great. Thanks.” Tyler turned toward Rachel then back at Chet. “Let me just talk with Rachel real quick andI’ll be back.” He looked down at Eva and smiled before he walked away.
“So, what do you say, Sis? You wanna join us for dinner?” Eva’s mouth was open as she stared unabashedly at Tyler.
He snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. She blinked as if coming out of trance.
“Are you sick?”
“What? No. What would make you think that?”
“Because you’ve gone a little pale and you acted weird when Tyler was talking to us.”
She blinked a couple times again and then smiled. A fake smile. “I did not.”
Was she blushing? Chet dug his hands into his pockets and smirked. “You were like a statue.”
They both looked at Tyler who was laughing at something Hannah said. Chet looked at his sister once again who finally tore her eyes away from Tyler and looked Chet in the eye.
“He’s intimidating. I’ll give you that.”
“I wasn’t intimidated by him, Chet.” She shook her head. “I mean, he ishugebut…”
Something about the way she said that made Chet feel weird, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.
Tyler hugged Hannah again and shook hands with Rachel before heading back toward Chet and Eva.
“And thanks for the invite to dinner, but I’m gonna have to take a rain check.” With that, Eva gave Chet a quick peck on the cheek and turned and fled.
Chet watched as she almost ran to her car, got in, and left. He shook his head. Knowing both of his sisters their entire lives still didn’t help him understand them any better. Sisters or not, they were still women and therefore a mystery.
“You were right,” Tyler said as he returned. “Rachel said it wasn’t too late. She said something about running with a buddy, too, so I signed up Drew.”
“That’s a good idea.”
