The bar was more crowded than usual. The late spring and early summer were always busier since all the students were back from college. As the night went on, it would only get worse.
Gabe and Ed were the first ones there and were lucky enough to snag a free pool table. They managed to get in a full round before Nick showed up.
Having been close friends since elementary school, Gabe often saw Nick, and more so now that Nick was dating his sister. Generally, he crossed paths with Ed at the gym, but Gabe really only saw Kevin at these pre-arranged events. Gabe enjoyed getting together with the guys to have a beer at the bar or to play poker at Ed’s place.
Gabe had met Kevin in grade nine when they’d both tried out for the football team. Kevin had been a big gamer in high school, although that hadn’t changed much in the ten years since. If Gabe felt the electronic itch, he’d often spend a few afternoons with Kevin, playing first-person shooter games or the newest version of NHL on PlayStation.
When Nick tried out for the basketball team in grade eleven, he’d met Ed, and after introducing him to their group of friends, Ed had started joining them in the cafeteria for lunch. Ed and his siblings had made up a good chunk of the African-American students at their school. In addition to the basketball team, Ed also volunteered as a student mentor and participated in a few clubs. In their final year of high school, he’d been voted in as class president by the student body. One of the most popular kids in school, he’d won by a landslide.
“We’re just about finished,” Gabe told Nick as Ed sank his last ball, leaving only the eight ball along with Gabe’s two remaining solids.
“I’ll grab us a table and order a pitcher then.” Nick headed out of the billiards room toward the main bar area.
Not long after, Ed sank the eight ball. A group in their early twenties claimed the table next. With a lingering interest, Gabe observed one of the single women in the group: young, brunette, busty—his type. When she caught him staring, she gave him a timid smile. Definitely his type. He’d have to keep an eye on that throughout the night.
Gabe and Ed filtered into the U-shaped booth that Nick had claimed and began pouring out the beer.
“I’ve ordered a plate of nachos to get the night started. They should be here soon,” Nick said before taking a sip from his glass.
Initially, they’d decided to meet up later in the evening for a few post-dinner beers. The plans had been set early in the week, but Nick had rearranged his schedule to correspond with Gabe’s sister, Amelia’s. She was getting off work late, and Nick had arranged a nine-thirty dinner reservation. Meeting up a little earlier had worked out well for Gabe—now he wouldn’t feel guilty bowing out a little early himself since he’d made other arrangements.
A giant grin broke out across Nick’s face. “Hey, Kevin’s here.”
Gabe glanced toward the door. “Oh, fuck off. I can’t believe this.”
Sure enough, Kevin stood by the door, Brooke plastered to his side. Nick waved them down. “Don’t worry, Gabe. It should be fine. You talked to her this week, right?”
Gabe just looked at him.
Kevin started a friendly greeting, but Brooke interrupted him, her voice sweet as honey. “I hope you’re feeling better, Gabe. Was it the stomach flu?”
Nick turned on him. “You didn’t see her?”
Gabe winced, but Brooke wasn’t done with him yet. “Personally,” gone was the docile tone, “I’m hoping you were shitting yourself all week.”
Frowning, Kevin watched the exchange. Gabe almost felt bad for the guy. Brooke had used him to get what she wanted from Gabe, and it wasn’t the first time. Kevin didn’t remove his hand from her waist, but he eased away from her. “Exactly how long have you been in town for?”
It was Brooke’s turn to wince. “About a week.”
Kevin leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Brooke replied with a groan. “It’s not like that.” Anger held her small frame still. “Why won’t anyone believe me?”
Kevin just shook his head, slid into the booth, and poured himself a drink. There had been a time in high school when Kevin had convinced himself that one day he’d marry Brooke. He’d been devastated when she moved away and broke things off. Gabe wondered if Kevin agreed to their casual hookups because he was still holding onto some vague hope that she’d wear that white dress and he’d get to play the groom. But why would it work now if it didn’t work out back then? Yet another example of why Gabe avoided the whole relationship trap.
Nick made himself comfortable in the booth. “I believe you, hun.” He winked at Brooke. “Trust me, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time with Gabe. Why anyone would be hung up on him is beyond me.”
Gabe glared at his best friend.
Brooke took out her phone. “Thanks, Nick. Here.” After locating something on her phone, she passed it to Kevin. “See? It’s a business thing. That’s all. My boss is forcing the issue. Not me.”
Looking over the phone, Kevin shrugged. He poured another glass for Brooke. “Have a seat.”
Kevin slid the phone across the table to Gabe. As Brooke sat next to Kevin, Gabe read through a part of the conversation.
Has he signed it yet?
No.
Have you even talked to him?
I’m working on it, Phil.
Make it a priority and get it done.
Either give me more time or send someone else.
Gabe flicked his gaze back up to Brooke, but she wasn’t looking at him. She’d started talking with Nick and Ed. He was sure she could feel him staring, but she gave no indication that she noticed, or hell, even cared. Maybe she didn’t care about him anymore. For some inane reason, that thought kind of hurt.
Now, who was the crazy one?
He handed her phone back, but when she didn’t take it or even glance over, he realized she was ignoring him. To get her attention, he said, “Your boss sort of seems like an ass.”
Apparently not wanting him to get the wrong impression, she finally responded. “Not normally. He’s actually pretty great. He didn’t quail over me leaving for a bit and working reduced hours from home. He’s been very flexible. It’s just that Corporate is breathing down his neck on this one.”
“What do you do again?”
“You know the athletic company Upside? I run their websites. I do all the design work, ensure the email is always working, and operate all their social media sites. They own a charity for underprivileged kids, and Phil is the head of the charity. Phil discovered me, so to speak. I worked for the charity during my internship, and I guess the owners of Miles liked my work. They hired me to run both the company website and the charity one. Phil’s the guy that asked me to find you.”
Great, so now he’d snubbed a charity.
“I wear their stuff at the gym sometimes. It’s good quality,” Nick said.
Brooke nodded.
From the back of the booth, Ed spoke up. “That sounds like a lot of work. Not only is it tech stuff, but it sounds like you do a lot of their marketing.”
Brooke nodded again. “I work really closely with their marketing team.”
Gabe decided to give in. “So what’s the contract for?”
“Fuck you.”
Gabe jerked back. “What?”
“I’ve been to your office twice this week after you personally told me you’d meet with me. You avoided me both times. And this comes after you had your secretary blow me off. I told you it was business. Keep our appointment on Monday, and you can look over the contract then.”
The guys all laughed at his expense, making him question his behavior. Never before had he wondered about his actions where Brooke was concerned. Was he really acting that childish? How had Brooke suddenly gained the upper hand over him?
Through gritted teeth, Gabe muttered, “Fine. Monday, then.”
Brooke traced a line of condensation on her glass. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Gabe elbowed Nick when he chuckled again.
Putting it all aside, Brooke tucked a foot beneath her and rubbed her hands together. “It’s been months since I saw you guys. What’s new with everyone?”
“Ed’s got a new squeeze.” Nick tossed his buddy under the bus.
Ed’s brown eyes narrowed at Nick. “We’ve been out a few times. Nothing special. The big news is still that Nick’s shacking up with Amelia.”
Brooke’s gaze switched to Gabe. “Seriously? And you let that happen?”
It was common knowledge Gabe was a little protective of his younger sister. Well, maybe a little was an understatement.
“There’s no let to it,” Ed continued. “They’re at it like bunnies.”
Gabe nearly growled. Nick treated his sister like a princess, but that didn’t mean he wanted to hear the details of their sex life.
“Thanks for that,” Nick mumbled, avoiding Gabe’s gaze.
“People in glass houses…” Smirking, Ed casually raised his glass to his lips.
Playfully, Brooke smacked Kevin in the arm. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me that!”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t under the impression that we were telling each other everything.”
Brooke narrowed her eyes at Kevin’s snarky remark but let it go. “How long’s that been going on?”
Nick thought it over. “We got together two Christmases ago, moved in together the spring afterward.”
“Wow. You’ve been living together for almost a year?”
“Yep.” Nick swiftly switched the subject, asking Ed about the latest house he was working on.
Ed worked for Gabe’s father in the construction business. A few times, his dad had feared that Ed would branch out, creating his own company. He was certainly skilled enough, having learned everything from framing and roofing to plumbing, painting, and drywall. Now, he was working under their electrician. Gabe thought his dad had little to worry about. Ed had no interest in the business side. He preferred working with his hands.
As the conversations circled around work, relationships, and the most recent movies to hit the theaters, an idea took root in Gabe’s brain, and he decided to test out a theory.
A few beers in, Kevin started bitching about his job. He loved to ramble about the customers who came into the electronics department where he worked. He often had humorous stories mixed in with his complaints. Brooke stroked over his forearm as if to soothe him.
Beneath the table, Gabe stretched his long legs out and purposely bumped her foot. If he hadn’t been watching her face, he would have missed the slight crease of her forehead. She didn’t look at him but just shifted her foot away.
A few minutes later, still studying her face, he tried again, this time trapping her foot between his. She glanced over, her expression questioning. As though nothing had happened, he brought his feet back to his side of the table and jumped back into the conversation. The next time the waitress came by, Brooke ordered water, and another pitcher was ordered for the table. Not long after that, he ran the edge of his shoe up the side of her bare leg.
She turned toward him, and he wondered if she would say anything. Did she like his attention? Did she want his attention? He couldn’t be sure yet.
He tested the waters again, this time rubbing up and down her calf in long, slow strokes. Her eyes narrowed. For a long time, she didn’t move; she just stared at him, no doubt trying to figure him out.
Finally, she removed herself completely from the situation by crawling into Kevin’s lap. Kevin didn’t seem too bothered by her new position despite his earlier frustrations with her.
Huh. Gabe wondered if maybe she really was over him.
Soon after, Brooke talked Kevin into joining her on the dance floor. Gabe watched them disappear into the crush of patrons. The rest of them spread out a bit more in the booth.
Making a b-line for the washrooms, the brunette from the poolroom walked by with her girlfriends. If he had a chance to talk to her alone, he’d approach. He needed privacy for the things he was going to say to her, the things he was going to ask her to participate in.
“So, are you actually going to meet with her on Monday?” Nick wondered.
“Brooke? Yeah, yeah, I am.”
“Seriously, this time?”
Gabe scowled. “Yes. I think she’s over me.”
Nick and Ed laughed. “We’ve been telling you that for years.”
Gabe waved them away and reached for one of the remaining nacho chips. A couple of songs later, Kevin and Brooke rejoined them. They were nearing the end of another pitcher, but both Gabe and Nick had slowed down. They both had plans afterward that included driving, so they’d already started to limit their intake. But Ed lived within walking distance of the bar, and no doubt, Brooke was Kevin’s acting designated driver. As it neared eight o’clock, everyone but Nick ordered dinner.
The food helped to slow the effects of the alcohol. Nick and Gabe both switched to water. The slight buzz Gabe had developed before the meal faded. When Brooke had finished her burger and half her fries, she slid the plate over so that Kevin could eat the remainder.
A slight buzzing of his phone notified him of a text message. He replied yes to the simple We still on tonight? question.
Brooke left to use the ladies’ room, and at about the same time, the brunette emerged with some friends and hit the dancefloor.
“Want a wingman?” Ed offered.
“What?” He took his gaze off the woman.
“The brunette you’ve been checking out all night.” Ed motioned with his glass. “Want a wingman?”
“Nah, I’m good.” Gabe turned back and rested his elbows on the table. “Unless you were looking to hook up tonight since these two are already locked in.”
Nick couldn’t contain his grin. Gabe shoved him.
“I thought you were taking off early tonight?” Kevin asked Gabe.
“Yeah.”
“Well then, if Ed needs a wingman, I can help him out.”
All three of them glanced toward the bathroom, but Brooke hadn’t gone in yet. Standing by the door, she was talking on her phone.
“What about Brooke?” Nick questioned.
“Might be time for a change.” Kevin shrugged, then muttered under his breath, “Would be nice if she actually wanted me.”
Kevin wasn’t as quiet as he’d intended—cringing when Gabe and the rest of the guys stared at him.
Ed tried to change the mood. Laughing, he clapped Kevin on the back. “It would be nice if she cried out the right name in bed, at least.”
Kevin’s face flushed.
Nick, who’d seemed affronted on Brooke’s behalf, suddenly switched alliances. “Brooke said someone else’s name in bed?”
Kevin shook his head. “It was a long time ago. Years ago, in fact. Back in high school.”
“I wouldn’t have put up with that shit. I’d have kicked her out right then and there.” Gabe whistled. “Whose name did she say?”
Three sets of eyes looked at him as though he was deranged.
“Oh.” Oh! She’d said his name?
Gabe looked again toward the bathroom, but he didn’t see Brooke. She must have been inside.
It shouldn’t have surprised him that she’d had sexual thoughts about him. Not after what they’d been through. Tenth grade had been a nightmare for him. Brooke had followed him around the whole school year. She’d rearranged her class schedule to coincide with his. She dropped by the construction site when he was working with his dad. She’d stopped by the house, called, emailed, and hounded him. His parents were in the process of trying to figure out what to do about the crazy girl stalking their son when Brooke finally pushed them all past their limit. The night she’d broken into their house had started with screams and shouts, which had escalated to sirens and ended in a trip to the police station.
He still didn’t understand why she’d picked him to focus on. But she had, and it only stood to reason that she’d thought about him in bed. Gabe hated that Kevin had been hurt by the whole thing.
Gabe wanted to know how Kevin had reacted and when exactly it had happened, but he didn’t dare ask. Nick changed the topic, and soon after that, Brooke rejoined them. If she picked up on the mood change, she didn’t say anything, but Kevin had stopped touching her, and once, when she reached out to hold his hand, he shifted away. No doubt she was confused. It was starting to get a little awkward. Gabe was hunting for a reason to leave the table when he finally saw the perfect opportunity to approach his target.
The busty brunette broke away from her friends and headed for the main bar. She had to work her way through the crowded dance floor and sidestep a swaggering drunk. Tracking her every move, Gabe used the nearly empty pitcher as an excuse to head her way. “I’ll get the next round.”
“You’re not even drinking anymore.” Ed offered, but when he saw where Gabe’s gaze was glued, he smiled and gave a nod. “Thanks.”
Gabe left his friends, took up the unoccupied stool beside the brunette, and flagged down the waitress. Apparently unsure of his intentions, the brunette cast him a slightly awkward smile. Gabe returned the smile before turning to their waitress. “Can I get another pitcher sent over to our table? Thanks.”
Gabe gave the brunette another once over as she waited for her drink. He didn’t hesitate when she caught him staring. “Hi, my name’s Gabe.”
She smiled and shook his offered hand. “Chelsea.”
“So what do you do, Chelsea?”
“I’m a flight attendant.”
“Really? That’s neat. Where are you flying in from?”
Her drink arrived. Gabe handed the barkeep a ten. “This one’s on me.”
“Thanks.” She slid her perfectly rounded ass onto a stool and took a sip of her cocktail. “We just flew up from Boston. What do you do?”
“Nothing as interesting as that. I’m just an architect.” He waved away her question, preferring to always stick to the cardinal rule: avoid imposing long-winded speeches about yourself. He redirected. “So, how did you get into that? Flying. I’ve never been a huge fan of that myself.”
“I could ask you the same,” she countered. “Architecture is a lot of education. What prompted you to such a demanding occupation?”
Clever and cunning. He liked her more by the second. “My dad’s in construction, so I grew up around housing and building. The schooling doesn’t seem that long if you like what you’re doing.”
“You must be good with your hands.” She flirted.
He leaned closer. “I’m hoping you’ll get the chance to see that for yourself.”
She giggled, but before their flirting became too outrageous, Gabe changed the subject back. “So why a stewardess?”
She shrugged one shoulder, her breasts jiggling with the effort. “The same. My family traveled a lot, so it’s just sort of the atmosphere I grew up with.” She took another sip.
He saw Nick heading his way and realized his time was limited. “So where’s home then? You’re not local, are you?”
“No. My family lives in New York, so sometimes I stay there. And I rent a place on the west coast. Right now, because my cousin lives so close to Toronto, I’m staying with her.”
Chelsea’s attention left Gabe as Nick approached them. Nick drew women to him like moths to a flame with his lean body and casual grace. The effect wasn’t lost on Chelsea.
Nick stepped behind Gabe and leaned across the bar to motion for their waitress. “I’m going to have to get going soon,” he informed Gabe before reaching past him to offer his hand to Chelsea. “Hey. I’m Nick.”
“Chelsea.” With a coy smile, Chelsea shook the charismatic bastard’s hand. She looked from one to the other, her interest now torn.
Gabe decided to remedy that. If Chelsea realized Nick was taken, she’d concentrate once more on him. “So, Nick, how are things going with Amelia?”
Nick’s expression softened. “They’re great. I’ve got to go pick her up for dinner.”
Their waitress bent over the counter, giving Gabe a terrific view, and in a hopeful tone, asked Nick, “What can I do for you?”
“Can I get my bill? You can put the first pitcher and the nachos on my tab. Thanks.”
Crestfallen, the waitress hurried away to get his bill. Playing on his phone, Nick gave them his back, allowing Gabe some privacy while he waited.
“So, Chelsea.” Gabe picked up where they’d left off. “How long are you in town for?”
“We’re here for about three days. Our next flight is to Alaska.”
“What’s your favorite place to travel to?”
Chelsea prattled on. Obviously, she loved her job. Gabe propped his elbow on the counter, listening intently to her answers. Behind him, Nick paid his bill and pocketed his phone. With a wide smile, he rejoined their conversation. “Gabe, can I borrow your phone?”
Puzzled, Gabe handed it over.
“Thanks.” Nick pressed a few buttons and passed Chelsea the phone. “So, Chelsea, can you do me a favor and pop your number in here?”
Gabe twisted around to glare at his friend and whispered low, “I don’t need your help.”
“I know, but I really have to get going, and I need to talk to you first.” Nick nodded at Chelsea, who was busily inputting her information. “Besides, it worked.”
Chelsea handed the phone back to Nick.
“I promise you’ll have a good time when Gabe takes you out.”
“I hope so,” Chelsea told Nick, but her gaze never left Gabe. “I hear he’s good with his hands.”
Gabe watched her sashay her way through the crowd. Nick took the stool she’d vacated and gave Gabe his phone. “Here. You’ll probably see her again before the night is over.”
Thrusting his attention back to Nick, Gabe spat out, “What was so damn important?”
Nick pulled a small black box from his jacket pocket and set it on the bar between them. “I already talked to your dad, but I wanted you to know.”
Gabe opened the box and looked at the white gold diamond engagement ring. “Wow. I don’t know how to tell you this, Nick, but I’m not interested in you that way.”
Nick shoved him. “Do you think she’ll like it?”
“She’s going to love it. Congratulations.” Gabe set the ring back on the counter. “When are you going to do it?”
“Tonight.” Placing the box back in his pocket, Nick quietly asked, “So if she says yes, will you be my best man?”
“Of course.” Gabe smiled, but then Nick’s words sank in. “What do you mean if? Of course, she’ll say yes.”
Nick shrugged. “I don’t know. Honestly, I’m a little nervous.”
“Have you not met Amelia? She’s going to lose it. She’s been waiting for you to ask her since the eighth grade.”
“Yeah, but this is forever, not some silly fantasy. She built me up so much in her head, I just…” He scrubbed his face with his hands. “Never mind. It is what it is.”
Nick got up to leave, but Gabe grabbed his arm. He’d never seen his friend at such a loss for words. “You know how overprotective I am of Amelia?”
He laughed. “Understatement, but yeah.”
“I’m glad it’s you. Not to get too sappy, but I’ll be happy to finally be able to call you my brother.”
“Thanks.” Nick clapped him on the back before patting his jacket pocket, double-checking the ring’s safety.
“You’re heading off then?”
“Just got to say goodbye to the guys.” As they walked back to their table, Nick warned him. “No one knows yet. It’s just you and your dad. I want her to be able to spread the news.”
Happy for his sister and best friend, Gabe thought about all the changes this new development meant. Certainly, the next few days would be filled with celebration and family. Now, he was doubly glad he’d called a meeting for tonight. He might not get another opportunity for a while.