“Reg, Maggie isn’t Amy. Your ex is a loser. Sorry to say it, but it’s the truth. She used you. Maggie’s not a user. She’s good people. And Emily is too smart for her own good. She needs you to keep her in line.”
Reggie lost his glare. “Well, that’s true.”
“And come on,” Brad interjected. “Have you ever seen Maggie smile any wider than she does when she’s looking at you?”
“Well, no.” Reggie took a deep breath and let it out. “But I just don’t want to make more mistakes. I mean, I’m engaged. That’s a big fucking deal.” He turned to Brad. “You’ll see.”
“When is the big day?” Mack asked Brad, surprised his friends could feel so off-kilter when they had women who clearly loved them. Apparently, being part of a couple didn’t cure you of being an idiot after all. “You said Christmas?”
“No, that’s when she’ll be expecting it. I’m taking the week off between Christmas and New Year’s. I’ll ask her on the 27th.”
“That’s kind of specific,” Tex said. “You sure she’ll say yes?”
Mack laughed.
Reggie and Brad glared at him, and Brad said, “Not helping, Tex.”
“Oh, come on. Avery loves ya. She’s a sure thing.”
Brad shrugged. “A sure thing doesn’t mean I won’t screw something up somehow. I’ve done it before.”
“True.” Mack recalled each of his friends having fits and starts with their girlfriends. “You know, you’ve all nearly screwed up your relationships. You really have no call to be lecturing me.”
“You don’t get it because you’re not in a heavy relationship yet,” Brad said. “Come to think of it, have you ever been so in love you thought about getting married?”
“No.” Huh, how about that? “I mean, I’ve dated. Not anything too serious. I liked playing around.”
“Liked?” Brad asked.
“Well, yeah. You guys acting all dopey is making me think I might want to find someone more permanent. I mean, not marrying-permanent. But girlfriend-permanent.”
Reggie held up a hand. “For the record, we’re talking about a real girl, right? I’m sorry, realwoman. Not a blow-up doll or car? Nothing with wheels?”
Mack gave him the finger, which had the guys laughing.
“I happen to have my eye on someone, as a matter of fact.”
Brad and Tex looked at each other before Tex held out his hand. Brad planted a five-dollar bill on it.
“What the hell?” Mack waited for an explanation. Considering the guys bet on everything, he should have known he’d be a hot topic at some point.
“It’s the mean chick.” Tex nodded, studying Mack. “The sexy cop who nailed you at the game.”
“Oh, she’s way out of your league, son,” Reggie said with a wince. “Sorry, truth hurts.”
“Excuse me?”
“Not looks-wise. You’re even there. She’s just more aggressive than you can ever be.”
Brad agreed. “She’s got a reputation on the Top Cops. She’s a brawler. And she looks it.”
“But a beautiful brawler,” Mack stated. “Did you see her slide tackle? Soccer’s not my favorite sport, but even I had to admit she nailed me with precision.”
“That’s true.” Tex’s eyes sparkled. “Took you down like a prize heifer. So if you like looking up at her, letting her lead the relationship, you’ll probably do okay.”
“Oh please. It’s not like I’m weak or… Why are you all shaking your heads?”
“You’re too nice when it comes to women,” Brad said bluntly. “Not Reggie-nice. We all know he’s a pushover.”
