Shit, I’ll regret that night forever.
“I get that you don’t want to be romantic with the guy, even though I think you’re totally missing out there.” Jed makes an appreciative sound as he leans back against the counter. “But what about just hanging with him for old times’ sake?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug, then grip the counter in front of me, needing it to help me stay upright.
“Okay.” Jed nods. “Well, I’m gonna keep bugging you about this, because you told us you wanted to move on, find yourself a guy. Maybe Tyrell can be your in-betweener, you know? Nothing romantic, just a friend to chill with. Although, damn, girl.” He bulges his eyes at me. “That boy be fine.”
I let out a soft laugh, because Jed’s right. Tyrell Jackson is one hot specimen. “Yeah, I get it. I’m sorry he’s not gay. At least I don’t think he is.”
“He’s not.” Jed pouts. “I can sense these things.”
“Okay.” I grin up at him.
“And besides, I’m in love with Tobin. I might appreciate the view in this place sometimes, but my heart belongs to that boy forever.”
My smile grows. “I know. You two are perfect for each other.”
His eyes start to sparkle the way they always do when Tobin comes up in conversation. They got together about eighteen months ago, within weeks of Tobin starting at Nolan U. When my old neighbor found out I was wanting a change of scenery, he invited me to come live with him and Jed… and I couldn’t think of a good reason to say no.
The day I arrived, they introduced me to their other roommate, Nix, and the three of them then peppered me about how I was going to make the most out of my time in Nolan.
I made the mistake of telling them everything and confessing that this was my big attempt to move on, find love again, start living the life of a woman in her early twenties.
Well, I’ve been here for over three months now, and no matter how many times they’ve tried to push me out the door, I’ve failed to take the big step.
“You know, you could maybe have coffee with him, get used to hanging out with a straight guy again, and that will give you the push you need to ask someone else out… or say yes when some guy asksyouout.” Jed catches my eye, his dark eyebrows rising. “You feel me? It’s a good plan, right?”
“Actually.” I reach for my back pocket and pull out the napkin. “I got someone’s number tonight. All by myself, before I even noticed Tyrell.”
“You did?” Jed perks up. “Who? Is he still here?”
I scan the sports bar, my eyes eventually landing on Sutton. He’s near the dartboard, laughing with a couple of other guys. “Over there.” I point. “The guy with the curly hair. Sandy brown.”
“Hmmm.” Jed assesses him with narrowed eyes. “Not bad for a white boy.”
“Oh stop.” I flick his arm with the backs of my fingers. “He’s cute. And he’s got a great smile.”
“Okay, okay.” Jed nods.
“Do you know him?”
“I’ve seen him around.”
“Do you think he’s safe enough to go out with?”
Jed eyes him up for a minute before nodding. “Yeah. I think you’re good. Just choose somewhere public for your first date, and make sure you’ve got some pepper spray.”
“Seriously?”
“You know Tobin’s gonna say the same thing.” He nudges me with his elbow. “We’ll help you find some good spots.”
Nerves rush through me at the thought of actually going through with this thing. Do I honestly want to go out with some guy I met at a bar?
How else are you planning on meeting them?
Shit, why is putting myself out there so damn hard?
“Still think it’s a damn shame you won’t consider the Black god, but if you’ve made up your mind about that, then the skinny white boy is probably a safe enough choice.”
