I’m just starting to worry that this is the worst idea in the history of man when Dani spins around, spots us walking toward them, and beams me a brilliant grin that settles my insides.
She’s gonna be here,I remind myself.
And that one thought calms those nerves and turns my smile genuine as I walk toward her and make the introductions.
CHAPTER 15
DANI
So, Lincoln’s a hottie. It’s hard to resist a Black man with a strong jawline like his. I could immediately tell he was an athlete the second he walked into the restaurant. And I could also tell he was a gentleman when Tyrell introduced us.
It helped me relax.
Actually, having Tyrell here helps me relax.
It’s weird how I haven’t seen him in so long, yet it hasn’t taken much to fall back into the easy friendship we had as teenagers.
Which is why I can’t help reminding him about the time we smuggled all of that candy into the movie theater.
Tyrell’s smile is instant. “And that old guy behind us got all shitty because the movie was boring as hell and we started a Skittles war.”
I snort, covering my mouth and giggling as I’m sent back in time to that obscure little theater. I don’t know what possessed us to go there. It was one of those artsy places that only showed foreign films. I think we were just bored and happened to be on that side of town. I can’t even remember why, but…
“I feel kind of sorry for him now.” I cringe. “At the time, I thought it was hilarious, but now I look back and feel so bad. Hewas just trying to enjoy his film, and we were laughing hyenas, making trouble behind him.”
“Sounds like you two got up to some mischief.” Chastity directs her comment to Tyrell.
Her smile is broad and flirty, and my insides shrink. But why? They shouldn’t. She’s so obviously into Tyrell, and that’s a good thing.
Focusing my attention back on Lincoln, I try to think of something to say. Conversation hasn’t exactly flowed since we sat down.
He’s sweet and all, but he’s obviously obsessed with football.
Giving him an awkward smile, I straighten my cutlery as I wait for my food to arrive and force out a question. “So, what else do you enjoy doing… other than football?”
He lets out a short laugh. “What else is there? Between that and keeping up with my homework, I basically have no life.”
I nod, wincing at his plight. Has college been like that for Tyrell too? I sneak a quick look at him. He’s nodding.
“Yeah, being a college athlete is a busy job,” he agrees with his teammate. “But we can still squeeze in a little fun. Like now.” He winks at me, then grins at Chastity. She blushes, and I straighten my fork again.
“Okay, so let’s pretend you had some spare time. What would you do with it?” I direct the question to Lincoln, because that’s who I’m supposed to be here for, although I’d love to know Tyrell’s answer as well.
Lincoln shrugs, his face pinching like the question is annoying.
I swallow and take a sip from my water glass.
“Uh… I guess I like to run?”
“Oh come on. That’s still a sports thing. Is that all you’re about?” Chastity challenges him.
“Pretty much.”
My eyebrows wrinkle and I glance at Tyrell, who’s frowning at him. “You told me you played piano as a kid. You like music, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I guess,” Lincoln murmurs, and I jump all over it.
“What kind of music do you like? I played piano when I was a kid, and I definitely went through a jazz phase.” I grin. “But then I hit my teen years, and it became all about punk rock and…” My voice trails off, the mildly bored expression on Lincoln’s face deflating me.
