“Cool. Do they seem close?”
Tyrell shrugs. “They must be a little close if he’s setting up a blind date for his brother, but I think they’re pretty different. One’s obsessed with sports, the other with music.”
“Kinda like you and Atlas,” I say without thinking.
Holding my breath, I wait for the inevitable sadness that follows any mention of his name, but Tyrell just smiles and nods. “Yeah. Like that.”
Slowing to a stop, Tyrell maneuvers the car into a parallel parking space, his strong arm coming around the back of my seat while he makes parking an SUV look like the easiest thing in the world. This car doesn’t have one of those fancy screens to guidehim into the spot; he’s going old-school, and this might sound weird, but it’s super sexy.
A thrill races down my body, so I clutch my purse, reminding myself that I’m here for Rhys. Tyrell and I can never be a thing. I wouldn’t do that to Atlas.
Atlas isn’t here!
But he is. Somehow he always will be, and I just can’t shake that.
Opening the door, I carefully step out, ensuring I don’t twist my ankle when my foot hits the concrete. These shoes are too small, and my feet are already killing me. I can’t wait to sit down so I can take the damn things off.
“You good?” Tyrell’s hand shoots out to steady me, his fingers curling around my elbow.
I smile him a thank-you, appreciating his warmth beside me as we walk down the block to the restaurant. It’s a French one. We wouldn’t normally go this fancy, but Victoria’s aunt and uncle own the place, and she gets a table here whenever she wants. I don’t know why she didn’t suggest it initially. I think I suggested Eat Your Favesand she just went with it. Until she got a call from Jolie, who had gotten a call from Tobin. I was kind of pissed off for his interfering at first, but I’m over it now.
French food, while no loaded fries, will be delicious.
I think she gets half-price meals too, which is convenient because all of this dating is starting to add up. Tyrell and the guy always offer to pay, and sometimes I’ve taken them up on that. But to keep things fair, I’ve insisted on paying a few times as well. I don’t want Tyrell out of pocket because of me. It’s not like he has a job right now, and this is probably eating into his savings.
“Tonight’s on me,” I tell him as he opens the door.
His eyebrows dip and I can sense the protest he’s about to make, but I hold up my hand to stop him.
“It’s my turn, so just let me do it, okay?”
His lips purse as we stand there in the open doorway. I refuse to go in until he agrees with me.
After a short sigh, he finally nods. “But at least let me offer first, okay?”
“Of course.” I smile, then wink at him. “Gotta make you look good for the lady, right?”
“What’s her name again?” he whispers as he follows me into the restaurant.
“Victoria. But I think she prefers Vicky.”
“Got it.” He puts on a smile as the hostess leads us to a table near the back.
Vicky and Rhys are already there and…
Oooo! He is cuuuute!
My lips twitch as I drink in this gorgeous man with bronze skin and eyes that match my dress. He looks like a musician, not a rock star. He has more of an indie vibe with his linen shirt and necklaces. I bet he listens to bands like The 1975 and loves Vampire Weekend. His hair is dark and curly, tied back in a stubby ponytail, and I feel an instant kick of desire as he stands up to greet us.
“Hey there.” He smiles at me, drinking me in like I’m important.
“Hi.” Oh my gosh, what is my mouth doing right now? I bet I look like an excited groupie. Ugh!
Slipping my jacket off, I hang it over the back of my chair, stealing a quick glance at Tyrell, who’s shaking Vicky’s hand and so obviously admiring her too.
See? I knew he’d be into her.
She is so freaking beautiful!
