He looks to her as if for confirmation that I’m lying my ass off.
She plays right along.
“I only told him that to spare his feelings. I’m actually just hoping you’ll talk to me, so I don’t have to hear Travis yap on about how great he is another second.” She says it with enough flair for the dramatic that I think she’s kidding. Maybe. Hopefully.
I press a hand to my chest and pretend to be greatly offended. “Ouch.”
Shep smiles. Progress.
Hannah moves closer to me and leans forward. Maybe she’s angling so she can talk easier with Shep, but I like the proximity it puts her to me anyway.
“You look familiar. Where are you from?” she asks him.
“Washington.” His gaze darts to me and then down at the table. Man, it really is painful watching him interact with women. Not even a simple follow-up to see where she’s from. She’s making it so easy for him and still…nothing.
“Did you go to college there?” she asks him.
He shakes his head, and I think he’s starting to blush.
I give Hannah a reassuring smile mixed with a littleSee? I told you so.She’s not so easily deterred.
“Did you go pro straight out of high school?”
His throat works with a slow swallow as he nods.
If Hannah feels the awkwardness, she doesn’t let it show. But it’s too painful to watch this go on any longer.
“Dude. Relax. She’s not hitting on you,” I tell him. “I told her I’m your wingman.”
Shep’s eyes widen and now he’s definitely blushing. Hannah elbows me under the table.
“Which is probably why you’re sitting by yourself,” Hannah adds quickly. “He has to be the worst wingman ever.”
Shep actually huffs a small laugh.
“Hey. I’ll have you know I’m afantasticwingman,” I say to her but then check Shep to make sure he agrees.
“It’s not him,” he says.
Hannah’s expression doesn’t shift.
“I’m not?” I ask, maybe a little too pointedly.
“Fine. Let’s say I believe you both. What is the problem exactly?”
I expect him to freeze up and give her some shrug of the shoulders or one word reply. Instead, he seems to relax a little.With a sigh, he says, “I don’t know what to say or do. I get all awkward and then they try harder. And that just makes me aware of how bad I am at all of it.”
“So you need to feel more confident?” She doesn’t wait for an answer. “What about dancing? You don’t have to talk that way.”
He shakes his head quickly and I nod my agreement. I’ve seen him on the dance floor and let’s just say it’s not where he thrives.
“Okay, what are you good at?”
“Hockey.”
“Anyone you want to date or sleep with there?” she asks, grinning at him. I want that grin aimed at me, but also, I love that she’s being so nice to Shep. He really is a great guy.
“Sadly, no.” His mouth turns down at the corners.
