“Because Eli’s being an on-call bitch.” Casey snorted. “He’s waiting for a guy to text him to see if they have a date tonight. If so, you and Tex are on your own for dinner.”
“What?” Tex ambled into the room from the bedrooms, his blond hair a damp mop and a towel wrapped around his waist. “I was looking forward to the chicken dish you make.”
Shit, now everyone knew the situation. “I…might not make dinner tonight. I asked my ex to have dinner with me at the sushi place in Tempe Marketplace.” Gripping my phone tighter, my stomach churned. “But, fuck, if he doesn’t text, I guess the sushi dinner is off.” And it spoke volumes about where Wren’s head was at.
“Well, when will you know? We have to thaw the chicken.” Malik stepped to the refrigerator and pulled out a Ziplock bag of frozen chicken breasts.
“So, you think he won’t text?” I pursed my lips. Fuck it, Wrenprobably wouldn’t text at this point. I should have heard from him already. Expelling a long breath, I slapped my hands on my thighs and rose. “Submerge the chicken in water in the sink. It’ll thaw faster.”
Malik ran water into the sink. “How long have you been waiting for this text?”
“Guys, I have to run.” Grabbing my arm, Casey planted a quick kiss on my cheek. “I hope it works out for you, dude.” He strode to the door and left.
“He should have texted almost an hour ago.” As a heavy weight fell on my heart, I ambled into the kitchen. Might as well start dinner.
“Eli, I’m sorry, man.” Tex stepped to me and as he side-hugged me, his towel dropped to the floor, his junk on full display.
“Dude, that’s not sanitary. Cover that monster.” With a chortle, Malik pointed toward Tex’s dick.
“Good God.” I rolled my eyes as a grin worked its way across my lips. They’d tried to lighten my mood.
“Yeah? You’re just jealous it’s so meaty.” Tex stepped to the center of the kitchen and rocked his hips, flipping his cock into the air.
Covering his eyes with his arms, Malik fake gagged. “Put it away. I see enough of it in the locker room.”
Tex cackled and picked up his towel from the floor. “Yeah, Thompson, I see you looking at me in the shower.”
With another fake gag, Malik said, “I swear, if I find a pubic hair in my food?—”
My phone buzzed on the coffee table.
“Fuck, maybe that’s Wren.” I jogged to the table and snatched my phone, fumbling it before holding it to my face and tapping.
Wren
Sure, we can have dinner. I’ll meet you at Kabuki around 6?
As my heart swelled with warmth, I tapped my phone and smiled.
Eli
See you there.
“Guys, return the chicken to the refrigerator and order a pizza or something.” I held the phone to my chest and faced them, staring at me.
“So, no chicken with sun-dried tomatoes tonight?” Malik blinked a few times.
“No, maybe Sunday?” I checked the time on my phone. It was five-fifteen already. I could still shower and shave before I left.
Tex strolled to me, holding his towel over his groin. “I’m happy for you, man.” He patted my shoulder. “Go show him the new you and charm the pants off him.” He offered a broad grin.
“Literally.” Malik snickered as he stuffed the frozen chicken into our refrigerator. “Hey, Tex, want to DoorDash some Mexican?”
“Sure. Get me the usual.” Tex strolled to the bedroom hallway.
“I’m heading into the shower. Are you done in there?” I called to Tex. If he weren’t, I’d have to make it quick.
“Yes, have at it and don’t forget to manscape.” Tex cackled.
