“Brody’s got a commitment—he’s doing an interview withOut in Sports—but I’m free.”
“I guess I can deal with you one-on-one.”
“Cute. Where should we go? I’m not much into the restaurant scene. We order in a lot.”
I thought for a second. Nothing too trendy as Dev liked simple foods and wasn’t a huge drinker. Low key was best, especially for the frank discussion I was contemplating.
“How about Walker’s on North Moore? It’s close, and they don’t get a huge crowd.”
“Sounds like a plan. See you at one o’clock?”
“Yep.” I ended the call and paced my apartment in an effort to think things out, which didn’t accomplish much since I could barely turn around without bumping into myself. I could get more for my money if I moved away, but I liked the area and being close to my friends.
A few minutes before the hour, I entered the restaurant. “Hi. I have a reservation for Summers?”
The hostess checked the screen. “Yes, Mr. Summers is waiting. Follow me, please.”
I spotted him at a corner table, and of course, he’d already been approached by several fans and was chatting away. He and Brody never said no to anyone who wanted their attention, and I waited patiently while he signed autographs and took pictures.
I slid into the seat across from him. “Looking good. I guess you don’t really need me after all,” I joked.
“To keep a bare-bones schedule, no. But as a friend, always.” He put a large hand over mine and squeezed. “What’s doing? Is this just a catch-up meal, or is it something else?”
I shifted.Damn. Dev had always possessed uncanny insight. Luck was with me when the server approached, and I ordered a bellini. Dev ordered a beer.
“Now that I’m not playing, I’m going to indulge.” He scanned the menu. “Let’s get some chicken tenders for the table to start.” He smiled at the server, a tall, thin woman who’d introduced herself as Katelyn. “We’ll order the mains in a few.”
“I’ll be back with your drinks and put your order in.”
She left, and Dev picked right up. “So? What is it?”
Suddenly, I didn’t know what to do with my hands. I drummed my fingers on the table. “I…I wanted your opinion.”
He sipped from his water glass. “Of course. Shoot.”
Never having discussed my personal life much, aside from quickie recaps of meaningless dates that had gone nowhere, I chewed my lip, knowing I had to choose my words carefully.
“A long time ago, I met a guy. We were together.”
His brows shot up. “For how long?”
“Almost six months, but it wasn’t…I don’t know. It was just a hookup.”
“Doubtful, if we’re having a conversation about him so many years later, but go on.” He thanked Katelyn as she placed his beer in front of him. I barely noticed my glass.
“I mean, yeah, whatever. Like I said. It was a long time ago. Thing is, now I’ve seen him recently. I recognize him, but he has no idea it’s me. I know it sounds weird, but I look totally different now.”
“Must be the hair. When you left you had it buzzed pretty short.”
I shrugged, and Dev’s lips curved up in a slow smile.
“Lemme guess. You want to see if you can recreate the magic.” Dev slapped a hand on the table. “I say go for it. That’s fantastic. About damn time, too.”
I rolled my eyes. “Okay, lover boy. Rein it in. Because it’s not as easy as all that.”
“Why? Because he doesn’t remember you? It’s no big deal. Just remind him. I’m sure if it was as memorable as you say, it’ll be fine.”
“That’s not it.”
