Patrick scowled. “That’s bullshit.”
Dev’s dark brows rose high. “Is it? You’re thirty-one and have two ex-wives.”
Red-cheeked, Patrick ducked his head. “Who were only interested in being football WAGs with all the perks. It wasn’t me they loved. It was the lifestyle. And maybe I never gave them a hundred percent of myself because I wasn’t complete after losing Fallon. Yeah, over the years I had love affairs, but never like what he and I had. I don’t expect you to understand. You were lucky enough to meet each other and managed to be together.”
“I wouldn’t call hiding who we are and that we were in love lucky, but I understand.” The tenor of Dev’s voice changed, and knowing him so well, I could see how affected he was by Patrick’s story. “All I want is for Fallon to be safe and happy. He deserves it.”
“Then we want the same things.”
“If I’m allowed to speak,” I joked, “you know, since it’s also my life we’re talking about? I want Patrick to have the career he’s worked so hard for. I’m willing to wait for the time to be right.”
“What if it’s never the right time? Or it’s a year, or two, or five?” Dev turned the full force of that famous, fierce gaze on me. The one that once made the opposition quake in their cleats. I remained unfazed.
“Turn it down a notch, killer. I’m not the defensive line.”
A snort escaped Patrick, and his shoulders shook with laughter, but I held Dev’s stare.
“It’s my decision, though. Mine and Patrick’s. Much as I love you, Dev, and I know you love me, I’m not that eighteen-year-old kid you saved anymore. I can handle my own life.”
Softy that he was, Dev’s green eyes grew shiny. “No, you’re not, and I know you can. You’re a hell of a man and the best friend. And Rory would’ve been damn proud of you.”
At the mention of Rory, tears flooded my eyes. “I wish he were still here to see. My parents don’t give a damn, but Rory always said I’d find someone.”
Patrick shifted, waves of frustration rolling off him. “I hate that we’re here, in public, and I can’t make you feel better. This is what I’m talking about. It’s not fair that I can’t give my boyfriend comfort because someone might see.”
Gathering my composure, I drew in a deep breath. “It’s okay. I know how you feel. I just hope, Dev, that you and Brody see that this isn’t a phase for either of us. I’m not being exploited, and Patrick isn’t waiting for someone better to come along.”
“There is no one better.” Patrick’s husky rasp melted me into a gooey mess, and Dev’s expression softened.
“You’re really in love with him.”
Hidden by the flowing, white tablecloth, Patrick took my hand and squeezed it. “Yeah. I really am.”
The server approached, and we all put on our game faces and ordered. A seafood tower for the table, and I ordered the lobster ravioli, while Patrick had the double lambchops. Dev ordered chickenscarpariello, and Brody had thelinguine alle vongole. The food was delicious, and the talk turned to the Kings and their chances to win the Super Bowl. In his element, Patrick grew animated, and I sat back, listening to the three of them hash out the possible competition. I gazed around the restaurant, and of course people had their phones out, snappingpictures of our table. Having spent years in Dev’s high-profile orbit, I was used to this lifestyle, but if Patrick and I ever did come out as a couple, the media coverage would be ten times worse.
“Ready for dessert?” The server removed our plates, and I answered automatically.
“I’m good. Just a cappuccino, please.”
Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “Carrot cake, please, and a cappuccino.”
“Same for the two of us, please,” Brody ordered.
“What’s wrong?” Patrick murmured. “You got awfully quiet.”
“Nothing.” My smile was quick, and I could tell it didn’t fool him. “I don’t know anything about football. Only my favorite players.”
“Uh-huh.”
When dessert had been consumed and the bill taken care of, we exited the restaurant, where they were approached by fans. I stood to the side, watching women cozy up to Patrick and asking for pictures and autographs with all three. After about fifteen minutes the crowd waned, and Patrick approached me.
“Ready to go? I’ll get a car.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Dev and Brody had already called for theirs, and it pulled up to the curb.
Dev hugged me. “I’m glad you’re happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
