I lick my lips, staring at my food.
“I’m sure Alex sees alotof people, am I right, Alex?” Paul smirks.
His words settle on me. They hit me all the wrong way, but I can’t blame Paul for saying it. That’s how they’ve always known me to be.
“I was. Dated this amazing guy for five months during my recovery. Best fucking five months of my life. Totally could have made an honest man out of me, but… I fucked it up. Haven’t really been able to look at anyone else since. No one is…him. You know?”
I catch Jordan’s sideways glance at me, feel him tense beside me. His fingers brush my thigh but I think it’s just because this table’s so tight and I’m squished between him and Hudson. Both of them are built like fucking brick houses.
The guys all lament their apologies and then the conversation shifts to Austen and Cam and how no one is surprised that they somehow ended up together because they always seemed so “close” and attached at the hip. Their reactions are a bit of a relief. I wasn’t sure how much they knew, if Austen had told them, but I guess it’s all over his social media, so it’s kind of hard to avoid it. I’m happy for my brother, truly.
He’s different now that he has Cameron. Comfortable. Happy.
When we finally finish catching up, it’s nearing six.
“Should we meet up tomorrow? You know before we all head to the opening?” Hudson asks as we all file outside.
It’s chilly and I, for one, am glad I wore this flannel because it’s keeping me warm.
It might not be my style, but fuck if it isn’t comfortable.
“Yeah, probably not a bad idea. I don’t know if there’s going to be likefoodfood. I know Austen’s got some fancy hors divorce, but—”
The guys groan at my terrible joke but Jordan laughs. Really laughs, and that makes me smile.
“Alright, then it’s settled. Somewhere close to the place, so we don’t have to walk too far,” Trey says, and I notice he’s standing closer to Hudson than he was a moment ago.
“I'll find a place and shoot you the address and time,” I say.
Everyone agrees and queues up their rideshares, heading off since they are all staying in different hotels in the city.
Everyone, except Jordan Mackenzie who is left standing against the front of the cafe with me, the neon lights casting a warm glow on him.
“Where are you staying?” he asks. His tone is casual as he leans against the window, his hands in his jean pockets.
“Couple blocks from here. You?”
“Couple blocks from BrewTech.”
“Cool,” I say.
There’s a tense pause before he looks up at me and time stands still.
“Can I walk you?” he asks.
“Huh?”
He nods towards the sidewalk. “To your hotel, I mean.”
I look between him and the sidewalk, feeling that swirling feeling of hope. I look back at him. He hasn’t changed all that much in appearance. Though, he does look like he’s gained a few pounds, like he hasn’t been hitting the gym as much. It's not a bad look on him, at all.
My gaze trails over him, smirking because he’s wearing my jersey. Aside from the kids, I’ve never seen anyone I know personally wear my number. I’m not sure where he got it, but it doesn’t look bad on him, and neither do his dark jeans and tennis shoes.
It’s a far cry from a polo and khakis, but he looks fine as hell. I take my time appreciating the view. When I meet his gaze, he’s smirking.
“Sure. I’d like that.”
He pushes off the window and joins me. We walk side by side, with a small space between us. It’s starting to getdark, but there are lights and people everywhere. New York may also be a city that never sleeps.
