Meredith’s eyes lit up. “I forgot he’s from Europe. Now you must go to this Thanksgiving for me.”
“Wait, what about Evan?” I teased.
“I can shop around,” Meredith said, while looking at her manicure.
We both laughed, and I felt more relaxed, letting the bliss of the day take us away.
That evening after we were home and watching an episode of, “Friends,” on the couch having the most relaxingday ever.
I heard my phone buzz near me, it was Will, I loved seeing his name.
Will: Hi babe, how was The Montage? Do you and your sister want to come over for dinner tomorrow? Evan will be here as well.
I loved that he was referring to me as babe. It felt like girlfriend material. I forgot how to date but, this sure felt like it.
“Mere, want to go to Will’s tomorrow night? Evan will be there,” I said teasingly.
“We can make time for that, “she said with a sly smile.
The next evening, we headed over to Will’s for dinner and were greeted at the door by Evan, and a sleek brownlab.
“Who is this?” I asked, kneeling to pet him.
“This is Bear. He loves the ladies,” Evan said with a grin.
“I bet he does! And I love him,” I cooed, switching to a baby voice as I scratched behind Bear’s ears.
Inside, the house smelled incredible. Will was in the kitchen, working on steaks, roasted potatoes, and a fresh salad.
“I didn’t know you were so domesticated, William,” Meredith teased, leaning on the counter.
“When I became a bachelor, I had to learn a few things,” he replied, smirking. “Cereal and takeout every night gets old fast. Now, what can I get you ladies to drink?”
I loved how thoughtful he was—not just with me, but with my sister and friends too. He had this way of making everyone feel comfortable and taken care of.
“I’ll take a glass of whatever you’ve already opened,” I said.
Meredith grinned mischievously. “I’m going to need something stronger.”
Evan jumped in, clearly eager to impress. “I can make an old fashioned, a dirty martini, margarita—whatever you like.”
“I’ll take a dirty martini. Extra dirty,” Meredith said with a playful tone that made Evan stand a little straighter.
She had an effect on men—gorgeous and confident, she radiated charisma. It was impossible not to notice.
Dinner was lovely, filled with laughter and stories, the kind of evening where everything felt easy. Will seemed relaxed, smilingat me across the table, and I felt that same pull I always did when he looked at me like that.
By the time we moved to the couch for a nightcap, the Rolling Stones were playing softly in the background, and Bear had claimed a spot between Meredith and Evan.
“So,” Will said casually, “what are you two doing for Thanksgiving?”
The question hit like a jolt, but before I could answer, Meredith jumped in. “Something with one of Natalie’s clients. It’s just a casual thing—nothing fancy.”
Will’s gaze shifted to me, his smile fading slightly. “Which client?”
“Lucas and Jasper,” I admitted, feeling the weight of the words.
Meredith jumped back in, trying to soften the blow. “We didn’t have any other offers, so we’re really just going for the food.” She grinned. “Chefs’ tables are hard to pass up, you know?”
