Natalie: Hey, I just got the email about the meeting next week with the Italian tenant? The guy studied in Italy. I hope we get to taste test!
Will: I’m sure food will be involved at some point. Can I see you tonight?
Natalie: Sure. Any chance you can come here? Meredith’s passed out on the couch. I hate to leave her on her last night.
Will: Is there anything I can bring?
Natalie: Your overnight bag. You could stay until Sunday. Meredith’s flight is at noon tomorrow, and I have the day free.
“I’m going to head to Natalie’s,” I told Evan.
He raised an eyebrow. “Can I come, too?”
I shot him a look. “You just want to see Meredith, don’t you?”
“Hey, what can I say? The woman’s magnetic,” he said with a grin.
“Let me ask her if it’s alright,” I said with a groan.
Will: Is it okay if I bring Evan? He’s being a needy hot mess, and apparently, your sister isn’t sick of him yet.
Natalie replied with a photo of Meredith sprawled out on the couch, her hair a wild mess, her face half-buried in a throw pillow.
Natalie: As hot of a mess as this?
I laughed and sent a photo back of Evan.
Will: Even worse.
“Go grab your stuff and clean up,” I told Evan, rolling my eyes.
“Perfect,” he said, standing up. “Give me ten minutes. Let me take the dog out and give him some food.”
Just then, I felt my phone buzz again.
Natalie: Evan could bring Bear, so he doesn’t have to leave him for long.
“She said you can bring the dog,” I called after Evan.
“Sweet, I’ll pack up his things.”
We made our rounds and stopped at my house so I could grab my bag. On the way to Natalie’s, I picked up Thai food for everyone, hoping it would help cure the hangovers.
When we arrived at Natalie’s, Meredith was awake, her hair wrapped in a towel. Bear trotted straight to her, tail wagging like he just found his long-lost soul mate.
“He missed you,” Evan said, unmistakable flirtation in his voice.
“I missed you too, Bear,” her eyes locked on Bear but, presumably she meant this to Evan.
The attraction between them was impossible to ignore. I have never seen Evan like this before.
“You brought food, William. You’re a saint,” she said dramatically.
Natalie appeared from the kitchen, giving me a soft smile as she set out plates.
“How are you feeling, Evan?” Natalie asked, glancing at him as he unloaded his dog’s stuff by the door.
“Like death,” he admitted, rubbing his temple. Then, he added, “How are you feeling after your superstar night?”
