I shrug because, honestly, what does that even mean? That I care more about how she’s feeling than I do myself? That I’ll make sure she has the food she wants over what I’m craving? That whenever I go out, or she’s at work, I can’t wait to see her again? If all those things mean that I’m gone for her, then, yeah, I guess I fucking well am.
“Never thought I’d see the day, man.”
“You’re telling me,” I mutter, taking another sip of my soda.
Am I disappointed not to be drinking? No, not really. Hailee had a point all those weeks ago; it’s time to turn over a new chapter, and drinking too much and partying all night long really needs to stop. And do you know what? While spending my evenings at home with Bea watching TV and talking about our lives, not once have I missed it.
“I thought your parents were coming?” he says, making my heart race.
It’s stupid. I don’t know why I’m nervous about them meeting Bea. They’ve technically already met her on video call, but still. I just…I really want them to like her.
“Yeah, their flight was delayed. They should be here soon.”
“Is your mom bringing the good candy?”
I can’t help but laugh. Wherever they go, Mom always comes back with at least six bags of candy. Parker gets one, and I get the other five. Well, four since moving here, because since he discovered this, Killer has always stolen a bag. “You’re an addict.”
“It could be worse,” he mutters as Monroe stalks past. “It could be smut.”
“Fuck off,” Monroe mutters. “You should really read one sometime; might teach you something about women.”
“Like how it’s helping you?” Killer deadpans.
It’s no secret that Monroe has an extensive library of romance novels that he reads alongside his sister. Usually, he takes the teasing as just that. We don’t give a fuck what his hobbies are, or what he does in his spare time. I’ve overheard some of the advice he’s given others, and even from a relationship novice like me, he knows his stuff.
“It will,” Monroe states, his eyes casting around the room. “When the time is right.”
“You need another beer, man?” Killer asks, glancing down at his almost empty glass.
Monroe looks at me, almost as if he’s asking permission.
I get it. He’s remembering what happened after our BBQ at Kodie’s and I had to take him home.
“Nah, I should probably call it a night. I’ve got a flight tomorrow.”
“Fair enough. Maybe you’ll get lucky back home. You must have some girls from high school looking forward to seeing the NHL star back in town,” Killer mocks.
“Yeah, maybe,” Monroe mutters absently as he pulls his cell from his pocket, opens a message, and wanders off.
“Oh, that woman over there is hot,” Killer says, jerking his chin across the room. “Any idea who she is?”
I glance over, spotting a blonde who doesn’t hold a candle to the brunette I can’t keep my eyes off.
“Nope. Have fun finding out, though.”
He marches off like a lion stalking his prey. I’m pretty sure Parker doesn’t want Killer hitting on any of her friends, but honestly, if she didn’t want that to happen, she shouldn’t have put them in the same room.
I search for Bea once more, but she’s vanished. My heart lurches. It’s stupid; she’s probably just disappeared to the bathroom.
“I’ll happily hear the words whenever you’re ready,” a familiar voice says from behind me.
I groan loudly—mainly because she’d be disappointed if I didn’t.
“Ah, Hailee, my favorite Viper front office employee. How I’ve missed you meddling in my life.”
She rolls her eyes so hard they have to hurt.
“Those weren’t the words I was angling for, but I’ll take them.”
