Or, at least there’s something more there for him.
“Did you ask her about next Friday?”
I tilt my head to the side in question. “What’s next Friday?”
Matteo’s eyes widen slightly. “It’s just some stupid charity event for the organization.” He shakes his head dismissively. “I don’t even know if I’m going to go.”
“It’s mandatory,” Theo laughs.
“Please, he’s downplaying it,” Lucy interjects, scooting to the edge of her seat as she sips her martini. “It’s only the best thing they do every year. It’s basically just a gala with an auction.”
“That sounds really cool.” I smile at Lucy, ignoring the annoying dread in my stomach that Matteo didn’t tell me aboutit. We’re not dating, we’re not together. There’s no reason for him to invite me to all the things he does.
Matteo’s hand touches my forearm. “Wait, really?” I turn to look at him and his face lights up. “I didn’t ask because I didn’t want to add anything else to your plate while you were on your deadline.”
And just like that, he chases the worry away.
“I really appreciate that. Sometimes I get tunnel vision when I’m writing.”
“I know,” he says softly, his head bobbing. “I didn’t want to stress you out or pull you away from that headspace.”
“Hey Luce, let’s go get another round,” Theo says to her, sliding off his seat.
Lucy chuckles. Her drink is still half full. “Yeah, sure.” She gets up and they head over to the bar together, leaving just Matteo and me at the table.
Matteo’s eyes are soft and warm as he stares back at me. “Would you want to go with me, Sunny?” He clears his throat. “Be my date for the night?”
I know I really shouldn’t, we’re no strings attached afterall, but, “I’d love to.”
“It’s a black-tie affair. We’re supposed to be there a little early because they like to get pictures of the team and have the players walk in together.”
“I have a dress or can go get one,” I say, my stomach doing a somersault. “Do you want to just figure out what time I should meet you there?”
Matteo stares at me for a beat, his head tilting to the side as his eyes drag across my face. They settle on mine and his expression softens into something unreadable. “No,” he says, a ghost of a smile dancing across his lips as he gives his head a swift shake. “No, I want you there with me. We will show up together.”
The air leaves my lungs in a rush. I thought he’d just want me to meet him there, not for us to arrive together like a couple. “Oh.” The word tumbles from my lips on a breath, barely audible, but I know he hears it by the way his expression shifts.
He purses his lips, conflict knitting his eyebrows. “I know this isn’t something that was part of our deal, so if you don’t want to come, I get it.” He shrugs, putting up a wall, like he’s indifferent to it all.
“I know,” I say softly, nodding my understanding. “Things change, though, right?” I hope he hears the longing in my words, and it’s obvious the second he does. The indifference vanishes and there’s a glimmer of hope shimmering in his eyes. “I’d love to be your date for the night.”
A slow and steady grin pulls on his lips. “Alright,” he says, tipping his head in one quick nod. “I’ll send you the details and let you know what time I’ll be there to pick you up.” He pauses for a second and cocks an eyebrow, a smirk twitching to come to life. “Or, you can always get ready at my house, too.”
His words catch me off guard and it takes a moment for my brain to catch up. “Yeah, I can get ready there.” This is foreign territory for Matteo Ford… and honestly, it is for me too. Nothing and no one in my past compares to whatever this is with him. No one even comes close.
“Okay, great.” He brings his beer to his lips. “We’ll figure out the specifics before Friday.”
I smile back at him. “It’s a plan.”
“No, Sunny.” He shakes his head, mischief dancing in his eyes as they burn into mine. “It’s a date.”
FROM THE TEXT THREAD OF MATTY & JADE
Matteo
Are you up?
Jade
