“What should we do for dinner?” Hawk asks.
By now, I’m sure my face is red.
Luckily, Kate says something, and Mushroom responds, “I’ve been meaning to ask Marissa as well.”
I tear my eyes away from Hawk. “Ask me what?”
“To join the self-defense class I’m teaching at the gym, starting next Thursday. Lucy and Dana are in.”
“What about you?” I ask Kate in an attempt to fight against my unfounded animosity.
“I already completed several such courses for work,” she says and glances at Hawk as if for approval.
I clench my jaw, but relax when he doesn’t acknowledge the bid. Then I feel awful again. She would be a better match for him: no child, no baggage, going to college, making something of herself.
I want to go home and cry, but instead, I clear my throat and ask, “When’s the class?”
“Thursday evenings, 8 PM.”
“I can’t, DJ…”
“I’ll watch him,” Hawk offers, and all heads swivel towards him.
Kate’s eyebrows go all the way up to her hairline.
“He’ll be asleep, so I’ll technically be watching the baby monitor. If, God forbid, anything happens, and we need you, you’re five minutes away,” he tells me.
“Don’t use DJ as a reason not to do things,” Lucy says knowingly, and I run my tongue over my teeth.
“Alright, I’ll try one lesson and see how it goes.”
Everyone cheers, and Hawk looks really happy, which warms my stomach.
He and Kate move to another table, and I spend the rest of the meal trying not to stare at him. Luckily, they finish their sandwiches quickly and wave at us before leaving.
As soon as they’re gone, Lucy asks, “And what was that?”
“What was what?”
“That man and you…” she says, tilting her head to where Hawk was sitting. “What’s going on there?”
“Nothing!” I say vehemently.
Lucy gives me a look that says she’s not buying it.
“Let’s pay,” I say, and wave Dana over.
“Oh, it’s already been taken care of,” she informs us.
I turn to my friends in surprise.
“Nothing, right?” Shroomie teases.
*
While Hawk sorts out our registration in the HD parking lot, I scan the crowd, checking out the different cuts, bikes, and above all, how the other women are dressed.
I wonder whether any of the Wolves are here. I hope not. Or better yet, I don’t care.
