“Yeah, thanks.” He chuckles, just as the waitress appears. She takes our drink orders, along with food as well. As she collects the menus, Parker meets my gaze. “So, what have you been up to? Just work? Hanging out with your new friend?”
“Yeah,” I say with a nod. “Pretty much. I don’t really have a lot of time to do much else.” There’s a part of me that wants so desperately to ask him what Weston’s doing. I haven’t gotten a return letter from him yet, and while I know I shouldn’t be expecting one, I can’t help but find myself longing for it.
“So…” Parker drums his fingers on the table. “That’s great…” The awkwardness he brings to the conversation gives me this need to giggle, but I swallow it. “Wanna talk to me about work or something? Any new cases that are noteworthy?”
I purse my lips together, mulling over the most recent custody battle over a cat. “Um … Well…” I start the story of how this lady from the upper west side of the city is suing her ex over the cat, and Parker listens intently, chuckling his way through as I tell the story. It’s nice to have my brother’s attention, but even as I laugh along with him, I can’t help it. The questionburnsin my brain. “How’s Weston?” I ask at the end of my story, like I’m casually trying to change the subject.
Parker smiles, not suspicious in the slightest by what I’m questioning. “He’s doing really well. I’m pretty proud of him, actually.”
“Why’s that?” I swallow my selfish disappointment.
“He’s stopped all that speed dating—trying to find love and stuff. It’s really refreshing to see him focusing on other things. He’s been volunteering at some animal shelter and whatever else. He works with some lady named Maria. He really likes her.”
He really likes her…
“Oh…” My voice trails off, and I hope Parker doesn’t notice the change in my tone. It’s embarrassing, especially becauseI’mthe one who made things weird after our kiss. It was my choice not to take things further with Weston.
But a big reason for that is sitting across the table from me.
“Yeah, I think he’s happy,” Parker continues, oblivious to my hidden feelings. “I think he deserves that. I’m convinced that as soon as he takes his focusofffinding ‘the one,’ he’ll find her. I think that’s how it works. They always show up when you’re not looking.”
“Yeah, I agree,” I say, though I feel like I’m choking on my words. I don’t know why I feel so strangled over the subject. It’snot like I think Wes is theoneor something like that, I’m just upset over some measly letters and his lack of response. I miss his friendship.
Justfriendship.
Right?
“I was talking to Amy about it.” Parker hums, just as the drinks are set down in front of us. He pauses then, picking up his water and taking a sip. He’s settled into the conversation now, and doesn’t remotely appear uncomfortable anymore. If anything, he looks like we’ve done this a million times.
“So, you were talking to Amy about it…” I put a little pressure on him to continue his thought process when he sets his drink back down. “What about it?”
“Oh.” He chuckles. “Just that we’re happy he’s finally focusing on himself. He’s a good guy, his dates have just never panned out. I think that’s because he hasn’t found someone to connect with organically. The kind of person he needs isn’t the kind that’s at the singles events around the city.”
“For sure,” I say. “I hate those things.”
Parker gives me a funny look. “That’s because all you have to do is step outside to attract a whole flock of men.”
“Ha ha.” I roll my eyes. “Not true at all. I haven’t been on a single date since Cal broke it off with me, and I’m doing just fine.”
“Good. I think you should take a year off.”
“What?” I feel confusion bubble up in my chest. “What do you mean?”
“From dating,” Parker says, shrugging his shoulders. “I think you need to know what it’s like to truly be on your own.”
“Okay,Dad.” I feel the irritation building in my tone, even if I don’t necessarily disagree. I just don’t like the time frame that he’s slapped on there. “Is that what you told Weston, too?” I can’t stop the comment from coming out in time.
Parker bursts into laughter. “No way. He’s been single the majority of his life. Iwanthim to find someone, I just didn’t enjoy the fact that I had to be his wingman at so many speed-dating events.”
“You should be so grateful.” I smirk. “Because if it weren’t for him dragging you to those events, you’d have never met Amy.”
“Touché.” He chuckles. “Speaking of … Amy’s actually been trying to convince Wes to go out on a date with us and one of her friends next week.”
“Oh…” My voice trails off.
“Yeah. I think he might finally be ready to approach a relationship in a healthier way.”
“What about Maria?” I ask, swallowing the knot in my throat. “You said he likes hanging out with her.” Something about the nameMariareminds me of a beautiful, dark-haired woman with daring, seductive eyes.
