“N-no one.” Ugh,shewouldn’t even believe that if she were Olivia.
“It’s a boy, isn’t it?” Nadia’s face gleamed with mischief. Ever since she’d started a relationship of her own, Nadia had reversed her man-hating and wanted everyone as happy as she was. Just like Olivia.
“Maybe,” Rosie replied, shrugging. Squeals erupted from the table as the guys plugged their ears with a grimace.
“Ladies, I have to work in the morning.” Caleb reminded them. “Nad, I need to get some sleep.”
“Alright, we’ll go. We’ll pick this up next time, guys.” Everyone put away their dice and character sheets. Rosie was grateful for the distraction.
She stole a glance at Olivia, then ducked her head. Guilt gnawed at her chest. But Matt had promised.
Matt dialed his sister for the third time that day. Caleb’s birthday was coming up and they were all going out to Fabled. Olivia had extended an invitation to him, apparently per Caleb’s instructions. He just hoped she would pick up this time. He’dpromisedto tell her.
“Matt, what’s going on? Is something wrong? You’re blowing up my phone.”
“Nothing’s wrong, Olivia. I just really need to talk to you. It’s important.”
“I’m very busy, Matt. I need to get this job done before the party tomorrow.”
“What the hell, Liv? You can’t take a few minutes to talk to your little brother?”
She sighed, and he thought he might have an opening. “I’ve been trying to tell you, I’m seeing someone. I got a girlfriend.”
“That’s great, Matt. Bring her to the condo next weekend. We can have a great getting-to-know-you session. But I need to get this job done before the deadline or I’ll get a bad review and I can’t afford that. See you tomorrow!” And the line went silent.
Matt groaned and leaned his head against the brick wall behind him. He was on his break at work outside by the gas heaters the restaurant kept out there to keep their asses from freezing when they were on their fifteen or their lunch.
“Congratulations!” Evan called. Matt snapped his head to the right. Keith, Evan, and Damir were bundled up outside, also on their break. When the hell had they sat down at the picnic table?
“Who’s the lucky lady?” Keith elbowed him in the ribs as he sat down in the closest seat.
“Um. On second thought. I’m going to sit by Damir when I tell you this.” Matt rose and quickly moved to the other side of the table. “I asked Rosie out last month. A while after the tournament,” he added. He ran a hand through his hair as the awkward silence stretched on. “I’ve had a thing for her for like, six years?”
He finally dared to look up at Keith, who was gaping. “Dude. No wonder you were so cranky at the bar that night.” He reached over and slapped Matt on the back. “I wish you woulda told me, I wouldn’t have encroached on your territory.”
“She’s a person, not territory. But I should thank you, anyways.” He explained when Keith looked confused. “To be honest, you helped me get my head out of my ass.” They shook hands over the table, and then conversation turned back to the previous topic. Matt finally relaxed now that he knew there would be no hard feelings over him dating Rosie.
Chapter 14
Theentiresquadandtheir men were gathered at Fabled for Caleb’s birthday celebration. Grateful she’d managed to get the day off, Rosie enjoyed the energy of the eight of them being together.
Matt sat next to her, and across from them sat Olivia and Jake. Mia caught Rosie’s eye and winked. She shook her head. Of course, Mia knew about them. She’d been the one to guilt Rosie into joining the game tournament. This whole thing might have been engineered by her favorite instigator, but Rosie knew after talking to Matt that his feelings had started long before that. In the end, all Rosie felt toward Mia was gratitude for pushing things along.
You’re welcome,Mia mouthed at her.
Rosie tried to suppress her smile and had to look at her menu before she gave them away. She hadn’t told the rest of the squad about them, yet, and she wouldn’t want to make Olivia uncomfortable.
Everyone focused on what they wanted to eat. “I’m feeling something spicy tonight,” the birthday boy announced to the table.
“Didn’t get enough earlier, huh?” Nadia winked salaciously at him to groans and jeers from their friends.
“Never, darlin’. But I meant for dinner.” Caleb kept looking over the menu. “The Dragon burger sounds awesome!”
“Dude,” Jake started, putting his menu down. “Do you realize what’sonthat?”
“What? I’ve eaten the atomic wings at Saucy’s.”
“Caleb, it says there are Scotch bonnet peppers in the rub and awasabi mayonnaise.” Matt spoke with concern.
