Page 98 of Mistletoe Mischief

Pike stopped next to Anthony’s truck and shrugged. “I took some time to sit with the situation and reflect.”

Nick cleared his throat.

“And listened to the advice of a few friends. Here is what I realized. You said that even though you wanted her, you took a step back when you thought that she and I were feeling each other. That’s what makes you an amazing friend. Just because I had you up on this pedestal, thinking you were this paragon of virtue, doesn’t mean you can’t ever fuck up. She wasn’t my girlfriend—hell, she’d been pretty clear that she wasn’t interested in me at all. I pulled out some moves, too.”

Anthony held up a hand. “I don’t want to hear about it, thanks.”

Pike chuckled. “Fair enough. Besides, it’s obvious you love the girl. I can’t stay mad at you when you’re in love for the first time and already fucking up. You need me.”

“I don’t—” Anthony paused, considering. “How do you know?”

“That you need my help?” Pike asked.

“No, that I—”

“Can’t get it out yet? It’s always hardest the first time.” Or the second and third time, Pike thought. “As to how I know, you were about to tear Brodie apart for talking about your girl. You’ve either lost your mind or you’re in love.” Pike opened the passenger side door and waved a hand. “Now, get in the truck. Considering how pissed off Delilah was, this will require several mixed drinks and careful planning if you’re going to win her back.”

“You saw her?” Anthony asked.

“Oh yes. That is one angry woman.”

“Speaking of angry, why were you at the gym?” Anthony asked.

“I was talking to Noel about some things and suddenly needed to see you. I texted Nick to find out where you were and Nick texted back that something was about to go down I’d want to see, so I raced on over here to check it out. Watching you lose your cool? Priceless.”

Anthony grunted. “You’re both a couple of meddlesome fuckers.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is friends.” Pike pulled himself up and pounded the top of his truck. “Now move! Time’s a-wastin’!

PIKE

Stereotypically, the world portrays women sitting around eating ice cream and watching movies when they’re struggling romantically. Men go out drinking and try to meet someone new.

Hollywood got half the formula right.

Pike sat at the table with Anthony, Nick, Clark, Declan, and Sam, listening as they each tried to give Anthony advice on winning Delilah back. There was talk of mixtapes and flowers, but Anthony had axed them all. Pike took mental notes of his own, thinking about Ryler. Would a simple bouquet and apology do the trick, or would she need more?

Clark leaned forward next to Pike, drawing him out of his own thoughts.

“What does Delilah like?” Clark asked.

“Her Corgi, Leia,” Anthony said.

Pike laughed. “We could kidnap it and make her think it’s lost, but Anthony could find her like a damn hero, return her, and she is forever grateful,” Pike said, rubbing his hands together. “Jo could use a playmate for a few days.”

“You are a sick man,” Sam said, tossing a balled-up napkin at him.

Anthony shook his head. “I’m not doing that.”

“Fine, no dognapping.” Pike said, holding his hands up. “What else do you got?”

“What about a favorite song?” Nick chimed in.

“Oh! Her name. That song that has her name …” Anthony paused for several seconds, and then he belted out, “Hey there Delilah—”

Talk about a grand gesture! Anthony was a genius.

“That’s better than a boom box!” Pike exclaimed, shooting to his feet with his glass held high. “We shall march to her house and romance her with the power of song.”