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“You’re an idiot, Conner. How are we supposed to play pool while we eat nachos?” James rolls his eyes and sets his pool stick down. “Let’s grab a table while we eat and help Drew with his love life.”

James is the more serious one out of the three of us. He seems grumpy upon first meeting him, but once you get to know him, you realize he’s the most loyal friend you could ask for.

“My life is just fine, thank you. But nachos sound good.” We walk over to a high-top table and take our seats.

Conner looks at me with a serious expression. “Okay, so you're in love with Dr. Windell’s daughter.”

“I didn't say I was in love, I just can’t stop thinking about her.”

“So? You’re both consenting adults. What’s the issue?” James asks before taking another swig of his IPA.

“The Windell’s have welcomed me into their family. Her dad and I work together, she babysits for me, I’m her landlord, and apparently she went on a date last weekend.”

Conner grimaces. “Sounds complicated.”

“Was it just one date?” James asks. “Maybe it’s not serious.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right. She hasn’t gone on more than one date that I know of. But it’s not like I can make a move, anyway.” I take a big gulp of my drink.

The waitress brings the nachos to our table and gives James a coy smile.

“Thanks, babe,” he tells her with a wink. Once she leaves, he looks back at me. “You’re being way overly dramatic, man. Just ask her out, throw caution to the wind and all that.” He shrugs.

James looks deep in thought. “However, if it didn’t work out between the two of you, things would be super awkward since she’s renting your basement apartment and you’re good friends with her father.”

I slump back into my chair. “I know. But I don’t know how to stop thinking about her, or how to stop looking for her everywhere I go, just hoping to catch a glimpse of her.”

They both stare at me blankly.

“You’re so far gone, man.” Conner says as he stuffs a cheese-covered chip in his mouth and James nods in agreement.

“Don’t I know it.”

“What happened with that nurse you were going out with?” James asks.

I take a deep breath. “She ended things before they really began. She told me I should be with Sophie because we’re obviously attracted to each other.”

They both grimace.

“Awkward,” Conner says and then blows out a deep breath.

“If she noticed, then I assume Sophie reciprocates your feelings?” James asks with a smirk.

I shake my head. “I don’t know, sometimes I think she does, but then I wonder if it’s all in my head.”

James taps his chin with his index finger. “Her husband was killed in action a few years ago, right? Maybe she has feelings for you, but she’s just guarded because she’s still grieving the loss of her husband.”

Conner looks at him with his mouth agape. “You sure are philosophical for someone who sticks people with needles all day.”

James scowls at him. “I’m a well-educated anesthesiologist, not a heroin dealer.”

I chuckle at their antics. Conner loves goading James.

“That’s a good point though. Maybe she’s not ready for a romantic relationship. But then why’d she go on a date with that other guy?” Closing my eyes, I massage my eyes with my thumb and forefinger. “It’s been ages since I felt this way about someone. Actually, I'm not sure I ever have.”

James runs his hand through his dark hair, pinning me with his brown eyes as he taps his fingers against his beer bottle. “Hmm, you’re just going to have to talk to her, man.”

“I agree with James. If you’re serious about this girl, talk to her. She might be crazy about you too.”