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“Right, and?” He pauses for a beat, but when I stay mum, he continues. “So that prevents us from being friends?”

“Well, no. I guess not.”

“Great, because I’d really like to be friends. To be honest, I thought we were already.”

My ears perk up at that. I’ve been shooting for future possible friends, so I’m glad he’s already on board. “Really?”

I’m not used to having too many friends. I had some friends from high school, but I grew distant after I lost my dad, since no one else could relate. My siblings had their own friends, and there wasn’t any overlap, especially since they were all much younger.

“Yeah.”

“So you really don’t mind being stuck here?”

“I’d rather be stuck here with you than your brother, if I’m being honest.”

I chuckle at that, and he continues. “He’d probably be pacing back and forth and being an overall drama queen.”

A smile takes over my face. I love how well Calvin knows my brother, and I love their friendship. And yes, I can picture my brother being a bear right now if he were here instead.

“Thanks for coming with me,” I say, meaning my words. I know I was pissed that my brother asked him to come in the first place, but I’m kind of glad Calvin and I are stuck together. Breaking down on the side of the road by myself would’ve sucked, and I appreciate his company.

“Thanks for having me,” he says with a half smirk. “I enjoyed seeing the property today.”

“It was amazing, right?” My face gleams with excitement.

“Yeah. Do you think you’ll go for it?”

“I want to, and I think Sebastian is on the same page as me. The question is whether they will accept our offer.”

“They’d be crazy not to.”

My heart warms at that. “Thank you.”

“What are your plans for the property, if you don’t mind me asking?” He picks up his whiskey and Coke and takes another sip.

“Sebastian hasn’t told you?” I question. I assume since they are besties, he already knows about my brother’s future expansion plans.

“Nah. He didn’t tell me the specifics.”

Huh. Okay. I launch into the details about adding a second women’s shelter and everything I want to change. Why this property would be different, better. I share every idea, barely stopping to catch my breath.

His eyes never leave mine the entire time.

“Yeah,” I say, finally finishing. “So, in conclusion, I really think that property would be a great fit.”

“You don’t have to sell me on the idea. I agree with everything you are saying, and all of your ideas are amazing. You would help so many people and knock it out of the park.”

“Thank you.” I don’t need validation, but it’s reassuring to hear that my ideas aren’t too big or ridiculous.

Even though my car is broken and I am stuck in an unfamiliar location, I feel light for some reason.

My eyes wander to the man beside me, smiling next to me, and I can’t help but reciprocate.

“Are you eating or just getting drinks tonight?” the bartender asks.

Calvin, again, punts to me.

“You good with eating here?” I ask just to ensure we are on the same page.