Chapter 6
Collins
The three of us slid into Tim’s car. I took the passenger seat again, while Marlon eased into the back. Tim started the engine, and with a smirk, he tilted his head, shaking his head like he was trying to play it cool.
“Anna… damn,” he muttered, eyes briefly on the rearview mirror.
“And taken,” I added, glancing at him.
“So?” Tim shot back, turning slightly to Marlon. “You and Nancy?”
Marlon leaned back. “Sweet. Gorgeous. But I have zero clue how to even hold a conversation with a girl who uses sign language.”
“You mean… she can’t speak?” I asked, tilting my head. I hadn’t noticed.
“You came too late,” Marlon said, with a faint shrug.
“What’s the problem if she can’t speak?” I countered. “If you’re attracted, that’s what matters.”
Marlon leaned forward. “I can’t speak sign language. The silence… it’ll kill me. I could get close, be intimate, but it’d feel like I’m using her. I know it wouldn’t last.”
“Fair point,” Tim said, nodding, clearly amused by his friend’s moral wrestling.
“But hell… she’s gorgeous,” Marlon added, unconsciously softening his tone.
“Like her sister,” Tim commented. “Strangely enough, they don’t look alike.”
I chuckled. “And yet, you tried to pursue the one girl who’s already spoken for.”
“Come on,” Tim said. “You can’t deny she’s attractive.”
“I know. I won’t deny it,” I said slowly. “But if I were you, I’d cut off those thoughts immediately.”
“Wait a minute…” Tim said. “Did you just admit she’s attractive? You, the guy who never gets tangled up, just admitted it?”
“You know what I mean,” I said, finally giving him a look. “Why do I get the feeling you like a challenge?”
Tim smirked. “Challenge accepted. But just know… some challenges are worth it.”
“Don’t tempt yourself,” I said flatly, adjusting in my seat. “Some things aren’t worth the mess.”
Tim chuckled, eyes glinting. “Mess or not… she’s unforgettable.”
“What about the other girls? There were five of them, right?” I asked, eyes flicking between Tim and Marlon.
Tim tapped the steering wheel. “Chloe is cute,” he said, nodding slightly. “As for Veronica…her attitude toward Anna makes her…unappealing.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why? What did she do?”
Tim shrugged, almost dismissively. “Just things I noticed. Nothing worth getting into. But if it were me? I’d cut off friendship with that one in a heartbeat.”
I smirked. “Must be one of those pick-me girls, then.”
“I could sense that,” he said quietly, tone flat but sharp, like he had little patience for games.
“And the other one… what was her name again?” Tim turned to Marlon.
“Tatum,” Marlon answered without hesitation.
Tim’s narrowed slightly as he assessed her. “She seems… reserved. Quiet. Keeps to herself. Observes more than she speaks. Not a bad trait, actually.”
“Reserved, huh?” I murmured, scanning the mental notes he was clearly making. “So far, your type seems to be… predictable.”
He tilted his head, amused but calm. “Predictable is safer. Less chaos to deal with. And frankly, I prefer people who aren’t trying too hard to impress.”
“I see. Observant, not loud. Got it. And Veronica? I suppose she’s a hard pass?”
“Hard-pass and unnecessary,” he said, voice clipped. “There’s enough drama in the world without adding… her.”
“Right,” I said, finishing my thought. “Observation only.”
We pulled up at Marlon’s place, and he stepped out, stretching his arms with a satisfied grin. “Thanks, guys. Great night.”
“Sure,” Tim said, leaning back in his seat. “Monday, back to reality. Long shifts, endless paperwork…”
“Please don’t remind me,” Marlon groaned, waving goodbye as he disappeared inside.
Tim and I stayed in the car for a little while, the city lights reflecting off the windshield. Once we parked, I turned to him. “Why don’t you come up for a drink at my place?” I asked. Since we live in the same building.
Tim raised an eyebrow, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. “Sure. Why not? Lead the way.”
The lobby was quiet, with just the sound of the elevators greeting us. Once inside my penthouse, I shrugged off my jacket, letting it fall onto the chair, and poured two glasses of scotch. The rich amber liquid caught the light, the clink of ice breaking the silence.
We settled into the lounge, each with a glass in hand. “So?” I asked, leaning back. “No phone numbers tonight?”
Tim laughed, shaking his head. “I tried giving Chloe my business card. She handed it right back.”
I arched an eyebrow. “She did?”
“Yeah. Said she’s interested in you.”
“Me?” I blinked, caught off guard.
“Apparently,” he said, a playful glint in his eye.
“You know me,” I said cautiously.
“Of course I know you,” Tim replied smoothly. “But maybe… you just haven’t found anyone interesting yet.”
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head.
“Be honest,” he pressed, leaning forward slightly. “If that girl at the bar hadn’t been the bride, you wouldn’t have minded.”
“Oh, come on,” I said, feigning indignation. “Why would you even think that?”
He gave me a side glance, sharp and calculating. “I have eyes. I saw you lock eyes with her the moment they walked in.”
I tensed, instinctively shaking my head. “You must be mistaken.”
He smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Stop playing hard to get. You’re getting old, Collins. Not that anyone would notice, but… still.”
I laughed nervously, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Something in his tone made me aware of the quiet tension in the room, a subtle mix of challenge and amusement.