13. David
13
David
“ S ince you seem in a better mood, how about we head out for a beer that doesn’t come out of my fridge?” Drew suggested.
I lifted a brow, feeling for the first time since I’d arrived like I was imposing on Drew’s hospitality. “I’ll buy you a case tomorrow.”
“That’s not what I meant. Don’t you want to go out and see other people besides me?” Drew asked.
“I don’t generally like people.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it. You could sell ice to an Eskimo.”
“Doesn’t mean I want to drink with him afterward,” I pointed out.
“There’s a band.” Drew dangled that like it would be a temptation. “A country music band.”
That would be preferable to something else, but I still wasn’t inspired to be social. Then my cell buzzed.
One glance at the screen told me it was from Heather.
Drew looked at the time on the old schoolhouse clock hanging on the wall and lifted a brow. “Ten o’clock. Little late for business texts, isn’t it?”
He was fishing. He should just cut bait because I wasn’t in the mood for fishing either. But actually, he was wrong because what she’d texted me certainly seemed like business to me.
HEATHER: I have a bunch of things to show you. When can we meet?
It had only been a few hours, but I wasn’t completely surprised. She seemed the type that once she got her teeth into a bone she wasn’t letting go of it until it was done.
I glanced up at Drew. He was about to get his wish. “What’s the name of this place with the band?”
“O’Malley’s. It’s about five minutes down the road.”
I punched in a reply.
DAVID: You free now? Drew and I are about to head to a bar by his place. O’Malley’s.
HEATHER: Meet you there.
Well, that was easy. I stood and pocketed my phone. “All right. Ready?”
“Ready for what?” he asked.
“To go to this bar.”
He widened his eyes, then shook his head. “You know. You’re enough to give a man whiplash.”
“You’d be bored if I weren’t.” I smiled.
Drew laughed. “Probably.”
He hoisted himself off the sofa and hit the remote to turn off the television. I’d been subjected to reality TV but I had at least convinced him to watch a fishing show.
As we headed for the front door, he asked, “Any chance Heather is bringing Lucy?”
“What?” I stopped mid-step.
“It’s obvious we’re meeting Heather at the bar.”
“What makes you think that?” I asked since I knew I hadn’t told him.
“Who else do you know in town besides me?”
“I know people. I know Anna.”
“The lawyer? Yeah, she’s not texting you at this hour. I saw that honking diamond on her ring finger.”
“Fine. It was Heather.” I hated when Drew was right.
“So, text and see if she’s bringing Lucy.”
“This isn’t a social call. This is business.”
“And she and Lucy work together so that tracks . . .” Drew eyed me. “Besides, a good wingman would text.”
“Fine.” Before climbing into Drew’s truck I pulled my cell out of my pocket.
He settled himself in the driver’s seat and looked at me. “But don’t make it look too obvious.”
“Oh. Sure. Of course.” I’d text, but I’d do it in my own way.
DAVID: Drew wants to know if Lucy is coming.
HEATHER: I knew it! He likes her.
I felt a little bad for throwing him under the bus, but not all that guilty.
DAVID: Seems like.
HEATHER: I’ll text her and see if she can meet us.
And so my business meeting turned into a double date. Ask me if I was upset about that.
“So?” Drew asked.
I tried not to grin too wide as I said, “She’s texting to see if she can come.”
“Good. Good.” Drew nodded, sounding a little nervous about the prospect.
Yup. This was definitely more exciting than sitting on Drew’s sofa watching other people fish.