Chapter 24
WAYLON
I know I shouldn’t have said that in the group chat. I didn’t really mean to; it just sort of slipped out. And well, I’m not the type who tries to take it back or act like I didn’t mean what I said. So, it’s out there now.
When I got home, Lyric wasn’t here yet, which surprised me. I definitely thought she’d get here first.
So I took Tater outside, and we’ve been sitting out here ever since. I’ve thrown the ball probably three hundred times—at least that’s how it feels—and he just keeps on going. He’s going to crash out soon, which is fine by me. My arms need to rest.
“Hey there,” Lyric says, her voice projecting from behind me.
I turn to see her standing at the door holding a garment bag. She’s got the widest smile painted on her lips. Not the kind that would come from seeing me. It’s deeper than that.
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” I pat my leg, signaling Tater to come inside with me.
“We found dresses!” she exclaims, as she pulls the zipper down on the bag. “And the best part is mine fit perfectly, no alterations needed. So I got to bring it home today.”
“That’s great. Let’s have a look.” I peer inside, unable to see most of it. But the top looks pretty, and she sure does seem giddy about it. And anything that makes her feel like this is alright in my book.
“I’m not going to try it on for you, though,” she says, zipping it back up.
“How come?”
“Because I want you to see it for the first time when I’m all done up for the big day,” she says.
“I get it—special occasion, special look.”
“Yeah, and I don’t have many occasions to be decked out, so I want to do it right.”
“I thought all you ladies had one or two dresses in the back of your closet for such occasions?”
“Yeah, of course I do, but that doesn’t mean I’ve worn them. I’ve never been on any fancy dates or anything. A guy hasn’t exactly been keen to take me to the ballet or even a restaurant that needed a reservation,” she says, shrugging her shoulders.
She heads back to her room to put the dress away, and I’m stuck here thinking how incredibly insane it is that no dude has ever tried to spoil her even a little. No reservations? Nothing upscale? This will not do.
Lyric returns to the kitchen, and I seize the opportunity to give her something she hasn’t had before. “Let me take you.”
She looks around, confused at the lack of context. “Take me where?”
“On a fancy date. Something real posh.”
“What?”
“Tomorrow night?”
“Wait, back up. You want to take me on a fancy date? Tomorrow night? Are you for real?” There’s a hint of suspicion in her expression, brows furrowed. Her gaze narrows.
“Yes. I think every woman deserves it at least once in their life. To wear a pretty dress, makeup, the works. For no other occasion than they’re going out. So what do you say?”
“But… why?” she asks.
To be honest, I’m confused by her confusion. “Because… I want to? Because it should be me, someone you’re comfortable with, someone who cares about you beyond getting into your pants.”
Lyric folds her arms over her chest, still looking very suspicious of me. But after a moment, her expression softens and I can tell she’s talked herself into it.
“What time?” She asks.
“I’ll pick you up at eight.”
“Pick me up? You live here, too,” she says with a laugh.
“Just go with it, woman.” I roll my eyes and slap her hip, squeezing gently. “So, do you know what you’re going to wear?”
She nods, but says nothing as a grin full of mischief spreads over her lips.
“Tell me.” I step closer and she retreats until she’s backed up against the wall.
“Sorry, that’s a secret, too,” she says, looking up at me with those gorgeous green eyes.
Fuck me, she’s such a tease. I don’t even think she means to do it. She’s just unbelievably naturally got that thing about her. Lyric Sweeney is the absolute hottest woman I’ve ever been with, to be sure.
I step into my bedroom and pull out my phone, then scroll until I find the right contact. My buddy—a client of mine—also happens to be a fantastic chef downtown, and every time he’s in the shop, he tells me to come by.
ME
I need a favor.
ANGELO
What’s up, man?
ME
Table for two tomorrow night?
ANGELO
What time?
ME
8:30pm?
ANGELO
I’ll take care of it.
ME
Thanks, man. You’re really helping me out.
ANGELO
She must be a special girl.
Angelo has been my friend since the first time he came in for an appointment with me.
We worked on his left arm sleeve and talked about everything.
He’s one of those guys who’s naturally easy to talk to.
As you can see, he’s also highly intuitive.
I don’t write anything back. Instead, I throw my phone onto the bed and turn to my closet.
Luck is on my side because not only can I get a reservation last minute, but I also happen to have a couple of suits for emergencies.
It’s not like a lot of occasions to wear them drop into my lap.
But you also never know. And it’s times like this that I thank my dad for the advice of having them on hand.
I pull out the black one, which is the newest. I had it made last year.
My father also said the suits must be tailor-made, not off the rack.
So that’s what I did with all of mine. I grab a navy blue shirt and black tie to go with it.
I don’t know what color Lyric’s dress is, but this combination is magic, in that it will literally go with almost anything.
After hanging up my outfit in the bathroom, I lie down on my bed, legs hanging over the side. I’m exhausted. My first thought is that it sounds like a good time for a nap.
It’s not lost on me that my very next thought is wondering if Lyric would take one with me.