Chapter 19
DANI
“So, Rhys Peters.”
“That’s right.” Tyrell nods, clenching his jaw as he drives us to the restaurant.
It’s weird. He’s been clenching his jaw a lot since leaving my apartment, and I kind of want to ask what’s bugging him, but I also don’t want to pry.
Maybe he’s nervous about meeting Vicky. I’ve only met her once, but Jolie assures me she’s really cool and fun, and she works at the paper with her.
She does the graphic design or something, so she’s creative, which is cool, and she’s really smart as well, which will be a great match for Ty.
Plus, she’s a stunner.
Legs that go on forever, tall and elegant with this friendly smile and bright eyes. I think her father’s Puerto Rican and her mother is Scottish or something. Anyway, she looks like a supermodel.
My insides squirm, wondering what Tyrell will think. Wondering how well they’ll hit it off.
Oh shit, if it goes well, will he sleep with her?
So what if he does?
Now I’m the one clenching my jaw.
He’s been polite to all the girls I’ve invited so far, but I haven’t noticed any real spark. Maybe tonight will be the one. He’s definitely going to find her attractive—that’s a given.
Biting my lips together, I ignore the weird tension in my stomach and focus on the road ahead.
Rhys Peters.
Plays guitar.
An art major.
Two years younger than me, but according to Tyrell, his brother says he’s mature for his age. Like an old man on young shoulders.
“He’s more of a grown-up than I’ll ever be.” That’s what Peters said, apparently.
“What’s Peters’s first name?”
“Oh, uh…” Tyrell has to think about it.
I can’t help laughing. “Come on, you must know.”
“Yeah, I do. I’m just so used to calling him Peters that I—” He clicks his fingers. “Marcus.”
“Marcus,” I repeat. “Marcus and Rhys.”
“That’s right.”
“Cool. Do they seem close?”
Tyrell shrugs. “They must be a little close if he’s setting up a blind date for his brother, but I think they’re pretty different. One’s obsessed with sports, the other with music.”
“Kinda like you and Atlas,” I say without thinking.
Holding my breath, I wait for the inevitable sadness that follows any mention of his name, but Tyrell just smiles and nods. “Yeah. Like that.”
Slowing to a stop, Tyrell maneuvers the car into a parallel parking space, his strong arm coming around the back of my seat while he makes parking an SUV look like the easiest thing in the world.
This car doesn’t have one of those fancy screens to guide him into the spot; he’s going old-school, and this might sound weird, but it’s super sexy.
A thrill races down my body, so I clutch my purse, reminding myself that I’m here for Rhys. Tyrell and I can never be a thing. I wouldn’t do that to Atlas.
Atlas isn’t here!
But he is. Somehow he always will be, and I just can’t shake that.
Opening the door, I carefully step out, ensuring I don’t twist my ankle when my foot hits the concrete. These shoes are too small, and my feet are already killing me. I can’t wait to sit down so I can take the damn things off.
“You good?” Tyrell’s hand shoots out to steady me, his fingers curling around my elbow.
I smile him a thank-you, appreciating his warmth beside me as we walk down the block to the restaurant.
It’s a French one. We wouldn’t normally go this fancy, but Victoria’s aunt and uncle own the place, and she gets a table here whenever she wants.
I don’t know why she didn’t suggest it initially.
I think I suggested Eat Your Faves and she just went with it.
Until she got a call from Jolie, who had gotten a call from Tobin.
I was kind of pissed off for his interfering at first, but I’m over it now.
French food, while no loaded fries, will be delicious.
I think she gets half-price meals too, which is convenient because all of this dating is starting to add up.
Tyrell and the guy always offer to pay, and sometimes I’ve taken them up on that.
But to keep things fair, I’ve insisted on paying a few times as well.
I don’t want Tyrell out of pocket because of me.
It’s not like he has a job right now, and this is probably eating into his savings.
“Tonight’s on me,” I tell him as he opens the door.
His eyebrows dip and I can sense the protest he’s about to make, but I hold up my hand to stop him.
“It’s my turn, so just let me do it, okay?”
His lips purse as we stand there in the open doorway. I refuse to go in until he agrees with me.
After a short sigh, he finally nods. “But at least let me offer first, okay?”
“Of course.” I smile, then wink at him. “Gotta make you look good for the lady, right?”
“What’s her name again?” he whispers as he follows me into the restaurant.
“Victoria. But I think she prefers Vicky.”
“Got it.” He puts on a smile as the hostess leads us to a table near the back.
Vicky and Rhys are already there and…
Oooo! He is cuuuute!
My lips twitch as I drink in this gorgeous man with bronze skin and eyes that match my dress.
He looks like a musician, not a rock star.
He has more of an indie vibe with his linen shirt and necklaces.
I bet he listens to bands like The 1975 and loves Vampire Weekend.
His hair is dark and curly, tied back in a stubby ponytail, and I feel an instant kick of desire as he stands up to greet us.
“Hey there.” He smiles at me, drinking me in like I’m important.
“Hi.” Oh my gosh, what is my mouth doing right now? I bet I look like an excited groupie. Ugh!
Slipping my jacket off, I hang it over the back of my chair, stealing a quick glance at Tyrell, who’s shaking Vicky’s hand and so obviously admiring her too.
See? I knew he’d be into her.
She is so freaking beautiful!
Pulling out the chair for her, Tyrell waits until she’s settled before taking his own seat.
I catch his eye and am rewarded with a little eye bulge. I bite my lips together to hide my grin. Oh yeah, he thinks she’s hot. Intimidatingly so, I’m guessing, by the way he’s twitching like he doesn’t know what to do with his hands.
Resting one palm over his knuckles, he leans his elbows on the table, then springs back like his mama’s here and she’s quipped, “Boy, get your elbows off the table.”
“So, Dani, I hear you work at Offside.” Rhys smiles at me.
“I do.” I lift my glass when he picks up the water jug to fill it. “Thank you.”
He smiles, and oh my gosh, look at that smile! He’s so beautiful.
“Have you ever played there? Tyrell tells me you’re a musician.”
“I am, and I’d love to. There’s a pretty long list, and I’m on it, just waiting for my turn. Although, my sets would be pretty chill compared to some of the music that’s played there.”
“We get everything,” I assure him. “Last week, we had a country band, and they got some line dancing going. People really got into it. And then this weekend, we’ve got a punk rock band doing their thing. I’m sure a chill indie set would be perfect for one of our quieter nights.”
“How do you know I play chill indie?” His lips rise into a lopsided smirk.
I grin, playing with the little cross emblem around my neck.
My parents gave it to me for my twelfth birthday, and I’ve worn it ever since.
“You have that look about you. Tyrell told me you play guitar. I guess I just look at you and picture a man with his guitar, strumming and singing songs with a Jason Mraz vibe or maybe a Hozier feel?”
“Oh man, nailed it.” He laughs. “That is absolutely me. I write my own stuff, but I definitely draw inspiration from those types of genres. I love a blend of alternative rock with like a folk, reggae edge. That probably sounds like a really weird combination.”
“No, I love that.” I smile. “Anyone willing to experiment with their creativity is on the right path if you ask me. Fusing different styles of music is a great way to play and have fun. And then you end up with a sound that’s just yours, you know? I’d love to hear your stuff sometime.”
His sweet smile tells me I’ve just made his day.
“Maybe you can bump him up the list,” Vicky suggests. “I’d come hear you play at Offside.”
“Thanks.” He smiles at her, and I take that moment to wiggle my eyebrows at Tyrell. This date is going great. Maybe our best one yet!
Surely Ty’s getting the sense too, right?
So why isn’t he smiling?
Why is he studying the menu like the only thing on there is snails soaked in vinegar?