Chapter Fourteen
Weston
“Just think, you’ve lived in New York City for a decade, and you’ve never seen a Broadway show.” Amy is basically bouncing as she leads the way to our seats. Parker has her hand, because they’re suddenly a thing now—ever since Valentine’s Day.
Good for them. It’s about time he gave into his feelings for her.
I shrug my shoulders at the remark about my lack of getting out there. “I guess I just never saw the point of watching a bunch of people dance around on stage. I’m not big on musicals.”
Amy makes a face, like I just committed a cardinal sin. “But it’s Broadway.”
“I mean, she has a point,” Parker surprisingly agrees. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and even I’ve gone to one. Well . . .” He pauses, giving her a smile. “Two, now.”
She giggles this sweet little laugh and leans into his side as they head down the aisle to locate our seats. Their puppy love is sweet, really. More power to them for finding it with each other. And I have to admit, I’m a little jealous.
Or maybe a lot.
I keep putting myself out there and continue to fail. And the fact that even Parker —the biggest grump and cynic I know—has managed to land someone has me wondering…
What the heck is wrong with me?
“Earth to Wes.” Parker snaps his fingers at me, and I realize he’s now sitting in the end seat of the row, Amy adjusting herself beside him. “Are you just going to stand there in the aisle all night?”
I shake my head a little more manically than I should and slip past them, finding the seat on the other side of Amy. The seat beside me is empty, and for some reason, that’s actually a relief. I’m usually an extrovert, but tonight I’m in a mood.
“You know, I think you and Parker are switching places,” Amy says to me, her words confusing.
I cock a brow at her. “Huh? You want us to switch seats?”
She bursts into a fit of her bubbly laughter. “No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I just mean that you’re turning into a bit of a grump, and Parker seems a lot more … bright.”
“That’s because he’s in love.” I state it like she should know, because she is the one who’s the cause behind it.
Her cheeks blush, and it’s obvious even in the dim lighting of the theater. “Well, yeah … I suppose so.” She looks over at Parker, who grabs her hand and brings it to his lap. It’s such a sweet gesture, and so unlike him.
But I gotta smile for him.
I am happy for him.
I’m just bitter for me.
“Excuse me.” A light, airy voice cuts into my thoughts as my knees are bumped. I glance up, seeing a striking brunette in a red dress peering down at me. There’s another woman behind her.
“Sorry.” I adjust to let her by, noting that she’s probably around my age. And as luck would have it, she takes the seat just on the other side of me.
Maybe I don’t want to sit alone after all.
She gives me a smile as she eases down, holding her clutch in her hand. “Have you ever been to a Broadway show before?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I’ve lived in the city for nearly a decade and this is my first time. Apparently, that’s shocking.” I chuckle, and her blue eyes seem to light up at my laugh. “What about you?”
“I’ve been more times than I can count.” She giggles, flipping some of her perfectly-styled hair over her shoulder. “I’ve lived in the city for a few years now, and this is my favorite thing to do.”
“That’s cool,” I respond. “I’m Wes.”
“Natalie.” She gives me her hand as her dark lashes bat in my direction, her eyes seeming to flirt—or just be overly friendly. She’s beautiful, but before I can say anything more, the lights grow dark and the show begins.
“What did you think?” Amy turns to me as the lights brighten.
I shrug. “It was cool. I’d do it again.” I glance at Natalie, and then back at Amy, who is giving me a weird look. “What?”
“You should ask her out,” Amy mouths, nodding slightly to Natalie.
My face heats up and I shake my head. “I don’t know.”
“You should,” Amy pushes, blocking the aisle so that I’m stuck … and so is everyone else trying to exit. “You should do it.”
I purse my lips together, not wanting to argue with her, because I’m not opposed to asking Natalie out, but the fear of rejection lingers more heavily in my chest than normal tonight. And something just doesn’t feel quite right about trapping Natalie in the aisle and demanding a date.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and turn around, preparing to tell Natalie that I’m sorry my best friend’s matchmaking girlfriend is blocking us in. Instead, she smiles up at me.
“You should just ask me out.” Her eyes are alight with amusement as her red lips curl upward.
“See!” Amy swats my arm.
I can pretty much feel the eye roll coming from Parker as he’s forced to wait and watch this play out. “Well.” I swallow hard. “Can I have your phone number so we can schedule a time to meet up? Maybe get coffee or lunch?”
Natalie nods with what I think is excitement as I pull my phone out. She extends her hands as I pull up the contact list, and I watch as she puts her number in there. Then, she opens a message to the number, and sends my name to her.
She’s really making sure we don’t mess this up.
And that starts feeling a lot like hope. Like she might actually want to go out on a date with me. I don’t know why it suddenly feels shocking, when in reality, I’ve had this moment happen plenty of times.
It’s all just been a disaster lately.
“Here.” Natalie hands it back to me, and I take it, giving her a more confident grin.
“I’ll hit you up when I get home so we can make plans.”
“Perfect.” She shoots me a little wink, then spins around, exiting the opposite way with her friend, who must’ve gotten tired of the obstruction named Amy. I turn back around to shoo Amy out of the row of seats, and she giggles proudly to herself as we finally make our exit.
“That was so cute,” Amy gushes as she links her arm with Parker’s. “I think they had some real chemistry, don’t you?”
Parker’s brow raises slightly as he smirks over at me. “I don’t know. Weston lands a lot of first dates, but rarely any second ones.”
“Whatever,” I shoot back, rolling my eyes. “I can’t help it that I can land them, but I can’t keep them.” Insecurity flutters in my chest, and I mull over the thought as I follow the two of them out of the building and to the rideshare car Parker ordered.
Honestly, he has a point.
I don’t know why I can’t ever seem to have an actual girlfriend. Part of me thinks it might be that I’m too nerdy and weird once people get to know me. Or maybe I’m just too much.
The only woman I’ve been able to connect effortlessly with is … Brittany.
It’s just too bad that she’s my best friend’s little sister, and totally off-limits. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy our secret little card exchange over the past few weeks.
I wonder if she liked my Valentine’s Day Card.
I chuckle at the memory of the toilet bowl on the cover. I figured it might cheer her up on what is otherwise a depressing day for single folks. Trust me, I would know.
“Come on,” Amy calls out to me as she slides into the back seat of the SUV. “You don’t want to get left! We’ll drop you off first.”
I jerk my brain back into function mode and climb into the SUV.
Amy sits in the middle and Parker on the driver’s side.
I ride in mostly silence, listening to Amy drone on and on about how much she enjoyed the evening.
Parker chuckles and listens to her the entire time, and I wonder, momentarily, how her bubbly personality doesn’t feel overwhelming.
But then again, Parker is a little underwhelming.
“First stop,” the driver calls out.
I bid everyone good night, then climb out, heading for my apartment complex. I still haven’t texted Natalie to schedule a date, but I tell myself that I will once I get inside and get settled.
I yawn as I slip through the doors, but before I can get to the elevator, one of the managers waves me down. I turn to him, trying to remember his name. “Hey…”
“Hey, you got a package,” he tells me, holding out a medium-sized box. “It came yesterday, but I didn’t see you.”
I nod. “Not a problem, thank you.” I take the box, glancing down at the label on it. My heart skips a beat as I see Brittany’s name right there, on the sender’s address.
What could she have possibly sent me?
A renewed sense of excitement fills my chest as I head for the elevator. I smash the button for my floor and then make the trip as quickly as I can. I set my phone and keys down on the kitchen counter as soon as I’m inside, then tear into the box, seeing its contents.
I pull out a carefully-wrapped present, and in big letters it says, “Do NOT Open First.” I chuckle and go for the card, tearing it open. It’s a Valentine’s Day card, but it’s been marked through with a sharpie. I flip it open.
Wes,
It’s a little late for me to return the Valentine’s Day sentiment, but as it turns out, I’m right on time for National Cat Day! So, I hope you have an amazing Cat Day, and spend it celebrating the felines that make this day what it is.
I also just want to admit that sending snail mail is kind of exciting. Also, since it is National Cat Day, I included a gift that I felt would be fitting for this celebration. I hope you enjoy.
Sincerely,
Brittany
P.S. How are things going for you? I heard that Parker and Amy are finally official. I’m happy for them. Who would’ve thought my brother could actually find love?
I close the card, chuckling to myself as I set it on my counter. I then turn to the package of red paper, and tear into it. My chuckle morphs into a full-blown laugh as I uncover a Siamese Cat stuffed animal, complete with a collar and tag. I lean in and flip the name tag.
Polly
“Well, welcome home, Polly,” I say to the fake cat, petting her on the head. Honestly, I’m not a fan of cats, but I suppose a fake one isn’t so bad. I drum my fingers on the granite for a few moments, pondering over what I could do for Brittany in return.
I mean, she just sent me a cat in the mail. There’s no way I can’t not return the gesture. I’ve never had a pen pal of sorts before, but I do know one thing is for sure…
I’m going to ensure that it’s epic.