Chapter 43
Archer
Elle is out with Vi and Sadie for wedding things. I’m spending a free day with Tyson, Deej and Cameron. Deej was the one who called us all together. We’re back at Old Mill tucked away in a corner. Out of sight, out of mind type of seating.
“Alright, you assholes,” Deej says as he sets down a tray of beers for us. “I know you all have the bet going, and I do not want any sore losers.”
“Sore losers… You son of a bitch!” Ty jumps up giving Deej a hug. It dawns on me only a few seconds later.
“You proposed?! Holy shit! Congratulations man!” I fly out of my seat to give him a hug.
Cameron joins the bro hug huddle. “Not to be that guy but…”
Ty slugs him on the shoulder. “Let the man give us the exact date before you start collecting your winnings.”
“It was last weekend, after the game against the Sentinels. Mack was just looking so fine and all my plans for the proposal being on our anniversary just left my brain.
There was an impromptu romantic dinner, and there was crying on both mine and Mack’s part.
So yeah, we’re engaged now.” Deej says his smile lighting up his whole face.
“Mack wants to have everyone over after the season to celebrate properly but since we are now in full holiday mode and then will hopefully be in playoff mode soon after, it has to wait, but that’s fine, I never minded the thought of a long engagement. ”
“I’m so fucking happy for you!” I give him another hug. “And we let you buy the first round! That’s completely unacceptable!”
He laughs. “Well you guys can get the rest of the rounds and appetizers then.”
The three of us agree. We finish the first round and then I make my way up to the bar, Tyson follows me. “So Deej is engaged, that’s pretty exciting.”
“Yeah it is.” I’m not sure where Ty is going with this.
“We’re definitely getting plus ones. Which I guess has me thinking of who I’m going to bring.”
“They haven’t even set a date yet and you’re thinking of who you’re bringing? What is this actually about?” I ask, my suspicion growing.
Some Fun Facts about Tyson McCreary.
1. He is my best friend.
2. He dips his French fries in mayonnaise. It’s vile.
3. He’s a cat lover, but has only ever had dogs.
4. He’s afraid of geese after being chased by one as a little kid.
And finally:
5. He is the most confident and self-assured person; man or woman, that I have ever met.
So him faltering and acting weird as hell about a date to our good friend’s future but completely unplanned wedding, completely out of character for him.
“Okay, you’re my best friend in the whole wide world and I’m so happy that you met Ellie, you know that right?”
“Right?”
“You know I adore Ellie, and I hope that you two make it.”
“Okay?”
“Well thanks to you two doing the horizontal tango, I think I may have met the girl of my dreams.”
Ah. There it is. “Sadie.” I deadpan.
“Yes” He pauses. “Was it that obvious?”
“I mean not at first but since Halloween. Yeah, you two have been real cozy.”
“So, you’re cool with me asking her out, like officially?”
“Why the hell are you asking me?”
“Well could you run the idea by Ellie first. Her opinion probably matters more in this situation than yours does.” He jokes. But if we’re being honest, I think that’s more of a truth than a joke.
“Ty, buddy, it’s cute that you think Ellie doesn’t already know. There are absolutely zero secrets between her and Sadie. Like they go lingerie shopping together.”
“Do they really?!” Ty perks up. “Like do they help each other get dressed? That’s kind of hot.”
“I’m going to stop you right there.”
“Right.” Ty grins as I try to glare at him. Truth be told, I’m thrilled he wants to make things official with Sadie. Ever since his Momma’s diagnosis he hasn’t really dated, this is a big step for him. His life for the past eight years has been football, romance novels and his Momma’s health.
“I am truly happy and excited for you.” I say as we grab the beers and head back to Deej and Cameron.
Cameron somehow harangued Deej into calling all the guys who are in on the bet to tell them the news. Which is how half the defensive line and several members of special teams and six of our O-linemen end up at the brewery with us.
We’re celebrating when Coach Pierson walks in.
We go silent. It feels like being busted drinking by your parents in high school.
He looks around, throws his hands up and proclaims. “The next round is on me. Congrats DJ!” Coach smiles as he makes his way over to our group.
Thank God we have a day to recover from tonight before we play, I have a feeling we are going to need it.