11. Chapter 11
Chapter eleven
Warlock
The following Saturday, we’re back at McQueen’s on trivia night, which always draws an interesting and diverse crowd.
We’re midway through our meal when I spot Nash downstairs, working the room with a drink in his hand. People stop him to take photos, backslap him, and shake his hand. Eventually, he wanders upstairs and enters the dining room.
When Ricochet sees Nash, he starts squirming in his seat. “Fucking hell, that’s Nash McQueen.” His head swivels, checking to see if we’re as spellbound as he is. “Do you see that? It’s Nash fucking McQueen in the flesh. Oh fuck, he’s coming this way.”
When our eyes connect, Nash makes his way to our table, shaking my hand with a smile. “Hey, Warlock. Good to see you again, man.”
“Again?” Ricochet echoes, unable to take his eyes off Nash.
“Nash, meet my friends. This is Pony, Hawk, Nitro, Ricochet, and Doc.” I go around the table, gesturing to each as I say their name.
“Nice to meet you guys.”
He sets his glass down, steals a chair from a nearby table, placing it next to Ricochet, and sits with us.
Nash gets Tallahassee’s attention and subtly points to the empty pitcher.
She responds with a single nod of understanding.
By the time she takes care of a couple of other customers and comes back with a new pitcher, we’re acting like we’ve all known each other for years.
Nash glances around the table after Tallahassee disappears again. “You guys interested in coming to a game?”
“Hell yeah!”
Nash catches Ricochet’s eye and smiles at his enthusiastic response.
“Any plus ones?” He turns and asks me, “Do you think your dad would be interested?”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’d really like that. Thanks, Nash.”
Ricochet tries not to stare, but he isn’t having much luck. Once in a while, Nash glances back at him, forcing Ricochet to avert his eyes, trying to pretend he isn’t gawking.
Eventually, Nash tips his head toward him and lowers his voice, but I’m close enough to hear their interaction.
“Are you fangirling on me, Ricochet?”
Ricochet sputters and coughs. “Pfft. What?” He gives his head a vigorous shake. “No.”
“Well, that’s too bad.” Nash grins at him and leans in closer. “Because I’m fangirling over you a little.”
Ricochet freezes and his eyes go wide. “Wait. Uh, what? Are you talking to me?”
“Yeah, gorgeous. I’m talking to you.”
I use my glass to hide my smile at the thunderstruck expression on Ricochet’s blushing face.
This could get interesting.
“I wish I could stay longer, but I’ve got some business to attend to.” Nash pushes to his feet. “I’ll give Tallahassee some tickets. You guys can work out the logistics with her. Great meeting all of you.”
His attention lingers on Ricochet before he knocks twice on the table and leaves.
“What. The. Fuck. Just. Happened?” Ricochet mutters as soon as Nash is out of sight. He’s still blushing like a fucking schoolgirl when he lays into me. “How the hell do you know Nash McQueen?”
“How does he know your dad?” Nitro asks.
“My dad and I went to Tallahassee’s folks for dinner.”
“You ate dinner with Nash McQueen?” Ricochet snaps.
“Dude, seriously. Rein it in, man,” Hawk chastises. “Your tongue is practically hanging out. I’m telling you, it’s not an attractive look.”
Ricochet flips him the bird.
“You met her parents?” Doc asks, ignoring Hawk and Ricochet.
I can’t help grinning at the memory. “I did. We had a great time.”
“You must really like this woman,” Pony says.
My gaze finds her across the room. “Yeah, I do.” I don’t try to hide my smile. “She’s something special.”