67. Grady #2
I know what he’s worried about. We’ll make him go and talk to some random girl.
She’ll smile and flirt because she’s not stupid.
Tyrell’s quality—it’s easy to see that. And then after a few dates, he won’t be feeling it, and then he’ll have to do the whole “not sure I want to pursue this” speech.
He’s said it plenty of times before, but surely there’s a girl out there who can get him past the two-to-three-date window.
“I believe in you, man,” I say again as I open the door to Offside that night.
“Shut up,” he softly mumbles, walking past me into the bar.
Carson snickers as he follows. Nylah’s got his hand and is already waving at someone on the dance floor.
Sienna bounces in behind her, all bright and cheerful. She dropped Zoey off at Coach Jones’s place about a half hour ago, and Mrs. Jones is in heaven having a little one in the house again. Nylah’s sister has already set up a tea party apparently. I had to hear all about it on the car ride here.
Zander and I stayed quiet while the girls gushed about how cute Zoey is. I could see his lips twitching in the rearview mirror, though. Yep, that man adores his little girl.
Wily and Satch are already waiting for us inside.
They scored us a great table between the dance floor and the dartboards.
His arm’s around her shoulders, his protective hand keeping her close as she darts her eyes around.
She’s so obviously out of her comfort zone, but I’m glad she’s here.
It means a lot to me that she wants to celebrate Blake’s new beginning.
Zander and I head straight to the bar, ordering a round of drinks, and the first hour flies by. It’s all laughter over french fries and pizza, teasing as we try to pick out a girl for Tyrell to flirt with.
He’s squirming, shaking his head and telling us to “Stop, already. I don’t need anyone’s damn help to find me a girl. This is officially the worst idea you guys have ever had.”
“We know you can find yourself a girl, man,” Wily tells him. “It’s about finding the right girl.”
“And you guys are all experts?” He shoots a skeptical frown around the table.
“Hey, we’ve all scored.”
He scoffs. “You lucked out. You didn’t pursue shit.
These girls found you .” Pointing at each of them, he lists it off.
“Baby mama appears back in your life. Coach’s daughter throws a football at you.
Tutor Girl is allocated to you. And you…
” He gives me a little frown. “Actually, when did you and Blake get that spark? How did it happen?”
“Oh, um…” I squirm in my seat, flashing her an awkward look and wondering what the fuck I’m supposed to say here.
Blake grins. “The truth is, he walked in on me when I was butt-ass naked in the bathroom.”
“What?” Wily sits up with a growl.
I shrink into my seat, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Yep, that’s right.” My girlfriend continues to bury me. “I was shaving my legs, and he walked in on it, stood frozen, gaping at me for a second, and got himself an impressive hard-on. It was pretty beautiful, actually.”
“Stop,” I beg her, just waiting for Wily to jump out of his seat and thump me.
Satch giggles, slapping a hand over his mouth as Nylah starts howling with laughter.
Blake nudges me, her smile pure sunshine as she laughs out the rest. “I’m pretty sure he fell in love with me on the spot.”
I groan, covering my eyes and getting a sharp kick under the table.
“Ow!” I wince and drop my hand to glare at Wily. “I didn’t jump her in the bathroom, man.”
“That’s true,” she backs me up. “He was a perfect gentleman.”
“Yeah, right,” Wily mutters darkly, and Blake starts giggling all over again.
“Love you, shithead,” she sings.
“Shut up,” he grumbles, his lips twitching as he gives his sister a side-eye, then mutters, “Love you, too, butt face.”
Tyrell sits there shaking his head, still laughing while I rise in my chair and glide my arm around Blake’s waist. Perching my chin on her shoulder, I kiss her cheek when she leans into me, then watch Tyrell jolt in his seat, knocking his beer glass over.
It’s basically empty, so only a dribble spills out, but he doesn’t even notice.
We all stare at him, but he’s too busy looking over his shoulder.
“You good?” Zander asks him, but Tyrell doesn’t seem to hear .
He’s already rising from his chair and walking across to the bar.
“Where’s he going?” Sienna asks, righting his beer glass before looking up to see where he is.
“No idea.”
Nylah’s eyebrows arch when she leans to the side to get a better view. “Looks like he’s heading for that cutie behind the bar.”
“Do you think he knows her?” Blake pops a fry into her mouth.
We all crane our necks as he calls something and the woman with the stunning smile turns, her face lighting with surprise.
Her springy curls bounce as she rushes down the bar, laughing and slapping the counter in front of him.
“They seem to know each other,” Satch murmurs.
Wily runs his fingers down her arm. “Wonder what the connection is.”
“He’ll tell us when he’s ready.” Carson leans back in his chair. “Stop gawking at them, you guys.”
We reluctantly turn away, and I shift my focus to the prettiest girl in the room.
She grins at me, her blue eyes dancing as I brush my finger down her cheek, then tuck one of her curls behind her ear. “Wanna dance or somethin’? Or we could play pool.”
“I’m up for pool.” Nylah slaps the table and rises from her chair. “Come on, Caveman. Let me kick your ass.”
“Kick my ass? At pool? Kitten, you’re dreaming.”
She laughs. “Prove me wrong, then, hotshot.”
“Oh, I have got to see this.” Sienna jumps up from her chair, following Nylah as she pulls Carson out of his seat and drags him to the tables.
I watch them go before turning back to Blake for an answer.
She tips her head, pursing her lips, and then that cute nose of hers wrinkles. “I’d rather go stargazing. You up for it?”
My smile grows in an instant. “Now we’re talkin’.” Turning to Wily, I’m about to ask if I can borrow his truck, but he’s already holding out his keys for me. “Thanks, man. You want us to come back and collect you in an hour or so?”
“Nah, we can catch a ride with someone else.”
I squeeze the keys in my palm, giving him a grateful smile. He nods, silently telling me to look after her, but he doesn’t need to keep doing that. I’ll always look after Blake.
We say goodbye, waving to the others, who are already setting up the pool balls.
“Catch you later!” Zander calls, and I cast one more look over my shoulder.
Tyrell’s still caught up in an animated conversation, and my curiosity is piqued. Hopefully he’ll tell all when he gets home… although I doubt it. The guy likes to keep to himself as much as he can.
Focusing back on the girl beside me, I drive her to the closest lookout, heading down the dark road until we pop out to a view that overlooks Nolan. The lights twinkle below us, but we climb into the back of Wily’s truck and gaze up at the stars instead.
Blake snuggles against my chest, letting out a blissful sigh that’s peaceful and sweet .
I think she’s finally found it.
That peace I was hoping the forest would provide.
It’s a humbling privilege to know that she’s finding it with me.
Brushing my lips across her forehead, I squeeze her tight against me and silently promise to never let her go.
Because I’ve found my peace with her too. And I can’t imagine it feeling any better than this.