Out on the Serve (Out in College 7)

“Sky has it. His is a piece of shit, and he needed mine to get to work. I meant to ask you earlier, but I got sidetracked.” His pointed look was followed by a subtle blink aimed at Braden.

I returned it with a kick in the shins and a phony smile. “What were you gonna do if I said no?” I huffed.

“I’d find a ride. Tucker is my last resort ’cause his truck smells like gym socks, but I bet he’d take me, wouldn’t ya, bud?” Colby wrapped his arm around Tucker’s neck and gave him a noogie.

Tucker responded with an elbow to the gut and motioned for Colby to get out of the booth. “Move it. I’m gonna order.”

I chuckled at their hijinks, then dug my keys from my pocket and handed them to Colby as he stood. Colby fist-bumped Tucker, who made a beeline to the bar before turning to Braden and me.

“Nice to meet you, Braden. And welcome to the neighborhood. I’m sure I’ll see you around sometime. Later, El. Thanks for the wheels. Text me where you want me to drop your car off. And don’t worry, I’ll be sweet to her. I’ll even spring for gas.”

“Please do,” I snarked.

I watched Colby’s retreating form and swallowed hard. It was just us now. Braden and me, sitting next to each other in an almost empty café. Next to each other, I repeated in my head as I stealthily inched away.

“Your friends are cool,” Braden said.

“Yeah. They are. Thanks for playing this morning. You’re officially invited to jump in whenever you can.”

“Thanks. I may take you up on that.”

I smiled. “When do you find out if you got a part in the play?”

“Late next week or the week after. I auditioned for the part of Solinus. I’m not sure if that was a reach or not. The director said ‘Great job’ and all that stuff, but he was looking at my chest at the time, so who knows. I think I have a decent—”

“Sorry about the wait. Your nachos are on the way. Is there anything else I can get you?” a familiar voice asked, setting three fresh ice waters on the table.

I thanked the waiter and—fuck.

Just. Fuck.

“Uh…”

“Elliot. Hey.” Drew’s friendly smile slipped as he cast a curious look between Braden and me. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too.” I gave a weak laugh and inclined my head. “Do you work here?”

“Yeah, I picked up a second gig. It’s good money in the summertime. I thought I mentioned it yesterday.”

No, he hadn’t mentioned it. Or maybe he had and I’d tuned him out, thinking it was best not to ask probing questions. My newfound ability to mentally distance myself felt really fucking good. Now my ex-boyfriend probably thought I was in stalker-mode, hoping for a hint he might want to make an official coffee date and get the ball rolling on a redo. I didn’t want that at all.

But the truth was, I’d spent months spinning over this guy. Months.

I’d been head over heels for Drew. He was six two with longish dark hair, a winning smile, and a runner’s physique. I’d been attracted to his toned body, his silvery-blue eyes, and yes…his experience. I liked that he was out and proud and confident as fuck. It felt life-affirming to be with him. And I was devastated when he ended it. I had actually thought I’d loved him.

Thank God I never said it out loud. You can’t take shit like that back.

I’m over it now, I reminded myself as I introduced Braden and my ex. “Drew, this is Braden.”

Drew’s smile faltered slightly before perking up again. “Hi, nice to meet you. I should get to work. Did you want to order anything to go with the nachos?”

“No, thanks,” Braden said when I didn’t reply.

Drew inclined his head and moved on.

I rubbed my neck and let out a beleaguered sigh. “What are the chances of running into an ex two days in a row?”

“You should buy a lottery ticket.”

“Ha. Ha.”

Braden bumped my shoulder. “You know, he thinks we’re together. Like on a date.”

“I doubt it.” I frowned as I scanned the café. The lunch crowd had descended, and it was much busier than earlier. “I wonder where Tucker went.”

“He’s at the bar talking to a cute girl. And your ex”—Braden paused to glance at the neighboring table—“is looking this way. He’s jealous.”

“Again…I doubt it. Drew dumped me. He’s not jealous.”

“Hmm. Sophie told me about him.”

I gaped incredulously. “Are you kidding me? What’d she say?”

Braden grimaced. “Sorry. It was no big deal. She didn’t give any details. She just said you were pining.”

“Pining,” I repeated. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

“You know how she is. She’s a nervous talker. She didn’t divulge state secrets, I promise.”

“Thank God I didn’t tell her any,” I snarked.