“Give me tonight, man. Jamie’s going back home to Chicago tomorrow. Just give me tonight with her without Liv trying to play matchmaker.”
I watch as he finishes off the Coke sitting in front of him. He’s never been one to drink and drive, and I know he’s just biding his time like I am until my sister gets home. “You got it. I’m heading out. I told Liv I’d be at her place when she gets there.”
“Later, man.”
David waves and walks out the door.
“Hey, Beth,” I say to my lead night server. “I’m taking off for the night. You need anything, just call.”
“Go!” she says excitedly. “We’ve got this. You work too much, Mike.”
I nod, toss the rag I was using to wipe the bar into the sink and head back to my office. I quickly shut down my laptop, pack it up and head home. I need to pick up a little before leaving to get Jamie.
“Who you texting?” Whit asks from her seat beside me. Kinley and Olivia are up front.
Olivia turns to look at me. “My brother?” she asks, excitement in her voice.
My face heats. “He offered to keep me company tonight while all of you are snuggled up with your significant others,” I respond, trying for nonchalant and failing miserably.
“He’s a great guy,” Kinley says quickly, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror before looking back at the road.
“He is.” Whitney reaches over and squeezes my hand. “He’s also easy on the eyes,” she giggles.
My best friend is so damn happy here.
“Ewww,” Liv laughs, while Kinley nods her agreement. “But for the sake of wanting to see him happy, he’s a handsome man. I mean, he is my brother, after all.” She grins.
That has us all laughing at her. “It’s just two people hanging out. I go back home tomorrow. I’m a city girl, and you can’t take that boy out of the country.”
“You know, a year ago I would’ve agreed with you,” Whit says from beside me. “Now?” She looks down at the diamond shining on her finger. “Now all I can say is to keep your mind and your heart open. Life is full of surprises, and if you keep yourself closed off, you’ll never be ab
le to experience the miracles it sends your way.”
“Listen to you, all philosophical,” Liv teases.
“Love does that to you,” Whit says.
Kinley pulls into the driveway and puts her SUV in Park. Aaron walks out on the wraparound porch with Walker on his hip, Evan right behind him holding Lex. She turns in her seat to face us. “He loves you,” she tells Whit. “I’ve never seen him this happy. Thank you for that.”
“I love him too, more than I could ever put into words.”
“She’s right, you know,” Kinley says to me. “I never would’ve thought this is where life would’ve led me, but look at me now. That man”—she points over her shoulder—“and those kids are everything to me.”
“He’s into you,” Liv says. “Ever since you visited back in the summer. He’s never admitted it, but he doesn’t have to. I see the way he listens intently when your name is brought up, the way his eyes sparkle when I tell him to reach out to you.”
“Guys, come on. I know he’s a great guy, but it’s just not possible to be more.”
“Never say never, my friend,” Whit says just as there’s a knock on the window.
Turning our heads, we see Aaron standing at the driver window, baby Walker tapping on the glass and wearing a huge grin.
“He’s the cutest,” Whit laughs.
“Looks like girls’ day is over,” Liv says. “I need to get going anyway. David’s waiting on me at my place.”
“Thanks for today,” Whitney gushes. “I’m so excited to have the three of you be a part of this.”
“We love you,” we all say in unison, laughing as we do.