42 Hours (Time for Love 3)

Before I could respond to that, TJ butted in, “What the fuck does go after Gaby mean? What about Brock?”

I knew that TJ would think of his friend, but he had to know that I had nothing against the guy … But Gaby was mine.

“Look, TJ, I have nothing against Brock, he’s a good dude. I’ve seen what he’s done for you and Cal, and he’s always treated Gaby right. But they’re not serious, so I don’t feel like I’m stepping on his back to get to Gaby.” I looked at my friends, desperate for them to see where I was coming from. “You both know about me and Gaby … We have a history, and although things haven’t worked out for us so far, I think now might be the time. She’s the one, guys. I’m happiest when I’m with her … I actually like the man I am when I’m with her.”

“So, you want her because she makes you feel better about yourself?” Cal asked, his question cutting me to the quick.

“Do you really believe that I’d do that? You know me better than anyone,” I asked, anger apparent in my voice.

Cal’s dark eyes deepened, and he shook his head. “Shit, no, Scott, that was a dick thing to say, but this is Gaby. She’s my family too, and I don’t want you to come after her, fresh off your breakup, unless you’re absolutely sure.”

“Yeah, man … I’m not gonna lie, the thought of you two together makes me all tingly and shit,” TJ said, “but I don’t want either of you to get hurt. You have to be a hundred percent on this, and it has to be for the right reasons.”

“It is,” I assured them. “It’s always been Gaby, I just never thought she’d go for a guy like me. She could do so much better, but I’m hoping she doesn’t. I’m hoping she feels for me the way I do for her. Prom night was amazing. And not because of the sex. I mean, shit … neither of us had a clue what we were doing. It was everything else. We stayed up all night talking. She gets me, and I get her, and I know that she is the woman that I want to wake up to every day.”

Cal and TJ looked at each other, then back at me, both of them breaking out into excited grins.

“Shit, this will make Shelly lose her mind,” Cal said with a chuckle. “She’s been shipping you two ever since she found out about prom night.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” TJ asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“Some chick shit, never mind,” Cal replied, quickly changing the subject. “What’s your plan?”

I waited while the waitress gave us each another round, then looked at the best friends a guy could ever wish for.

“My plan was to pick her up and drive there together, then spend the weekend showing her what life together could be like,” I said, then narrowed my eyes at TJ. “Then someone had to go and invite Brock along for the weekend.”

“Sorry, dude,” TJ said with a shrug. “How was I to know you were planning to go all Notebook on Gaby this weekend. I’m not a mind reader.”

When Cal and I just looked at TJ, he asked, “What? Sasha made me watch it. It was actually a pretty good flick.”

I just shook my head then replied, “I know, it just makes things more difficult. I’m not trying to make an enemy for life, or mess thing up between you guys and your friend, but I’m not waiting around any longer. I’m willing to fight for her in any way that I have to.”

“You said there’s that country bar down the road; we’ll take the girls dancing. You know how Gaby loves to two-step,” Cal said. Since he’d planned eight romantic dates to get Shelly to fall for him again, when their marriage was about to fail, I figured he knew what he was talking about, so I listened. “Plus, you know she loves bonfires and s’mores and stuff, so make sure you pick up everything we’ll need to make that happen.”

“Maybe a picnic, just the two of you,” TJ added. “We can find something else to do on Saturday, leave you guys alone … You can suggest a picnic and a swim or something. Girls like to see guys half naked and wet.”

I just looked at him.

“What?” TJ asked with a grin. “Shit’s true … I’ve got proof.”

I just shook my head at him, about to say something sarcastic, when my phone rang. I looked at the screen and saw it was Gaby.

I answered it, “Hey, Gabs, what’s up?”

“Hi, Scott, I hope this isn’t a bad time.”

“Not at all, I’m actually having a drink with Cal and TJ.”

“Oh, tell them I said hi.”

“Gaby says hi,” I said to the guys.

TJ winked and yelled out, “Hi, Gaby!”

This caused her to laugh quietly in my ear, which caused the blood to rush out of my head. Her voice sounded breathy and soft.

“Anyway, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Kat, and I’m good to go to the lake this weekend. Are you still good with picking me up after work on Friday?” she asked.