Chapter 7
Liam
The guys have beenbugging me about details on how it’s going on with matches, and honestly not sure if I want them to know. They are so immature sometimes, and one of them literally only asks if I've gotten laid yet. Don’t mind Jeff, he’s only twenty-one and a total whore, but Pedro is more interest how it's been going.
After taking a short nap, we play a round or two of poker to pass the time. Of course, he kicks my ass because I suck at this game, but really I use it to tell him about Harper. When I tell him about our second date, he is laughing.
“Please tell me you’re kidding. She actually told you that?”
“Apparently, women think not shoveling food into your mouth is sexy. Who knew!”
My phone buzzes against the card table inside the station as I wait for my shift to be over. Just ten more minutes. Ever realize that when it comes to that last ten minutes of a work shift, time seems to slow, and that block of time takes three to four times the normal to pass? Story of my life when we don’t get any calls, but at least no one loses their homes.
Damon: So... details on the dates? Tessa won’t stop bugging me for an update.
Crap. I forgot to call. It’s actually nice to see my brother taking an interest in my dating life, but mostly because it proves that we’ve gotten closer recently. He just wants me to be happy and now that he has Tessa, it’s become more forefront in his mind. Being with someone does make a huge difference in how you go through life, and your mental state. They can tear you down or build you up. Tessa and Emily have showed him how important family is for a support system.
Me: How about I come over? See you in 20?
Damon: Cool. Any idea when Aiden comes back?
Our little brother decided to travel to Europe. Weirdly enough, he’s always wanted to go, but the last minute trip calls into question what exactly he is running from? Did he catch a category five clinger at a bar and now she won’t leave him alone? Does he have a crazy stalker? I can’t wait to question him on that when he gets back. I’ll save all the questions for later date.
Me: Supposed to be next week. I guess we will see.
Finally, the clock shows four, and I’m out of here, jumping into my vehicle and heading down Main street toward Damon’s house. I have so much to fill him in on. I can hear him now. “You’ve only been on two dates... slow your roll, brother.”
He should understand better than anyone that people show up in your life when you least expect it. If he hadn’t been one of the responding firefighters the day Tessa’s complex burnt down, they would have never crossed paths. It’s funny how things work out sometimes, and how fate brings people together. Yeah, I know, lame right?
My jeep screeches to a stop in his driveway, and I run inside to get out of the cold. They are all sitting in the living room watching Animal Planet because Emily can’t go a day without watching a special. It’s actually cute. Most kids are obsessed with animated shows but not her. Her love for animals might play a huge part in her career choices later on.
“What’s the special on now?” I ask, plopping down on the couch next to Emily. “Tigers? Sharks?”
Her eyes roll, “seriously? No. It’s koala’s today.”
She never ceases to amaze me how she can be so sweet one minute and total attitude the next. I will pray for them when she hits her teenage years. Those are going to be rough. They say girls are worse at that age than boys. Obviously I don’t have any kids, so I have to go off others that do. Pedro talks about his children all the time, and sometimes he makes rethink the want to have kids. The dude is always stressed to the max, taking up extra work to pay for birthdays, Christmas presents, and just all the sports, and not even including to save up for their college funds. If he isn’t careful, his health will deplete. Yet, it proves another side of the coin, parents will do anything for their children.
Tessa locks eyes with me, like a death stare. “So I’m sick of waiting. You ghosted us on New Year's eve after you left.”
Well, shit I didn't realize my dating life is something that needs to be a public matter. Why is she so interested in this? I want to ask, but it might come off as rude.
“I was on a date, then another one, and then work.”
“No excuses, now dish!” she says, sitting criss-cross on the couch, and facing me so she can really focus.
I go over our first date with her, but being constantly interrupted with questions. The main points are made like being easy to talk to, and how well educated and mannered she is.
“And at the end of the night? Please tell me you didn’t sleep with her on the first date? I always hated men who did that.”
Wow, that’s one hell of a question to ask. Is that really any of her business?
“No, I was a gentleman. We didn’t even kiss.”
Tessa looks at me, then over to Damon.
“What?” I ask.
“What is this girl’s name?”