Only Him (Only One 1)

“What? Why not?”

I shrug. “I just don’t. Things happen due to actions, not because of some special universe game.”

“You’re just jaded. I bet you’ll think differently in a few months.”

“Doubtful.” I move around the kitchen counter and into the other room to find my shoes.

“You’re all dressed up for a date and now you’re packing food. Are you cooking?” she asks with way too much enthusiasm.

“Yes,” I say, then explain what I’m making.

“Then eatingherfor dessert?” She waggles her brows.

I groan and grab my shit. “I’m leaving now.”

“Alright, have fun! I won’t wait up for you,” she calls out, snorting. “Don’t be loud when you come home tomorrow morning.”

“You need to get a life so you can stay out of mine,” I tease.

“Don’t count on it since you’ll be marrying and making babies with my best friend.” She smirks when I shake my head and open the door. “Which means no using protection! You can’t make a baby that way.”

“You should stop drinking before five. It’s a bad habit.” She’s gotta be wasted if she’s talking about marriage and kids.

“It’s almost six,” she gloats.

“Then by all means, get smashed.”

“Not that I need your permission, but Ruby and I are hanging out at the pub later tonight.”

“What about Katie?”

“She couldn’t find a sitter.”

I would’ve offered to hang out with Owen if I didn’t already have plans.

“Okay, well I gotta go. Behave yourself,” I mock, then walk to the car and load everything.

By the time I park in Gemma’s driveway, I’m a ball of nerves. I shouldn’t be this damn anxious, but I am.

Grabbing my stuff, I go to her door and knock. As I inhale a deep breath, she opens it and beams at me.

“Wow,” I exhale and scan my eyes down her blue dress that coincidentally matches my shirt. “You look beautiful.”

Breathtaking, actually.

“Thank you.” She licks her lips and blushes. I love when her cheeks tint that shade of pink. “And you look quite handsome yourself.” Gemma steps back, allowing me to enter. “Did you get a haircut?”

I chuckle as I head to the kitchen. “I did.”

Then I tell her about the guy who recommended the place and fill her in on Everleigh’s shopping scheme as I unload the items.

“I can’t believe you fell for that.” She laughs as she opens the bottle of wine I brought. Gemma pours it into two glasses, then hands one over.

“She’s feistier than I remember,” I defend. “When I left, she was a sweet angel. You and Katie must be to blame.”

“Trust me, she was anything butsweet. She was handing out condoms at a school fundraiser.”

I take a sip of my drink and nearly choke. “Wait, what?”