Page 61 of I Could Never
“Yeah.” I wiped my forehead. “If something was going to happen, it surely would have been under those circumstances. But there’s nothing, so...” I bounced my legs anxiously.
“You think sleeping next to your dead buddy’s girl equates tonothinggoing on? You’re kidding yourself. Maybe nothing happened last night, but it’s bound to eventually.” He shook his head. “I knew something was up.”
“You’re wrong, Neil. If something wasupbetween her and me, I never would’ve said you should go out with her. I don’t share.”
He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms. “I think you were hoping I’d take away your burden—which is the fact that you’ve got the hots for Brad’s fiancée, and you don’t know what the hell to do about it.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re making up stories now.”
“Hey, boys.”
Our heads turned in unison. My father had just arrived.
“Hey.” I stood to hug him. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”
“Neil invited me.”
“I’m glad. I should’ve thought of that.”
My father sat down across from me next to Neil. He looked between us. “Boy, it’s rare that I ever see you two together. Mr. Big City finally gracing us with his presence.”
“I’m sorry, Dad. I know I’ve been a shitty son.”
He frowned. “Who said that? I’m only kidding. I’m damn proud of you—especially for what brought you back to town. Brad is lucky to have a friend like you, looking out for things when he can’t be here.”
Neil snorted.
Jackass.I glared at him.
“What the hell is so funny?” my father asked.
Dad knew I’d been sharing the house with Carly for the past month. I figured I’d beat Neil to the punch so I could at least put a semi-accurate spin on it.
“Neil seems to think I have a thing for Brad’s fiancée.”
“Oh.” He tilted his head. “Is there any truth to that?”
“Not in a serious sense.”
Dad squinted. “What the hell does that mean?”
“I find her attractive—as any warm-blooded man would. And I think she’s a great person. But actually going there is another thing entirely.”
Neil interrupted, “See? That’s more honesty than you gave me. The truth is starting to come out.” He turned to my father. “I went on a date with her last night, Dad.”
Dad blinked in confusion. “Say what?”
“Yeah, she let me down easy. But you should’ve seen the way her face lit up when she was talking about how good Josh is with Scottie. It’s no wonder she had no interest in me.”
The waitress came back by and placed a mug in front of my dad.
“Coffee?” she asked.
He nodded. “What else is there to live for? Thank you.” Then he turned to Neil. “I’m confused. How did you end up on a date with her?”
“I met her the week before at The Bar and didn’t know who she was. She also had no clue I was Josh’s brother.” He pointed to me. “After I figured it all out, this one still encouraged me to go out with her. So I did and immediately felt like a third wheel.”
“He’s blowing it out of proportion,” I insisted.