“Uh, you used to make fun of them until apparently recently, thanks to your sisters-in-law. The question really is, do I even know you at all, Breaker?”
“You tell me.” He grips the steering wheel so he’s only using one hand while the other falls to the armrest, and for a moment, I think about him driving Birdy around. Would he place his hand on her thigh? Would he lace their fingers together? Would he bring their connection to his lips and place a gentle kiss to her perfectly lotioned knuckles? I couldn’t imagine Breaker doing any of this, then again, it’s because I’ve never seen that side of him. Out of all the years we’ve known each other, I’ve never observed him with a woman. “Name my biggest fear.”
“We don’t need to do this,” I say on a sigh.
“Yes, we do.” He pokes my leg. “Come on, what’s my biggest fear? And you’re the only one who knows this.”
“House fire where you can’t get your signed Lord of the Rings memorabilia out of the house fast enough, and you lose it.”
He winces and pats his heart. “Still gets me just thinking about it. My turn, you ask me a question about you.”
“Why are we doing this?”
“To prove to you that we know each other better than any other person and that will never change. So go ahead, ask me a question.”
“Fine. What is my least favorite childhood memory?”
“The day you got your period. You were at a friend’s house for a sleepover and got it in the middle of the night on the sleeping bag you borrowed from your friend. She made you feel bad because you stained it, and then you had to wait for your mom to pick you up. Courtney is a real bitch who I hope burns in hell.”
That makes me smile. “She didn’t have to torment me about the stain, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah, well, hopefully, karma has repaid her in the form of a corn on the bottom of her foot. That shit is painful.”
“One could only hope.”
“Okay, what is my least favorite childhood memory?” he asks.
That’s easy. I remember the day we talked about it. It was our senior year in college. We went to a frat party but ended up chatting on the porch the whole night. We both had a few drinks, but nothing that would impair our cognitive behavior. He leaned back on his hands and told me all about the day he lost his dad.
“When your dad passed away,” I answer softly. “And how you wish you told him you loved him more than you did. How you regret not saying that to him enough. I remember that like it was yesterday because I clung to that and always told my parents I loved them after that.”
He slowly nods. “And you’re the only person who knows that. I never told my brothers. I never told another soul. So I might not talk about the menial things like the girls I take out or hook up with because it has no value to our friendship. But the important things? Those are the things I tell you about, and that’s what should matter the most.”
“Why are you trying to make me emotional?”
“I’m not trying to make you emotional.” He reaches across the console and grabs my hand. “I’m just trying to tell you that no matter what happens, you will always know me best, and there’s a reason for that. You’re my best friend, Lia. Nothing can come between that. I won’t let it happen. Hence us driving downtown to go on a double date.”
“You’re a really good guy, you know that, Breaker?”
“I try.” His grin stretches from ear to ear. “Now, let me show you a new song that I’ve been simping over.”
“Oh my God, do not say simping. You cannot pull it off.”
“Says who?” he asks with feigned insult.
“Says me.”
“And who made you the authority?”
“I did.”
“Ehh, that’s fair.” He casually shrugs.
I laugh as he cues up his new favorite song. Breaker is right. Nothing can come between us.
Nothing at all.
Chapter Five
BREAKER
Birdy’s picture did not do her justice.
Not even a little.
She’s stunning.
And sweet. I almost half expected her to be beautiful but stuck up in some way. Or lacking personality. That’s not the case at all. She seems very down-to-earth and shy. At least that’s what I picked up while we were waiting to be seated.
When we arrived at the restaurant, Brian was already here, talking on his phone, but the moment we stepped up, he got off the phone and pulled Lia into a big hug while telling her how beautiful she looked. And he’s right. I don’t want to say this because it will sound corny, but when she opened the door to her apartment, she took my breath away. I’ve always considered Lia gorgeous, but seeing her in that dress, yeah, she looks really fucking good. But I quickly tamped down that initial reaction to her appearance because it would do me no good. I realized that back in college after I saw her dressed up for the first time for a date. I was so taken aback that I started to crush on her.
And I quickly realized what a bad idea that was, given how much I cherished our friendship, so I tucked away those feelings, and I’ve been able to block them out. Every so often, they appear, but I know better. Tonight is no exception. Whereas Birdy is stunning, you can tell she does a lot to her appearance. On the other hand, Lia’s just naturally beautiful with her deep, mossy-green eyes and adorable freckles.
Once Brian stopped kissing Lia—quite uncomfortable to witness—Birdy stepped up, looking all shy. Brian introduced us, and we spoke for a few moments before we were directed to our seats.
Now that we’re at a table, four chairs around a square setting, Birdy sits on one side of me and Lia on the other.
“Have you been here before?” Brian asks.
“I don’t believe I have,” I answer. “What about you, Birdy?”
She shakes her head. “No, it’s probably the fanciest place I’ve been.”
“Well, the wagyu is magnificent if you like steak,” Brian says, staring down at his menu. “And please, feel free to get whatever you like. Dinner is on me.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I say as Brian looks up from his menu.
His jaw grows tight with a smile. “This was my idea. Therefore, I’ll be treating everyone.”
You can see it in his eyes. The insecurity. He knows how much I’m worth—it’s easy to look up—yet he feels the need to prove he can keep up. There is nothing to prove and no competition. Therefore, I just leave it in his hands. If he wants to pay for my dinner, by all means, he can pay for it.
“Well, thank you. That’s really kind of you, Brian,” I say, feeling my professional side come out, and I can see Lia chuckling behind her menu from the corner of my eye. She always makes fun of my professional side. She thinks it’s hilarious when I drop the sarcasm and am on my best behavior. She says it’s like witnessing children visiting their grandparents. They’re always on their best behavior, minding their manners, and never saying anything that would ruffle anyone’s feathers.
After the server takes our order, I decide to get to know Birdy better. By the way, she ordered a salad with dressing on the side, no croutons, no onions, and no cheese. So basically, just lettuce and meat. Doesn’t she know that the croutons are the best part?