The Friends We Keep

She knew he had events in most cities and there were private parties for children with developmental problems.

“I could do without the TV and the interviews,” he said with a shrug. “They get old. New city, same questions. I have to keep reminding myself that even though it’s the tenth time I’m telling the story, that for them it’s new.”

“Does Brad have groupies?”

“More than me.”

She smiled. “I doubt that. I suspect there are more than a few single moms being very friendly.”

His expression turned serious. “I didn’t hang out with anyone, Nicole. And I sure didn’t sleep with anyone.”

She felt her mouth drop open. She closed it, then glanced to make sure Tyler couldn’t hear them. “I wasn’t asking that.”

“Whether or not you were, I’m telling you.”

There was an intensity to his voice—as if he had to be sure she understood. He wasn’t teasing now.

“I appreciate that,” she murmured.

Everything about the moment felt awkward. She wasn’t used to talking about this sort of thing with a man. Jairus seemed to go out of his way to let her know he was interested and she didn’t get that. It was as if he wanted to let her know she was special. She’d never been special. When she’d been younger, she’d never been good enough. Not to get into the American Ballet School, not to make it on Broadway. She’d come home a failure.

Eric had dated her and proposed, but she’d never felt he was swept away. And then he’d left.

“I didn’t sleep with anyone, either,” she said, her voice light.

His dark gaze stayed on her face. “You always do that. It’s interesting. Whenever we start to talk about something intimate, you try to shift the focus.”

She started to protest that she didn’t, but she knew he was right. “I get scared,” she admitted, then wished she hadn’t. Why did they have to talk about this?

“Do you know why?”

She shook her head.

“Maybe I can help with that.” He glanced toward Tyler, then back at her. “I like you, Nicole. I’m hoping you like me, too, and that we can get to know each other better. If there’s a little naked in all that, then hey. I’m in.”

She wanted to run. To bolt for safety. Because there was something about Jairus that terrified her. Or maybe it wasn’t him at all. Maybe it was how she felt when she was around him.

Because she’d never been scared about Eric. Not until her marriage was falling apart. But that fear had been about the unknown, not the man.

“This is hard for me,” she admitted. “Being with a man. Trusting a man.”

He looked at her. “Is it any man or is it me?”

An interesting question. “Both. Dating anyone would be difficult, but you add a special element that confuses me.” She swallowed, then forced herself to say the words. “Because I, um, like you.”

“I like you, too.” He sighed. “But let’s just admit it. Mostly, it’s the celebrity thing, right? Me and Brad. Fame sucks.”

She burst out laughing. He touched the tip of her nose.

“Have a little faith. I’m a good guy.”

“That part, I know.” She glanced at Tyler, then back at him. “Listen, I have a strange invitation.”

“Are there costumes? Because I love a good costume party.”

“Where you always go as Brad, I’m sure. No, it’s a screening for a movie. My ex’s movie.”

“Eric invited you?”

“Uh-huh. I think I want to go. I don’t know much about the story, so it will be a surprise to us both. If you’re interested in being my date.”

“I am.”

She casually rested her hand on his arm. “Me, too,” she said. “In all of it.”

*

The sound of happy children filled the backyard. Hayley smiled as she watched the elaborate game of tag that had everyone laughing. The sun was high in the sky, the temperature warm. In an hour or so Rob would set up the Slip ’N Slide on the lawn. Lunch was going to be hot dogs grilled on the barbecue.

In addition to her sister’s kids, Hayley had offered to take Tyler, Kenzie and Kennedy for the day, figuring six wasn’t that different than three. After lunch, when everyone was tired of playing outside, they were going to take on a craft project. She’d found a couple online and had bought the supplies. Then they would play outside again and finish the afternoon with a movie.

The visit was going well. Morgan had dropped everyone off after school yesterday. Hayley had gotten the three of them settled in their temporary room, then they’d gone to the POP for a couple of hours until Rob got off work. They’d had dinner out at The Slice Is Right.

Hayley had to admit that while her sister might be a bitch, she knew how to teach her children manners. All three of them were incredibly well behaved. They’d ended the evening playing simple board games. No matter how old she got, a rousing couple of rounds of Candyland were always fun.

Now she watched her husband walk out of the house. Rob was so handsome, she thought, enjoying the sight of his broad shoulders and easy smile. He winked when he saw her.