Page 53 of The Best Number

“Is that okay?”

“Of course it is, Jack. What time?”

“5 pm, if that’s okay. My parents want to eat early so they can head back up the road.”

“Table for four?”

I hesitate for a moment. “Maybe one with room for five, in case you can join us for a bit. If you’re not too busy.”

“Sure.” The cagey bastard is not giving anything away. I wish this was a video call so I can see the expression on his face. “It should be fairly quiet then. I don’t think I’ll be able to eat a whole meal, but I’ll try and come over for a drink if that works?”

“Sounds good.”

“Jack?” He says my name somewhat hesitantly.

“Yeah?”

“What are you going to tell them?”

“I want to tell them about the three of us being in a relationship.” I listen as he exhales a breath.

“Okay. I look forward to seeing you all soon. I gotta go—we’re restocking before it gets busy. You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. See you soon.” I hang up and take a deep breath.

I can tell that I’ve surprised both Tom and Cass by wanting to tell my parents. But I can’t imagine keeping it a secret. Let’s see how it goes.

I’m dressed smart-casual in some denim shorts and a shirt. I chuck some aviators on top of my head before sliding my bare feet into loafers. I grab my keys, wallet, and phone before checking myself out in the mirror by the door. I stare for a moment before I head out, lock up, and over to Cass’s front door.

I knock lightly and hear her approach from the other side. She opens the door, wearing the yellow sundress she wore a while back when Tom and I paid her a visit at lunchtime. I lean against the doorframe and bite my lip.

“Fuck, Cass, I’m going to be thinking about eating you out all night.”

She looks faux-shocked but gives it away with a dirty giggle. “Do you need me to change?” she asks, lifting a brow as she pulls on a denim jacket.

“Nah, I’ll be good. It will give me something to daydream about if it all goes to pot.”

Her eyes widen. “Are you sure this is okay? You don’t have to tell them. I can just be your friend.”

“Cass, my parents are awesome. I want to show you off and for them to know you’re mine.” I lean in to kiss her lips. “Ready to go?”

She twirls around and I watch in admiration as her skirt billows out.She really is fucking radiant. I love it.

She gathers up a bag, which she pulls over her head to wear across her body. In goes her phone and lipstick. And then she’s stepping closer. I purposely hold my ground so that I can kiss her again before stepping back, giving her room to lock the door and pop her keys in her bag.

We stroll down to Tom’s bar together, hand in hand. It’s not far off autumn now, but it’s still light and warm in the evenings. We walk past the park and along to where Tom’s bar is nestled between a florist and a bakery. It’s in what would have been the little high street when this town was just a town and not connected to the big city. Now it’s a suburb of the city, but I still love this spot.

We make our way in and I recognise Abby behind the bar. I raise my hand with a wave as I look around for my parents.

“Hey Jack.” Abby comes up on her toes to give me a peck on the cheek. “Tom said you were coming in. And you must be Cassidy.” She turns to Cassidy with a big smile on her face.

“Yep, Abby?” Cass asks and I watch as the two girls hug.

“Oh, jeez. Whatever he’s said about me can’t possibly be true,” Abby laughs. “He’s put you at the best table in the house. Come on over.” She leads us to the table that sits in the bay window. It’s light and airy, with plenty of space for everyone around the round table. “You want me to bring you over some drinks?”

“Hey, no special treatment for this pair. They can order at the bar like everyone else,” Tom shouts as he approaches us from the back office.

Chapter twenty-four

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