“What? Make sure you open the door for her and don’t make her pay,” Ava said.
“Nope. Not making it weird at all,” Gabi deadpanned.
“He got you flowers? How sweet,” Ava said.
“You done yet?” Max asked.
“Definitely not,” she teased. “Now, make sure you have her home by ten. She has a big day tomorrow,” Ava continued.
“It’s after eight,” Max said.
They’d waited until the kids were in bed to head out, so it was going to be a late dinner.
“Fine. Eleven,” Ava said.
Gabi laughed. “You’re not the boss of us.”
“Damn right, she’s not. See you in the morning, Av,” Max said, leaning down to kiss his sister’s cheek.
“Don’t fuck this up, Max. Gabi is perfect for you and you know it. And she’s my bestie so I’ll have to kill you if you hurt her and that would be awkward because you’re my brother,” Ava said.
“My bestie always has my back,” Gabi chimed in, humor in her tone.
“Love you both. I’ll put these in water. Go have fun,” Ava said.
Gabi was still laughing softly when Max held the passenger side door for her and then walked to the other side to climb in.
“Well, that was fun,” he said, pulling out of the garage.
“Did you really think we would get out of the house without her teasing us? I mean, she’s your sister, after all,” Gabi said.
“We Bastians are hysterical,” he boasted.
A short while later, they were seated at a small table in the back corner of a Mediterranean restaurant he thought she’d love. It was one of his favorite places to eat when he wasn’t in a Lanzi’s or C&B burger mood, and it was usually quiet. He wasn’t typically mobbed by fans or bunnies, but he wanted tonight to be special. Just the two of them.
“Everything looks amazing,” she said after the waiter had walked away to grab the bottle of wine they’d picked. “How did you know I’d like this kind of food?”
“Because I listened to you when you mentioned loving the food your Spanish college roommate would make. And you worked for a Greek family in your last position and couldn’t get enough of their moussaka,” he said. “If we’re ever in Chicago, I’ll take you to Zorba’s. Jake’s family basically grew up there. Best Greek food I’ve ever had.”
He wouldn’t mention how Mrs. Zorba had tried to hook him up with her granddaughter when they’d been out there last year. She was a force.
“You paid attention?” she asked, her smile bright.
“I’ve got brains up here,” he said, tapping his head. “I’m not just a pretty face.”
She chuckled. “Good to know.”
“I even finished my master’s last year.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Hockey won’t last forever, so I decided to finish college. I got my masters in Psychology last summer. The guys think I’m super observant and I like figuring out how people tick and how to help them if I can. It’s a great way to hone my hockey skills in reading players on the ice, both my teammates and opponents.”
Her lips parted. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. I know I have more money than I’ll ever need, and I’ve saved a big chunk of it, but I also don’t want to be bored after hockey is over. Don’t you think people would want me as a therapist if I decide to go that way?”
“You are full of surprises.” She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his. “You’re beyond amazing, Max.”