Page 60 of The Way We Score

We watch as she weighs them before passing them to us, and he places them in our basket full of sandwiches and wine and chips and odds and ends. He directs us to the check-out area, and he doesn’t let me pay for a thing, claiming I’m his guest.

Shaking my head, I take one of the bags, and we walk slowly up the block in the direction of his apartment. I’m thankful the prescription Dr. Beck gave me seems to be helping with my nausea. If I started throwing up, I don’t know what I’d say.

He nods at the doorman, and I watch as he enters the code for the elevator. “Did you have plans for tonight? I hope I didn’t ruin anything.”

Leaning against the glass wall, he shakes his head with such a warm smile. “I was actually about to crash for the night. We had a game, and I don’t know?—”

“Oh, I’m sorry! I should’ve checked. Of course you had a game.” I scrub my hand over my forehead, feeling awful.

“It’s my job, Liv. I play every week.”

“I know, but it’s a lot with all the pregame and the post game and thegamegame.” My smile is more of a cringe. “Did you want to go out with the guys? Did you win? Of course you won. Are you all amped up? Of course you are?—”

“Take it easy, Cherry.” He laughs, patting my shoulder. “I’m really glad you’re here. I didn’t feel like partying tonight.”

It’s a relief to hear him say that, but it’s also worrying. Thisis not the Garrett Bradford who gets on the bar at Cooters & Shooters in a blond wig and shakes his sexy ass to the music—or who gives his best friend a lap dance at his bachelor party.

“You’ve never been one to turn down a party.” I tilt my head up at him. “Are you okay?”

“I’m good, I just… I don’t know.” He shrugs. “Maybe I’m getting older? I wasn’t in the mood.”

We’ve reached the top floor. The elevator dings, and I decide to put a pin in that for now. It’s not like I have a leg to stand on when it comes to uncharacteristic behavior, considering I showed up on his doorstep with no notice, no luggage, and no good explanation. He’s probably thinking something’s going on with me—and he’d be right.

He enters the code, holding the door for me, and instead of focusing on how awkward we’re both acting, I decide to lighten the mood.

“I wouldn’t say getting older is a reason not to party.” I give him a little smile. “We’re the same age, after all, and we partied hard at Dylan’s wedding.”

“Are you saying you want to party with me tonight?” He’s teasing, and I carry the one bag he let me hold into the kitchen.

Shaking my head, I put it on the counter. “I’m just saying it’s lucky for me you decided to stay home.”

“I’m feeling lucky to have such a pretty house guest.” He places the three bags he carried beside mine on the counter.

“We should buy a lottery ticket.” This is better.

Our old banter is returning, and I’m feeling a little more at ease about being here. My confidence is returning. Yes, it was an impulsive decision, but this is Garrett. I can talk to him.

He puts the gelato in the freezer and pulls out the two sandwiches and the wine. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Let’s eat these muffalettas and watch someRoad House.”

“Road House!” I cry. “What?”

“Yeah, but the old one. Not that new MMA, Jake Gyllenhallbullshit. I want the classic, ‘pain don’t hurt,’ Patrick SwayzeRoad House.”

“Oh no!” I snort covering my nose.

This is the Garrett Bradford I know and…loved. Past tense. We’re friends now. And potentially parents.Oh, God. Confidence slipping.

He takes out the wine and holds it up. “Can I pour you a glass?”

“Um…” I chew my bottom lip, searching for an excuse. “I think I’ll just stick to something unleaded tonight. The plane kind of got me a little…” I wave my hand up and down, side to side.

“Hate that.” He walks to the refrigerator and puts the bottle inside. “Turbulence is the worst. Let’s see… I’ve got beer and one of these sparkling waters. We should’ve grabbed some ginger ale at the store.”

“Sparkling water’s good.” I manage a smile, and he hesitates a moment, his brow furrowing like he might ask me something.

My chest tightens. We know each other so well, and I’m sure he’s wanting to ask why I’m really here. I don’t give him the chance.

“If we’re going to watchRoad House, then we have to watchDirty Dancingto even it out.”

---