Page 117 of I Could Be Yours

And now I want to punch myself.

Dred gives me an empathetic smile.

Essie finally turns her attention to me. “Hi, Nate.”

“Hey, Ess.”

“Anyone want a drink?” Rix asks.

Everyone raises their hand.

“I’ll help you!” Essie links arms with her. “And so will Dred.” The three of them disappear into the kitchen.

Flip rocks back on his heels. “You’re really showing her how you feel, eh?”

“What the hell am I supposed to do with all of you standing around watching us?”

“Tell her it’s great to see her. That you miss her, that your lifeis shit without her. Did you even bring her a gift?” Flip folds his arms over his chest.

“Why would I bring a gift to fajita night?”

“Why would you bring a gift to fajita night?” Flip parrots.

I look to Tristan.

He shrugs. “Flip has a point.”

I throw my hands in the air. “Where was this advice an hour ago when we weren’t both already here?”

Flip is all fucking smiles. “I didn’t realize you were this much of a relationship novice.”

“I’m rusty!”

“You can say that again.” Flip crosses his arms. “Nut up or shut up, dude. Don’t be a crying little chicken bitch if she’s the one for you.”

“I was going to wait until later,” I mutter.

“Well, there might not be a later if you keep letting me step all over your toes.”

“Why do the three of you look so serious? You can’t be serious on fajita night!” Rix demands as she reappears.

The girls traipse in with margaritas.

Flip beelines it for Essie. “What are you doing after fajita night? Want to watch a movie with me?”

“I gotta go for a walk.” I head for the door.

“Nate! Buddy, where you goin’?” Flip calls after me.

“Is he okay?” Dred asks.

It takes me five minutes to walk to the closest flower shop. I buy two dozen pink roses, a box of Essie’s favorite chocolates, and a pink heart pillow to add to her collection before I return to Tristan’s.

Everyone is sitting in the living room, drinking their cocktails and eating tortilla chips with salsa, queso, and Rix’s famous street corn dip.

Flip grins when he sees me. “Honey bear! You shouldn’t have!”

“I didn’t.” I cross over to Essie. “I got you…stuff.”

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