Page 8 of Drew
I hope I don’t regret meeting Drew.
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5
Drew
As I getto know Abby, there’s no way I want her going out tonight without me. First, I’m completely enamored by her. She’s not only smart but the more I get to know her, she’s beautiful from the inside out. I’m just not ready for my time with her to end.
When she tells me she’s never drank before, or had a serious boyfriend, I suddenly feel protective. Sure, she’s safe going out with her girlfriends, but for some inexplicable reason, I feel like I need to be there, too.
I know I should probably examine this further, but I’ll save that for another day.
Tonight, we’re celebrating.
Hmmm… I wonder what I can say to not look like a complete ass by inserting myself into her evening?
When inspiration finally hits, I can barely contain the grin spreading across my face. Of course, I’m not able to share this brilliant thought with Abby because we’ve just arrived at her place. So, I let it go for now.
As we enter her apartment, Chloe and Sydney’s wide eyes and gasps tell me they weren’t expecting me. I smile and do my best to roll with the punches. Sydney and Chloe greet Abby with drinks in hand as they open the door, making me feel even more grateful I forced her to eat first.
I’ve never met Chloe, but I know Sydney’s a bartender. I’ve seen her around. My buddies from the team have hit on her, and I’ve watched her shoot them down, one by one. From an outsider, it’s been comical to watch. But I wonder if there will be a guy that turns her head at some point.
Before Abby can take a second sip of her drink, Sydney asks, “Have you eaten yet?”
“Yes, Mom,” Abby exaggerates. She looks to me, throwing her index finger in my direction. “Drew here already made sure I had dinner. Apparently, his twenty-one-run was memorable and insists I eat lots tonight.”
“You play basketball, right, Drew?” Sydney asks with suspicion. Great. Here it comes.There goes just being me for the entire evening.
“Uh, Yes. I do,” I admit. Because what else am I supposed to say?
“I thought that was you, but it’s hard to recognize you without your Bears gear on and being close up. I’m a huge fan and have been to every home game since arriving as a freshman.” Her smile is genuine, until she smirks ruefully. “Though, my favorite player is DeShawn Miller. He has a jump shot that can’t be beat from back court.”
I chuckle. She’s right. “I’ll tell him you said that.”
“Please don’t. He already has enough ego to fill up the arena. But I truly see why people applaud his skills. He’s a damn fine baller, and I appreciate him—for his skills only.” She shrugs and turns her attention to Chloe. “Chloe, are you ready yet?”
Interesting. Not what I’d expect from a single coed. But I see her point. DeShawn’s a fantastic baller, but he’s got quite the reputation for playing off the court just as hard. From what I’ve seen about Sydney and my teammates at the bar, she’s not into guys who are full of themselves.Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all.
If I can get them to consider my idea.
I might as well seize this opportunity.
When Sydney and Chloe appear to be ready, I offer to the room, “Would you like me to be your designated driver? I have plenty of room in my SUV, and I don’t drink during the season.” Sydney looks skeptical, but when I add, “This way, you’d be able to celebrate Abby tonight without having to worry.” When a relief crosses her features for the briefest of seconds, I know I’ve hooked her.
Chloe’s mouth hangs open, and Sydney just stares. They look back and forth between Abby and me, trying to determine if I mean what I’ve just said and if Abby is okay with my offer.
Please be okay with my offer.
Relief washes through me when Abby grabs Syd and Chloe’s hands and comes to my rescue. “Sure, we’d love it. I can’t wait to get with my girls and dance to real music.”
Dancing. Great. I’d forgotten about that part of the experience. Sherman’s is known to have a DJ as well as live music. I wonder what we’ll be getting ourselves into tonight. The place is usually packed on the weekend, but for a school night, I doubt it’ll be full.
As I get to know her throughout the evening, I quickly find Sydney’s a great friend to have. I still don’t know Chloe that well, but if she’s hanging with these two, she must be a good person. Thankfully, Abby paces herself, having only one drink before leaving for the bar. We all pile into my SUV, Abby sits up front, and I can’t help but smile with her as she anticipates her evening.
When we arrive, I spot a booth against one wall of the dance floor and suggest we take it before anyone else steals the prime real estate. For a Wednesday night, the place is hopping, and the DJ keeps a steady beat flowing. Sydney excuses herself, and she makes her way to the bar to order some drinks for the girls. From the short ride, I can tell she has her heart set on sharing some of her favorites with Abby tonight. She offers to get me a soda, and I nod in appreciation. Chloe goes with her to help carry everything back.
“I’ll need to pick up my car from your place at some point tomorrow,” Abby states as she watches a few couples out on the dance floor.
