Page 35 of The One I Need
“I know. It’s part of my charm.”
Chapter12
Oliver
When I was a kid,I used to love the game at the county fair where someone would try to guess your age or weight. I’m not sure why, but everyone always underestimated me in the weight department. I never lost, which meant whatever girl I brought with me always took home the prize of her choice. If you wanted a giant teddy bear, then all you needed to do was date middle school Oliver.
I don’t go to the fair anymore, but I continue to stump people. Izzy said I baffled her with all the things she’s learned about me. I might be a romantic at heart, but many would be shocked to know that I’m a lover of horror films.
And then there’s my gym playlist. There’s a stereotype that every guy needs to be listening to either heavy metal or some sort of rap music to get them through their workout. Not me. My gym playlist is heavy on 2000s pop, boy bands, and of course, those classic hits from the 1980s that just make you smile.
Hall and Oates makes every workout better.
Take today, for example. My playlist is shuffling to the right songs, I had a good breakfast, and the reps are coming quick and painless. Then again, it could also have something to do with the fact I’m still on Cloud Nine after my date last night with Izzy.
I had no idea what to expect. There were parts of me that wondered if she’d cancel. When I found out she wasn’t a fan of surprises, or magic, I figured she’d leave at the first possible opportunity.
But she didn’t. She stayed. And not only did she stay, we probably had one of the best nights I’ve had with a woman in a long time. We didn’t kiss. I didn’t even hug her goodbye when I walked her back to her downtown Nashville condo. But knowing that we are going to see each other again is giving me a pep in my step I haven’t had in a very long time.
I’m powering through this seated row, going faster than I normally go, when I feel a smack on the back of my head that nearly makes me lose grip of the handles.
I look over my shoulder to see Simon standing over me. “What the fuck!”
“What the fuck is up with you?”
I stop my set because clearly this is going to be a conversation. “Me? I’m not the one scaring the piss out of people mid workout.”
“Well, I’m sorry. But every time I look over at you, you’re wearing a smile that screams ‘I got laid last night’ and I can’t do one more set until I hear every detail.”
I’m known as the gossip of the group. Probably because I’m the talkative, most outgoing, of the four of us. Even when you throw Amelia in the mix, I’m still number one. But in reality, Simon is the worst of all. The man goes crazy if he doesn’t know all the dirty laundry.
“What makes you think this is a sex smile?”
“Listen, you’re the perkiest son of a bitch I’ve ever met, and I love that about you. But no one, and I mean no one, should be this happy during a Sunday workout. That is, unless you spent it with a woman. That’s the only reason for a smile like that. Add in the fact that you’ve been suspiciously quiet in the group chat, and Shane had to go get proof of life on you last week, I can only assume that you’re dating someone new, having incredible sex, and that you haven’t proposed because you didn’t come crying to us yet that the tally has gone up.”
“Close,” I say. “No, I didn’t have sex last night. I’m not dating anyone. And for your information, I haven’t proposed to anyone since the wedding.”
There. All truths. Not complete truths, but truths nonetheless.
“You realize you want me to be excited that you’ve gone two full weeks since proposing marriage? The fact that you need to be applauded for that means we really should have had that intervention a few years back.”
I shrug. “You guys had your chance.”
“It’s not my fault that Wes couldn’t get into town and Shane had to work. I knew I wasn’t strong enough to face you on my own.”
“All I hear are excuses.”
I start making my way to the elliptical, because I know that’s the quickest way to end this conversation. Simon hates cardio.
Which is why it shocks the hell out of me when not only does he follow me, but gets on one himself.
“Damn, you must really think something is up.”
He pushes the buttons angrily, like they did him harm. “Somethingisup. Are you honestly going to stand there and tell me that you’re in a good mood just because the sun is out today? Did the birds start singing at your window? Don’t play this shit with me. I’m your best friend; I know you better than anyone on this planet.”
“Really? You’re my best friend?”
“Yes. Don’t get me off topic here. Who are you seeing? Because I’m sorry, you’re having regular sex. You have that glow. And I know you’re not just hooking up with someone, so what’s her name?”
