Page 9 of The Story of Us
“I will do no such thing,” Rick said. He took fantasy football almost as seriously as he’d taken playing the competitive sport in his college days.
“Nice.” Sawyer nodded at the surroundings. The sectional sofa and padded ottomans in the living room managed to look both comfortable and stylishly masculine. Rick’s taste had certainly become more refined since their Little League days. “Thank you for this, man. Really.”
“It’s the least I can do as many times as you’ve let me stay with you in Portland.” Rick handed him the glass of water. “And Chicago.”
“Don’t forget Missoula.” Sawyer raised his glass.
Rick laughed. “How could I forget Missoula?”
Even with a restaurant to run, Rick made time to visit, no matter where Sawyer landed on the map. And Sawyer had been grateful for it. Having a friend around made things less quiet in a strange new place. A little less lonely, especially after the break-up with Sarah.
Although perhaps the most telling thing about their break-up six months ago had been that the aftermath hadn’t left Sawyer feeling any lonelier than usual. Instead he’d felt…
Nothing.
And there he was, feeling all sorts of things about a place where he hadn’t set foot for fifteen years. It was strange being back. He’d been so young in Waterford, so grounded—absolutely certain about who he was and where his future was headed. He couldn’t help but wonder how that younger version of himself would feel about the fact that he’d been away for so long.
He swallowed hard and pasted on a smile for his oldest friend. “Less than a week, I swear.”
“Hey, it’s all good.” Rick sank onto a large ottoman and looked up at Sawyer with an uncharacteristic hint of worry in his gaze. “Enough time for me to get your opinion on a little situation I can’t quite figure out.”
Sawyer sat down on the sofa opposite him, all ears.
“Um. Okay.” Rick took a deep breath. “There’s a woman.”
Sawyer bit back a smile. “There always is.”
Rick was legendary for being popular with the ladies. Even in elementary school, girls fought for a place beside him at the lunch table.
“I’m serious this time,” Rick said, and there was no denying the earnestness in his tone.
Sawyer nodded. “Okay, okay. What’s the situation?”
“I can’t quite”—Rick gave him a sheepish grin—“ask her out.”
“What?” Sawyer’s mouth fell open. “That isnotthe Rick I know.”
“Because I like her. I really, really like her. We had thatkerpowmoment when we first met. You know what I’m talking about,” Rick said.
“I do.” Sawyer knew it well, even though he hadn’t actually experienced akerpowmoment of his own in years. Not since high school, to be exact. He’d fallen head over heels for Jamie Vaughn the moment he first saw her reaching for the same book that he’d been looking for.Kerpow,indeed.
He took a gulp of his water. Again, being back in Waterford was messing with his head.
Meanwhile, Rick was still waxing poetic about his dream girl. “And I can’t forget it. She liked me, too. I know she did.”
“Why didn’t you ask her out then?” This seemed like a no-brainer.
“I was dating Megan.” Rick pulled a face.
“Megan.” Wow. If memory served, she’d already had their wedding planned by the second date. Sawyer was fairly certain the wedding party included fourteen bridesmaids. “That disaster.”
Rick sighed. “Thanks for reminding me.”
“Never mind. Sorry.” There was no sense revisiting past mistakes. Sawyer was all about moving forward. “You were telling me about…”
“Lucy. Yeah.” Rick’s face split into dopey grin. “But I made the classic mistake of letting too much time pass after we first met, and now I’m not sure if she only sees me as a friend, or…”
Sawyer burst out laughing. He just couldn’t help it. “I can’t believe the day has arrived when Rick the Romancer has met his match. Now when do I get to meet this girl?”
