Page 103 of Full Tilt
I take a sip of coffee and set my cup back down on the table in front of me. “I really like him. Despite myself and everything that has previously gone down between us, I really like him.”
Darcy’s squeal is enough to turn a few heads from tables seated around us. “So, I assume you’re dating?”
Butterflies flutter through my stomach. I’m not sure I’ve even processed the fact that Tommy wants to date. He isn’t the dating kind, and that makes me equal parts excited to be the first girl he’s ever wanted that with, but also fearful that things could blow up in my face.
“He wants to give it a try, and I’m …” I trail off and look between my girls, Emily listening intently too. Bless her heart. “I’m hesitant to get hurt.”
Because it’s the offseason and she knows she can, Kendra adds another sweetener to her coffee, tapping the packet againstthe side of her cup. “I might be tripping out, and I can’t actually believe I’m about to say this, but … I think you’d be crazy to walk away from each other.”
“Agreed,” Collins simply adds.
“Seconded,” Darcy announces. A small giggle bubbles from Emily.
“Wait.” I hold up a hand. “You guys couldn’t stand the sight of Tommy not all that long ago. I know he punched Ethan, but he’d also punched my brother who, by the way, still hates his guts.”
This time, Collins clasps both hands under her chin as she leans even further toward me. “I know what I’ve said before. However, I’ve also learned in this life that it’s okay to pivot on my opinions. Boys who aren’t serious about you don’t look at you the way Tommy did that night at Kendra and Jack’s party.” She leans back in her chair. “Trust me, I’ve dated enough bullshitters to identify the down bad ones. Some guys tell you what you want to hear, while others show you with their eyes. And eyes don’t lie, Jen.”
I cast a quick glance at Kendra. Of all my friends, she is the one who knows the full extent of my feelings on what I want in my future. And as close as our quartet is, I know she would never repeat our conversations without my permission.
“If I give us a chance and he hurts me, I’ll lose faith in finding the one altogether.”
She nods lightly, staring down into her cup of coffee. “I get that, Jen.” She lifts her eyes and slides her hand toward mine, intertwining our fingers. “I think Collins is right. If you walk away, then you’ll always wonder what could’ve been. I have to be honest and say that I’m struggling to comprehend that the Tommy Schneider we witnessed at the party is the same one who had hit your brother back in January. Jack is feeling the same way too.” She squeezes my hand. “You can’t tell me that histransformation doesn’t have anything to do with the way he feels about my best friend.”
More butterflies flutter around in my belly, spreading all the way to the tips of my toes. Tommy and the boys have been on an away series for the past few days, and I’ve missed him. A lot.
“I think I just need some time. And to talk to Holt. He’s coming over later this month for the holidays, and I figure then will be a good time.” I shift in my seat. Memories of the hit Tommy landed on Holt’s jaw still eat away at me in the depths of my gut. “It might be a good time for Holt to meet Tommy.” I glance around at my friends. “Properly.”
“You didn’t tell Holt about the Ethan thing?” Collins asks.
I shake my head. She doesn’t get why, but she doesn’t have a brother and especially not one like Holt.
“Holt would be in custody right now, and Ethan would be pushing up daisies. That’s the kind of news I’ll break to him when I can physically lock him in my apartment until the steam stops billowing from his ears.”
Collins just snorts a laugh.
“Give Tommy a chance, Jen. And don’t worry about seeking your brother’s approval. If the guy you want is decent, then he’ll eventually accept him.” Darcy winks at me as she unclips the strap on her nursing top and Emily latches on.
That girl is a natural-born mother with an incredible mind. She recently got appointed to senior editor at the high-end fashion magazine she works at,Glide, making her the youngest to ever secure that position. Even while still on maternity leave, she’s earning promotions. Unsurprisingly.
I’m about to reply when my phone interrupts me, and I pull it out of my pocket.
Tommy
Fuck, I miss you. I just had to say that.
Me
You’re turning soft.
Tommy
Yes, I am. But only for you. Only ever for you.
More butterflies …
Me
I’m sitting in Rise Up with the girls, and that’s not what they tell me. I think you’re in danger of making some friends.
