Page 41 of Knight

I nod. “I know I haven’t. My kids and my friends have been telling me that for a long time. But I needed to do things on my schedule. The time was finally right for me.”

Alan smiles. “Do we know the lucky guy?”

“I don’t think so. I guess he’s sort of Philebrity, but I doubt you’d know him.”

“Is a Philebrity supposed to be the Philadelphia version of a celebrity,” Alan asks laughing. “That’s hysterical. I’ve never heard that term.”

I laugh with him. Hopefully, this breaks the tension because it’s palpable. “Yes, it’s someone who’s Philadelphia famous, but not real world famous.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jackson Knight.”

Alan pinches his eyebrows together as if trying to remember something. He gets up and goes into the bathroom. He returns with a stack of magazines. He flips through them until he gets to the one he wants.

He shows me the cover ofPhilly Lifefrom a few years ago, and sure enough, Jackson is on the front cover. It’s theHottest Bachelors Over Fortyissue.

“Is this him?” I nod. They all gather around and read the article. I already read it online a few weeks ago when Jackson and I were just talking on the phone. I know what it says.

Drew looks up first, wide-eyed. “So, it sounds like this guy could get any woman he wanted.”

Nelson looks at Drew. “What is that supposed to mean, Drew? If I could date any woman I wanted, I would choose Dare.”

That’s kind of a weird comment. They’re all staring at Nelson. There’s something unspoken going on among all of them right now.

Drew breaks the stares. “What I meant, Nelson, was that she needs to be careful with a guy like this. He’s probably a player.”

This just got uncomfortable really fast. I need to do something. I grab the magazine. “Guys, relax. I know about this. He hates it. He thinks it’s a joke. It’s not a big deal. Jackson is a humble guy. He’s definitely not a player. I promise. He’s been nothing but good to me.”

Alan kisses my head. “Okay, sweetie. If you say so. We’re all just looking out for you.”

“I appreciate it. Don’t worry about it. Like I said, it’s fairly new. I’m just happy to be getting out there.”

I motion my head toward the television. “The second half is about to start. Let’s forget this and get back to the game. Does everyone need another beer?”

They all nod. I get up and grab another round for everyone. I need a moment away from their stares.

Much of the second half is watched in silence. There’s definitely an elephant in the room now. It’s awkward as hell.

Paul, Drew and Nelson leave right when the game is over, each giving me a warm goodbye. I stick around for a few minutes to help Alan clean up.

I thank him and hug him goodbye. He looks down at me. “Dare, are you sure this guy is a good guy? The last thing you need is another broken heart.”

I smile at him. “Alan, I know your worry comes from a good place. We’re casual. There are no hearts involved. Nothing is getting broken here.” I’m not sure this is true, but I know he needs to hear it. “And he’s definitely a good guy. That much I know already. I’m having fun. I need some of that in my life.”

“Okay, sweetie. Please just be careful.”

“I will. Good night, Alan.”

“Good night, Dare.”

I close his front door and start heading toward my car, when I hear a voice. “I didn’t know you were ready to start dating.” I startle as I see Nelson appear from the shadows. I thought he left like fifteen minutes ago.

“Nelson, you scared me.”

“Sorry. When did you decide you were ready to start dating?”

“It’s not like I woke up one morning and said today is the day. Cassandra has been trying to get me to go out for over a year. I finally went one night, and I met Jackson.”

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