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“How do you know that?” It wasn’t like he ever talked about Red.

“Trust me.” Eve patted my cheek. “Us ladies know things but don’t worry about him. You need to take care of yourself. You helped Jaron and Piper when needed and I can never thank you enough for that, but you need to focus on yourself now.”

“I don’t know how to but I’m trying,” I muttered.

“I know. I can see that. Especially since you’re standing here in a suit for a lady, I’m assuming you hardly know.”

I nodded.

A sad smile crossed her face. “Sammy took your parents’ deaths the hardest, but he won’t admit it of course. He likes to hide his feelings. It’ll take a strong woman to shatter his shell. And whether he’s found her yet or not, it’ll happen.” She cupped my cheek. “You like this girl.”

I nodded again because what else could I even say?

“You’re taking her out for dinner and then what else?”

“Just dinner. I’ll pick her up and drive her home and make sure she gets inside safely as well.” Taking Ainsley out on the date was my move, but anything more than that and it was all up to her. I may have spent the night last time we were together after having too much wine, but it wouldn’t happen again until she was ready.

“You are so sweet.”

“She’s a lucky girl.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

When all three of them spoke at the same time, I could only laugh. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. But right now, I really need to go.” I gave myself one final look in the mirror.

“You’re handsome,” Eve said, giving me a hug. “Your parents would be so proud of you.”

I hugged her back, squeezing her a little longer. I thanked the ladies for their help and left the room with them at my sides.

Once we reached the main floor, it was a little more packed with people than I expected.

Whistles sounded once I was noticed.

“Fucking hell,” I muttered.

“Ignore them.” Eve laughed, following me to the main floor. “You look handsome. Go have fun on your date.”

“Well don’t you look pretty?” Catch came up to us, wrapping his arms around his wife.

“He does look pretty.” Sara kissed his cheek. “Let’s go finish our movie. Can’t wait to hear about your date, Cyrus.”

I sighed, suddenly feeling exposed standing out there in the open.

“Date?” Greyson took that moment to join us.

“Yeah. She’s someone I met at the center,” I told him, waiting for him to warn me much like Piper did. I wondered then if Ainsley let it be known she was going on a date with me tonight and if Piper had said anything to her.

“Interesting.” Greyson threw his arm around Eve’s shoulders.

“I expect her home by eleven.”

I bristled at the sound of Cheesy’s deep, but teasing, voice. I glared his way.

He shrunk into himself, sipping at his beer.

“That’s what I thought.” I stood taller, left the house, and went to pick up Ainsley.

Ainsley