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Honestly, that tracks.
“Well?” Jo asks, and I’ve decided that Jo and Tab would get along great because they’re both bubbly and relentless.
I’m trying to think of something to say that’s not too personal, when Briar says, “Here, I’ll go first.” She takes a big gulp of her drink. “One time, shortly after my brother died,Reid… Oh, do you guys know he was one of my brother’s best friends? Cade too. Anyway, I was at a party. I’d had too much to drink.” She lifts the glass and takes another sip. “I went upstairs with a guy from the opposing team they’d played earlier that day, and Reid barged through the door in the middle of us making out.”
“Reid?” Charley gasps as if she could never see him doing that.
“After he punched the guy, him, Cade, and our other friend Lex dragged him from the room. Then you know what he did? He locked me in the room. It washisroom.”
I burst out laughing, covering up Charley’s second audible gasp. Jo laughs, too.
“Now, mind you, I was pissed at the time. I was really in there for the rest of the night, but that was also the night things sort of changed between us, so yeah, can’t get mad at it.”
I believe it. Reid Parker is intense. He’s more relaxed here, but every time they show him on TV, he is laser focused. If he pursued Briar with anything like how he tries to get a win for the Wildcats, it makes sense.
“Your turn to share, Charley,” Jo prods.
Charley grins, and the adoration she has for Cade is written on her face. “Okay…” She checks over her shoulder to see what the guys are doing and then leans in. We all lean in, too, huddled together. “The first time we ever had an actual conversation, he told me he was going to make me love him. I thought he was an arrogant asshole.”
Jo nods. “But then you did.”
“But then I did.” She lifts her glass and swallows some of the green liquid.
“Yeah, that sounds like him,” Briar confirms, chuckling to herself. She gives Charley a side hug. “I’m so glad he found you.”
“Me too, honestly,” Charley says, smiling to herself.
“So, Tipper?” Briar asks, lifting a brow.
I like these women. Before Tab, I never felt included, a part of any friendship group. I was mostly getting picked on for being poor and a bit of a loner. Tab changed that for me, and I instantly want her to hang out with this crew. Just the fact that these women understand what it’s like to date a pro football player? I could learn a lot. Like how to not feel depressed every time he leaves for an away game. Or how to deal with being talked about out in the world because you’re dating someone who’s a public figure.
I’ve been avoiding doing more publicity since Micah started pursuing me because I’m a horrible liar, and I’m sure everyone is going to ask me about The Paula Show and watching his game from his box at the stadium. There have been a few comments about us on our social media. People want to know if we’re dating. Micah’s incognito account that he made always likes the comment, like he’s trying to fuel the rumors.
“So, Tipper,” Jo says with a sigh. “That man was relentless. I was out on a date with another guy, and he just showed up and made himself comfortable. We were in this small, secluded booth, and Tipper came in with all his personality. The poor guy I was on a date with was so confused.”
I shake my head, laughing to myself because I could totally see Micah doing that.
“Aww,” Briar says. “Yeah, RIP anyone else who ever wanted to date us.”
After a few moments, all eyes focus on me. I sweep my hair behind my ear. “I don’t know,” I tell them. “I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Jinx it?” Briar laughs. “Are you kidding me? You’re never getting away from him. Come on. I can totally see Micah being crazy. Give us the goods.”
“I’m new here, and even I can see it written all over his face,” Charley chimes in.
I let out a breath and then take a deep inhale to start saying something when a hand comes down on my shoulder. I nearly jump out of my skin, and Athena pops to her feet from a dead sleep.
“Whoa, hey,” Micah says. “I was only wondering if you two were okay?”
I place my hand over my heart. “We’re good. Except you just gave me a heart attack.”
I peer over my shoulder to look at him. A furrow between his brows makes me think he knows something is up. Like us girls are being a little too secretive.
He leans down to kiss me on the forehead. “Glad you’re having fun.” After squeezing my shoulder, he returns to the guys.
“So, overprotective. Check,” Jo states.
The rest of the ladies giggle. While they do, I try to think of something to say. Something that’s not too intimate. Something they may have gathered for themselves.