Page 57 of It's a Date (Again)

“It’s like it’s meant to be,” Robbie says in a monotone voice. When I turn to glance back at him, he’s already chugged half of his beer. “Should we call him over?” he asks, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“No,” I say. “He’s with his work friends, and you and I are having dinner.”

Robbie shrugs and delivers a devilish grin. “Sorry, Peyton. I gotta stay true to the new pact.”

“Robbie, don’t,” I warn.

“Hey, Tyler!” he yells across the bar, ignoring my request. “Tyler!”

“Robbie, stop it.”

He continues to call his name and flail his hand until he gets Tyler’s attention. After fifteen seconds of yelling, Tyler finally notices Robbie ... and then me. A crooked smile settles on his face, and he waves back.

“I’ve gotta be your wingman,” Robbie says with a can-do attitude.

“I don’t want you to be my wingman.” I clench my teeth. “I wanted to have dinner with you.”

He studies me, and his face becomes serious for only a moment before he shrugs and says, “A pact’s a pact.”

I groan and glance across the restaurant. Tyler leans into one of his friends, whispers something, and pats him on the back before making his way toward our table.

“Here comes your man,” Robbie whispers.

I shoot him a glare. “He’s not my man. He’s one of three.”

“You said he was a top contender, your strongest connection.”

“I said he could be, now will you shush? He’s going to hear you,” I whisper back.

Tyler stops right in front of our table with a grin plastered across his face. “Hey, what are you two doing here?”

“Just having dinner,” I say, forcing a smile. I’m not sure if I should stand and give him a hug or kick Robbie in the shin.

Tyler puts his hand on my shoulder and lightly squeezes. “It’s good to see you,” he says in a low voice.

“You too,” I say with a nod.

“Sit. Join us.” Robbie beckons.

I narrow my eyes at him.

“Oh no, I don’t want to intrude.” Tyler politely tries to protest.

“And he’s with his friends,” I say, kicking Robbie in the shin under the table.

He makes a quietouchsound but puts on a small smile. “You’re not intruding at all. Go ahead and take a seat next to Peyton.”

“Are you sure?” Tyler asks.

Robbie nods. “Yes, she is.”

I scooch over, giving him room to slide in. Tyler shuffles in his seat. He smells like sawdust with a hint of tobacco. I kind of like it, so I inhale the scent.

“Did you two order already?”

“Yeah,” I say.

“I can flag the server down for you,” Robbie offers, already raising his hand.