Page 58 of It's a Date (Again)

“That’s all right. I ordered at the bar, so I’ll just snag it when it’s ready.” Tyler gulps his beer.

“A man with a plan,” Robbie says. “I like it.”

Tyler nods and half smiles as though he doesn’t know how to respond. His beard is dark and cut close, showing off his strong jaw and prominent chin. He looks like one of those Greek statues you’d see in a museum, perfectly carved and sculpted. He glances at me from the corner of his eye again.

“What other plans do you have?” Robbie asks, staring directly at Tyler.

Is Robbie going to grill him right in front of me? The intensity in his eyes tells me he is. I pop a cheese curd in my mouth, bracing myself for an awkward conversation and whatever else Robbie has up his sleeve.

“What do you mean? Like in business or life?” Tyler asks, sipping his beer again.

“No.” He gestures to me. “With Peyton.”

I push the cheese curds more toward Tyler, offering him one as a way to distract him from Robbie’s imminent interrogation. He shakes his head slightly, declining my offer, and clears his throat. “Well, I’d like to be her boyfriend.”

“So, that’s your plan?” Robbie asks.

He nods.

“And what if Peyton chooses someone else?”

They’re talking about me like I’m not sitting right here. “Robbie, stop.”

“What?” One side of his mouth pulls up and back, and he shrugs. “It’s just a question.”

“I don’t mind,” Tyler says to me.

“See? He doesn’t mind, and I’m just making sure his intentions are pure.” Robbie leans back and gulps his beer. “Someone that reallycares for Peyton will respect her decision and want her to be happy regardless.”

“I agree. If she chose one of the other guys, I’d still want the best for her, even if it’s not me.”

“Good answer,” he says.

I’m starting to think Robbie doesn’t believe Tyler is the right guy for me. Why else would he ask a question like that? Would he ask the same of Nash or Shawn? I stare at Robbie, skimming over his face in an attempt to get a read on him.

“It’s just an honest one.” Tyler takes a drink, peering at Robbie over the rim of his glass. He motions to both of us with his finger. “How long have you two been friends?”

Robbie lifts his chin. “Since college.”

“Too long,” I tease.

“How would you know, Peyton? You have no memories,” Robbie jokes.

“Probably a good thing because what I’ve experienced so far has been mediocre at best,” I crack back.

“Ouch.” Robbie grabs his chest dramatically as though I actually inflicted pain on him. His blue eyes find mine, and he narrows them.

I smile but he doesn’t return it.

The server sets our food down in front of Robbie and me.

“Wanna put an order in?” She directs her question at Tyler.

“I ordered at the bar. Tab is under Tyler Davis.”

She nods and tells him she’ll bring it out when it’s ready.

“Can I get two more beers?” Robbie asks, gesturing to Tyler’s glass and his own.