Page 12 of Last Date

Merrick shook his head. “I had to work.”

I frowned. “You had to work on a Sunday?”

“Yes,” Merrick said in a clipped voice.

Thomas said, “The Cowboys took advantage of a fumble and kicked a field goal to take a twelve-point lead into halftime.”

“Oh, wow.” I had no real interest in football, but somebody had to say something.

Peter didn’t respond at all. He kept his hands cupped around his mug of beer, a line between his light brows.

“It… it was a good game.” Thomas trailed off.

An awkward silence fell.

Thomas cleared his throat and tried again. “I heard someone spotted some gray whales down at Mussel Beach. It’s that time of year again.”

“Oh, that sounds exciting,” I said, my voice sounding falsely bright.

Merrick flicked his gaze to mine. “Does it?”

I shrugged. “Who doesn’t love whales?”

“I guess.” He sighed and took a swig of beer.

“I like whales,” Thomas said.

Merrick grunted.

Peter stood. “I’m going to use the restroom.” He left the table and strode off, head down.

Thomas immediately leaned in. “What is goingonwith you two? The tension is so thick it’s nuts. What happened? You were getting along so great.”

He was right. Peter and Merrick had seemed solid just a week ago. I’d actually been thrown by how well they were getting along. Merrick was known for rarely seeing the same guy twice, but he’d actually dated Peter exclusively since Halloween.

Merrick shot me a wary glance. “Not sure I want to discuss my personal life in front of Kip.”

I scowled. “Why not?”

Thomas waved at me. “Oh, he doesn’t matter. Just ignore Kip. Pretend like he’s not even here.”

“Hey,” I grumbled. “But I am here.”

Ignoring me, Thomas shot an uneasy glance toward the restrooms. “Why are you and Peter fighting all of a sudden? There’s obvious friction.”

Merrick rubbed his face roughly. “Isn’t this just how it is in relationships? When you get to know people better, they always get on your nerves.”

“Why would they?” I asked.

“You know, familiarity breeds contempt, right?” Merrick looked confused.

I frowned. “I don’t think love is supposed to work like that.”

“Love?” Merrick widened his eyes. “Who said anything about love?”

“Oh, well…” I grimaced. “I just assumed…”

He shook his head. “No. There’s been no throwing around of the L-word. Trust me on that. God. I have enough problems.”