Jane texted him back her info and a confirmation that Wednesday night would work.
“I’m so bummed I didn’t meet a yummy guy too,” Lacey pouted.
“Didn’t you think Gabe’s friend Matt was cute?” Jane asked.
“I guess, but he didn’t ask for my number so what does it matter?”
“Do you want me to get it from Gabe?” Jane questioned.
“Oh hell no. I am not desperate. So what’s the game plan for tonight?” Lacey asked hopefully.
“No way. We were out way too late last night. I am taking it easy for the rest of the weekend,” Jane replied.
“Boo! I wanna meet a boy,” Lacey whined.
“Plus, I have to meet Wyatt for coffee tomorrow,” Jane said.
“Ugh, come on. Please!” Lacey hugged Jane’s arm and gave her best impression of a pitiful look, which came off looking more constipated than anything else.
Either way it worked. Jane laughed and said, “Fine but only two drinks.”
Lacey jumped up, yelling, “I love you, I love you, and I’m hitting the shower first,” and dashed out of the room.
“Don’t use all of the hot water,” Jane called after her.
She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bag of chips. Then she sat down in the living room. She shook her head trying to wrap her brain around the last twenty-four hours. Plans with two guys in the next week. Crazy, she thought.
“All yours,” Lacey shouted from the hallway.
Jane showered and threw on a cute top and jeans. Lacey got decked out in a short skirt, sequined top, and boots.
“So where are we going?” Jane asked.
“No jeans!” Lacey replied. “Get your cute butt back into your room and change.”
“Ugh, come on. I want to wear jeans,” Jane grumbled.
“If you must…” Lacey said, scrunching her nose.
“Yes, I must.” Jane confirmed. “And since we are not staying out all night again, let’s move it,” She propelled Lacey to the door.
“Ok. Tonight’s mission is to find me a hottie,” Lacey grinned.
“Wanna go to a sports bar? Lots of boys there,” Jane asked.
“Great idea. Let’s go!”
They headed to a popular local bar. There must have been a big game on because the place was packed. They made their way inside and learned their college team was playing.
“Sweet!” Jane said, and they grabbed a table and ordered drinks.
They were definitely getting checked out by some guys, but since the game was close, it was getting more attention than Lacey wanted.
“This blows. When’s halftime?” Lacey moaned.
“Hush, it’s soon. Look at the screen. There are only like two minutes left.” Jane replied.
At halftime, a couple of guys came over. “So, who are you cheering for?” one asked.
“Rams all the way,” Lacey grinned. “We both went there.”
“Hey, stranger,” Jane heard behind her. She turned.
“No way!” she smiled. “Hey, Gabe.”
He gave her a big hug and gave the guy who was standing on the other side of her a “move along” look. Jane felt her heart race, feeling his arms around her. He felt fit and warm or maybe it was just her because, Lord, it suddenly felt hot in there. They both laughed when they realized the hug should probably be over by now. Jane blushed and smiled up at him.
“Are you following me?” Gabe teased.
“Nope. We got here first,” Jane countered.
“Nope. I’ve been here for awhile,” Gabe smiled. “And I definitely would have noticed if you were here. Come on. There’s a whole group of us sitting over there.”
Jane looked at Lacey.
“Sure,” Lacey said, picking up their drinks.
Gabe took Jane’s hand, at which she mentally screamed, and led her to his table with Lacey following. Once there, they recognized a couple of guys from the previous evening.
“So you went to VCU?” Gabe asked as they sat.
“Yep. Where did you go?” Jane replied. Gabe pointed to the opposing team.
“Mason? No way. We’re rivals. I may have to cancel our date,” Jane joked.
“Oh, I see how it is. How about a friendly wager?”
“What did you have in mind?” Jane asked.
He mischievously rubbed his hands together. “Loser bakes winner dinner tomorrow night?”
“Deal, but I’m a terrible cook”
“It’s okay. I’ll take my chances.”
At this point Gabe’s friend Matt walked over.
“Hey, Jane! Gabe has been talking about you nonstop since last night.”
Jane looked up at Gabe, who looked pretty red and punched Matt in the shoulder.
“Thanks, Matt. Anything else you want to embarrass me with?”
"Where to start?” Matt smiled.
“Matt was just leaving,” Gabe said, pushing him towards the other end of the table. Gabe turned back to Jane, grimacing “He loves to give me a hard time.”
Jane laughed. “It was pretty funny. You got pretty red. Plus, you didn’t even notice that three-pointer. I’m wondering what you’ll be cooking me for dinner.”
“I’m picking up a competitive vibe here. So, on the off chance you win, what would you like for dinner?” Gabe asked.
“Oh, anything would be fine,” Jane said, blushing.
At that, they turned and watched the game. Jane kept sneaking glances at Gabe. The lighting was so much better here than the previous night. He was really cute. He was about six feet tall and had a solid, lanky build. He had short, brown hair that sat in a carefree style. Not too much gel, if any. He had a scruffy three o’clock shadow, so she guessed he had not shaved today.
He was wearing hiking sneakers, dark wash jeans, and a black polo. She went to sneak another peek and caught him doing the same thing. She looked away quickly and bit her lip. Gabe chuckled and cleared his throat. Jane met his eyes, trying her best innocent expression. They both started laughing.
“So,” Gabe said, catching his breath. “Can I get you another one?” He gestured towards her drink.
“Sure!” Lacey boomed, draping her arm around Jane. “I’d love another. Get one for Jane, too, while you’re at it.”
“Lacey!” Jane turned towards her and whisper-shouted.
“It’s cool Jane. I’ll be right back.” Gabe smiled and headed towards the bar.
“Some pretty good-looking guys here tonight,” Lacey said, sitting down. “It’s crazy that we ran into Gabe. I think you’re going to owe me big time, sistah.”
“Guess what?” Jane gushed. “We have a bet going on the game. Loser makes dinner tomorrow night. That means we’ll be seeing each other three nights in a row!”
“Yikes. Do I need to be looking for a new roommate?” Lacey joked.
“Shut up. It’s just really exciting right now,” Jane replied.
“Shh. He’s coming back,” Lacey whispered.
Gabe set the drinks down, and Lacey grabbed hers and blew him a kiss and headed towards a group of guys playing a golf arcade game.
“Oh, watch this,” Jane said, pointing towards Lacey. “She is a total, well, whatever the equivalent of a pool shark for this game is.”
The guys had parted to let Lacey have a turn. She set down her drink and very daintily crushed all of their high scores. A collective “whoa” rose from the group.
“Ah, thanks, guys,” Lacey said as she picked her drink back up, patted one guy on the stomach, and headed back towards Jane.
Someone in the group called out, “Best two out of three?” Lacey winked at Jane and turned around. Jane turned back to Gabe, laughing and raised her brow at him as he seemed to appraise her.
“Yes?” she asked.
“”You two seem very different to be friends,” he said.
”It’s always been like that,” Jane began. “We met freshman year. We shared a dorm, and the rest is history. I’ve always been a bit shy, and Lacey do
esn’t have a shy bone in her body. We kinda balance each other out. She gets me out of my shell, and I help her embrace moderation. Speaking of moderation, we were supposed to leave one drink ago, but I can’t miss how the game ends now.”
“Looks like I’m up,” Gabe said, tapping the table.
“Not for long,” Jane teased.
“So, I never asked what you went to school for,” Gabe replied. “You work for an accountant, right?”
She nodded
“Did you study business?”
“Nope. I was an Art History major,” Jane grimaced. “Maybe someday I’ll work in a museum, but until then, I’m just happy to pay the bills.”
“Very cool,” Gabe said. “I took some art history classes in college, and seeing as how I ended up a history teacher, I am a fan."
A large whoop sounded all around them as Jane’s team took the lead.
“Not looking good for you,” Jane whispered in Gabe’s ear.
Before she sat back up, he turned his face towards hers. With their noses almost touching, Jane held her breath as Gabe looked deeply into her eyes.
After a long pause, he returned, “Want to hear a secret?”
Incapable of speech at that moment, Jane nodded.
Gabe quietly said, “I win either way." Then smiled and turned his head back to the game.
Jane, a slight shade of red, felt her heart pounding in her chest and slowly straightened. Oh my Lord, she thought, and suddenly could not wait until tomorrow night. Her mind was so preoccupied she completely missed the final minutes of the game.
“Looks like I’m cooking,” Gabe smiled. “Any special requests? Also, any chance I can cook at your place? When I mentioned I had no AC, that was just brushing the surface."
“Of course,” Jane began. “I can help.”
Gabe interrupted. “No way, you won. I’ll cook and clean.”
“Alright, alright,” Jane laughed. “You can wait on me hand and foot."
She turned and caught sight of Lacey and some guy looking very occupied in a corner of the bar.
She gestured towards her. “I should probably go get her."
“That sounds fun. Can I watch?” Matt called out from down the table. Gabe rolled his eyes.
Jane shook her head and went to collect Lacey, which turned out to be easier said than done. At first Mr. Romeo said that he was going home with them. Jane quickly put an end to that idea while Lacey pouted. They settled on exchanging info and sharing one last, very long, and not PG kiss. Jane’s eyes met Gabe’s across the bar, and she glanced at Lacey and her “friend” than back at Gabe and shrugged.
They met up with Gabe and all headed towards the parking lot together. Jane unlocked her car, and Lacey yawning loudly, climbed in. Jane lingered by her car door for Gabe to do something.
“Are you alright to drive?” Gabe asked. “I can follow you if you’d like.”
“I’m good, just tired,” Jane replied.
“Okay,” Gabe said. “Is five o’clock good for tomorrow?” he went on.
“Sounds good,” she said, opening her door and getting in her car.
“Hey, Jane.”
She popped back up.
“I am really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Gabe said, and he leaned in to place a soft kiss on her cheek. With a wave, he headed to his car.
Her hand rose to the spot his lips just were. It felt warm. She watched him get into his car, and with a small wave, headed home. She could not wait. And had a cheek-aching grin the whole drive home, while she unlocked her apartment door, and until she sat down on the sofa. She knew she had to sleep but was way too excited to do anything but replay that kiss over and over again in her mind.
She finally snapped out of it when Lacey said, “Hey, I missed what happened with your bet. Who won?”
“I did,” Jane replied. “He wants to cook over here. Any chance I can have the place to myself tomorrow night?”
“I’m not sleeping someplace else, but I can make myself scarce. So why is he cooking over here?” Lacey replied.
“I guess his kitchen is a mess,” Jane murmured. “He said something about having a fixer upper house."
“He owns his own house?!” Lacey boomed. “Very grown up. Bummer it’s not all done yet. So are you going cancel your coffee thing tomorrow?”
“Oh crap!” Jane exclaimed. “I had completely forgotten about it."
“So what are you going to do?” Lacey asked.
“I don’t know. What should I do?” Jane worried. “I mean it’s just coffee."
“Right,” Lacey replied. “How long can that take? An hour?"
“You’re right, Lace. Besides all I have to do is pick up a little and get ready before Gabe comes. Will you help me speed clean in the morning?” Jane pleaded.
“Sure, babe. I’ll help but now bed,” Lacey grumbled, heading towards her room.
Jane washed her makeup off, brushed her teeth, and changed into some old sweats and a T shirt. She was out as soon as her head touched the pillow.
Chapter 23
The beeping of a truck backing up woke her the next morning. She rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock. 9 am.
“Ugh,” she grimaced, getting up.
She had hoped it was earlier so she could sleep in a bit longer. She headed to the kitchen to make some coffee. Lacey stumbled in, and Jane raised her brow at her.
“Don’t judge,” Lacey grumbled. “I’m still waking up. Coffee ready?” She sat on a stool.
“Almost,” Jane replied as she took out two mugs. “How do you want it?”
“Black as my soul,” Lacey could be dramatic at times. Jane handed her a steaming mug. “I love you the mostest!” Lacey trilled. “So what do you want me to clean?” Lacey asked between sips.
“You pick,” Jane said. “We need to take out the trash and straighten and wipe down the bathroom and kitchen. Maybe pick up here and there. Other than that, I think I’ll burn a vanilla candle so it smells good. So, trash or kitchen and bath?"
“I call trash,” Lacey said. “Then I’ll take a shower."
“So what are you going to do while Gabe is over? Meet up with your friend from last night?” Jane asked.
“Hmm. I think I’ll let him come to me,” Lacey winked.
“So tell me what happened while I pick up the bathroom,” Jane said, heading down the hall and pulling Lacey after her.
Lacey sat on the edge of the tub while Jane took stuff off the counter and placed them into the cabinet below the sink.
“Did you lure him in with your golf skills?” Jane joked, spraying the counter with cleanser.
“Kinda,” Lacey snorted. “He was the only one brave enough to challenge me. There was no way he was going to beat me, but he was pretty cute trying. We got to talking after, and I guess I just grabbed his face and started kissing him. I don’t think he minded."
“I’ll bet!” Jane laughed. “He seemed very happy and got your number."
Lacey shrugged her shoulders sheepishly. Jane wiped down the toilet and motioned for Lacey to move so she could wipe down the tub.
“Do you think he’s going to shower here?” Lacey teased wagging her brows at Jane.
“Of course not,” Jane huffed. “But he might look behind the curtain."
“Why would he look behind the curtain?” Lacey snorted.
“Better safe than sorry,” Jane scrunched her nose.
“If you want to be better safe than sorry you should change your sheets and stock up on protection,” Lacey snickered.
Jane blushed and mumbled something incoherently as Lacey laughed. Together, they headed back to the living room and each had a bowl of cereal. Jane took both bowls when they were finished and placed them in the sink then headed to take a shower. She struggled with what to wear.
She wanted to look nice, but she didn’t want to look like she was trying to look nice. It was strange. Normally, she got dressed just trying to look pretty and comfortable given whatever kind of w
eather was going on. But in this situation, she wanted to look good to make Wyatt regret how things ended, but at the same time, not good enough for him to think she was interested in him. It was a conundrum.
She went with dark washed jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt and ballet flats. He preferred her hair down, so she purposefully wore it in a low pony tail. She kept her makeup simple and used a light floral body spray, brushed her teeth, applied lip gloss, and headed out. Lacey called out as she reached the door.
“Ah, I was hoping you would get all decked out and make him rue the day he ever broke up with you.”
“Don’t be silly, Lace; I am wearing exactly what someone meeting an old friend would wear. Besides, I would hate for Wyatt to think I was getting dressed up for him,” Jane returned. “And hey, don’t forget the trash."
Jane grabbed her keys and sunglasses and headed out. She stopped for gas on the way. It was a breezy morning. As she stood by the pump, she regretted not wearing a light jacket. The weather in Richmond never quite made up its mind during the change of seasons. It was warm one day, then almost freezing the next, and then warm again.
She contemplated running into the convenience store for some vitamin C but decided against it because she did not want to be late. Before taking off, she took out her phone and opened the picture Gabe had sent her of the two of them and mentally thought she would definitely get dressed up for their date. Even with her stop, she still ended up at the café a couple of minutes early.
Great, she thought. Wyatt would probably take this as her being eager to see him. Sometimes her punctuality backfired. A positive, though, in beating him there was that she could order and pay for herself. That way, he would not be able to offer and assume they were on a date. She used to hate it when he would order for her. Even when she told him what she wanted, he would change it every time. It was funny that she remembered that now.
One time, he had even ordered a skim milk and no sugar coffee instead of her normal cream and sugar while explaining to her it was never too soon to start watching her figure. Grrr. Just thinking of that made her order a chocolate croissant with her coffee just to spite him. She had just finished paying when he entered and admonished her.
A Bridge of Her Own Page 13