“I think we’re good, just the check,” I speak up, drawing her attention from Dylan.
“Of course,” she says as her cheeks turn a bright shade of red. She knows she’s been caught as she stacks our plates up and takes them away.
“Ugh, could she be any more obvious?” I ask him once she’s out of earshot.
“About what?” Dylan asks the look of confusion furrowing his brow is a bit cute, if it wasn’t so obtuse.
“The way she was flirting with you with me right here,” I state, a little flustered now.
“She wasn’t flirting,” he starts to say. “Was she?” He questions when he sees my annoyed look.
“Yeah, she was. If women are that bold when I’m right next to you, what are they like when I’m not?” I question.
“No clue, you know I don’t pay attention to that shit,” he tells me, cupping my cheek. “I’ve only got eyes for you, babe. You’re all I need, all I want. Now, let’s not let her attempt at flirting with me, or whatever it was she was trying to do, put a damper on your day. Today is all about spoiling you, and I don’t want that to stop now,” he tells me before pressing his lips to mine. “I love you,” he whispers before pulling back.
Our server picks that moment to approach with the bill, sliding it in front of Dylan before she takes the last of our dirty dishes with her, not saying a word the few seconds she’s at our table. He looks at the bill, then stands and offers me his hand. We stop briefly at the front so he can pay the bill.
“How was everything?” the manager asks as he runs Dylan’s card.
“The food was excellent,” Dylan tells him as he scratches his signature on the bottom of the receipt, along with the tip amount. “Do you require reservations for your weekend brunch?” he inquires.
“Not required, but it is popular, so we recommend them. Otherwise, you can end up with quite the wait for a table. Did you want to make one?” the manager asks.
“We’ll give you a call when we have a date in mind.”
“Sounds good, have a nice day,” he tells us as we make our way out of the restaurant hand in hand.
Chapter Fifteen
Dylan
I wait in the living room while Hailey gets ready in the bedroom. Our full day of pampering her went off without a hitch. She enjoyed every second of it, which is precisely what I was hoping she’d do. She’s needed a day to just relax and not stress over what paper she’s writing or test she’s got to study for next. She works her ass off day in and day out, and her grades reflect that. However, she’s also bad about leaving time in her schedule to do something other than school. Having home games to go to helps a little, as she does her best to make it to as many of them as she can.
I turn when I hear the door open, looking down the short hall towards the bedroom, and watch as she emerges. I have to practically swallow my tongue at how radiant she looks tonight. She’s put on a little black dress that hugs her curves, her hair is up in a half-up half-down style, some light makeup that highlights her natural beauty. And those red fuck-me heels that she’s topped everything off with has my dick hardening in my slacks and me ready to say fuck it to the dinner reservations. I would, except I had to have some help even securing the reservation at this restaurant. Apparently, they’re one of those places that books up weeks, if not months, in advance. Beckett helped me pull some strings, and they magically were able to help tonight once they found out who the reservation was for.
“You are stunning,” I finally get out as Hailey closes the distance between the bedroom door and where I’m standing in the living room. She stops just inches in front of me, looking up at me, and I can’t help but notice the sparkle in her eyes.
“You look pretty good yourself,” she comments, running her hand down my tie, stopping just above my belt as she rests her hand against my stomach.
“We should get out of here, don’t want to be late for our reservations,” I state, leaning down and placing a chaste kiss on the corner of her mouth. I don’t want to be accused of messing up her makeup, so I keep it quick and back up. I help her slip her jacket on before I slip into my own.
I lead her downstairs, but instead of heading into the garage, I lead her out the building's front doors and to the waiting limo that is waiting. “Dylan!” She gasps. “What did you do?” she asks, giving me a quizzical look.
“Just get in,” I instruct as the driver opens the door for us. She slides in, and I follow behind her. The driver shuts the door behind me once we’re both fully in the back.
“This is a little much just for dinner, isn’t it?” she asks.
“Nothing is too much for you,” I tell her, placing my arm around her shoulder. Little does she know; this is just the start of what’s about to take place tonight.
We make it to the restaurant, the limo dropping us off at the front door, where we’re greeted by a bellman. The restaurant sits at the top of one of the tallest buildings and has panoramic views. We’re whisked into a waiting elevator and up to the top. Once we reach the hostess desk, I give my name, and we’re immediately shown into the small private room where our parents, and Hailey’s siblings, as well as Justin’s girlfriend, Mallory, are all already mingling around the room.
“What is happening?” She gasps when we enter the room, and she sees everyone.
“Surprise! Happy birthday!” our family members all call out. Emily rushes over, hugging her twin sister in a tight hug.
“How?” Hailey questions Emily. They FaceTimed each other this afternoon, and Emily had to hide the fact that she was at the hotel. “Where were you this afternoon when we talked?” Hailey adds to her question.
“In our hotel room. I had to be super careful not to let you see anything around me so you wouldn’t question where I was,” she says, laughing as they both wipe tears from their cheeks.
“I can’t believe all of you are here!” Hailey exclaims once she’s had the chance to give everyone a hug.
“Happy birthday, babe,” I whisper for only her to hear as I pull her into a hug. “I knew how much you hated being away from Emily today, so I brought her to you.”
“I don’t even know what to say besides thank you.” She presses her lips to mine, damn her makeup.
We finally take our seats, our servers bringing out bread and going over the menu items and specials with everyone. Appetizers are ordered, and the conversation flows as we enjoy the night celebrating Emily and Hailey’s special day.
Chapter Sixteen
Hailey
I still can’t believe everything Dylan pulled off for my birthday two days ago. It was the sweetest, most thought out gift he’s ever given me, and that’s saying a lot. He spoils me way too much. From all the gifts at Christmas to my birthday now, I just don’t know how he comes up with all his ideas. Justin and Mallory had to go back home last night, but I loved the time I was able to see them.
Dylan had to leave town the morning after my birthday, flying to the West Coast for a road trip of five away games spread out over ten days. I hate these longer stints he’s away, as I usually get lonely at night. Our parents and sister are still in town, and tomorrow is my birthday celebration with the girls. When Julia found out that Emily and our moms were in town, she insisted that they be invited to the celebration, so they’re coming with us.
“How’s the study session coming?” Emily asks, plopping down on the bed next to me. She’s been out in the living room watching TV while I studied for a while in the bedroom.
“Good, I think I’m done and ready for my meeting tomorrow morning,” I tell her, closing up my textbook and putting everything into my bag, so it is ready for me in the morning.
“The parentals should be here anytime now. Mom texted about ten minutes ago that they were at the restaurant picking up our order, and then they’d be here, so we should be able to eat before puck drop.”
“Perfect because I’m starving,” I tell her, looking at the clock. With the games being on the West Coast, they start so
late here most of the time. “I don’t know if I’m going to last until the game is over tonight. I’ve got to be up early and out the door by eight-thirty.”
“Ugh, just leave me sleeping,” she says. Once Dylan left yesterday morning, she came to stay with me rather than staying at the hotel with our parents.
“I’ll do my best to not wake you,” I tease her. She’s quite the bear when woken too early.
“What are we doing tomorrow with your friends?” she questions as I stand from the bed, stretching. My body is tired from sitting in the same position for the last few hours.
“Dinner, and then we’re going bowling. Julia rented out a few lanes during the neon hours. It looks fun!” I tell her, a little excited about the night out.
“I’m glad you’ve found some friends in these women,” she states.
“Me too. I was so nervous about meeting them, but all those nerves were for nothing. They are seriously some of the nicest women you will ever meet. Truly the kind that wants to support you, not tear you down,” I tell my twin.
“The best kind.” She gives me a sincere smile.
“Gah, I miss you so much,” I tell her, getting a little sentimental having her here with me.
“I don’t know why,” she teases. “It isn’t like we don’t talk all the time.”
“Talking on the phone or texting isn’t the same as getting to see your pretty face in person,” I deadpan.
“Just look in the mirror, and I’ll be staring right back at you,” she teases. She isn’t lying; we are identical. Some people can’t tell us apart, even if we wear our hair differently these days and dress completely differently. Our personalities are also as different as day and night, but the bond we have is unbreakable. I usually know what she is thinking or feeling before she even opens her mouth, and she is the same way with me. That whole twin telepathy thing is pretty accurate with us. I know it isn’t that way with all twins, but it sure is with us.
My cell ringing interrupts our conversation, and I answer it, pressing the pound button to let our parents past the secure door that leads to the elevator.
“Food’s here!” I exclaim, heading out to the living room to meet everyone at the door. Dylan’s parents enter, followed by mine. Our mothers both carrying two bags of takeout containers they take straight into the kitchen.
“Were you planning on feeding the hockey team?” Emily teases the moms.
“Nope,” Mom answers her, “but we didn’t want anyone to be hungry.”
They set out all the containers, allowing everyone to dish up their own plates. We sit around our kitchen table, with two people filling in stools at the counter. Our little apartment is feeling pretty full, with five extra people here for dinner.
Once we’ve finished our dinner, I flip the TV on, going to the channel the game will be played on. The commentators are currently talking to another player, one that just played in the game that ended a little bit ago.
I zone the TV out, not really caring about the other game or teams.
Time with our family is just what I needed tonight. It sure helps make missing Dylan hurt just a little bit less. I’ll always miss him when he’s away, but having people here with me makes it a little bit easier.
“Happy birthday!” the group all calls out after singing to me, just before I blow out the candles placed on top of my cake. I can’t wipe the smile from my face if I tried. This group of women has made me feel so loved and accepted since I arrived in Indianapolis. It isn’t something I can ever repay them for.
“Thank you all so much!” I call out as the cake is taken from in front of me, someone taking charge of cutting it and handing out slices to those that want one.
We had a nice dinner and are now at a bowling alley. The lights have already been flipped to the blacklights, making anything white glow brightly.
“The birthday girl goes first!” Julia calls out, having programmed our names into the computer system. Our group is large enough to have two lanes filled, plus a few people who didn’t want to actually bowl but wanted to come out tonight.
I grab my ball, lining my feet up with the marks on the floor, and take off towards the shoot. I release the ball, except it goes flying backward, dropping like a rock behind me as it smacks the floor. I turn around, instantly cracking up laughing at my mistake.
“I think you’re supposed to send it the other way,” Emily calls out, not hiding the fact that she’s not only laughing at me but also filming me. I stick my tongue out at her before picking the ball back up and trying again. I get the ball to go the correct way this time, but it promptly drops into the gutter as it rolls away from me and toward the end of the lane. I wait for the machine to come down between my turns and popping my ball back up for me to do it all over again. This time, I managed to send the ball down the lane, knocking over five pins in the process.
“Nice job!” Kinley calls out when I return to my seat.
“Thanks, gotta keep it fun around here,” I tell her, accepting the fact that I might have made an ass out of myself, but hey, I’m having fun, and that’s all that matters right now.
It takes us about two and a half hours to finish up the two games we paid for. Everyone is having a blast the entire time. I was a little skeptical about the bowling idea, but it ended up being a perfect time. We could visit, have cake, and a few drinks for those old enough to partake.
Once we part ways with everyone, we head for the hotel to drop the moms off. “Are you girls coming in?” Mom asks as we pull into the parking lot.
“Is Dad still awake?” I ask, looking at the clock and seeing that it is already after eleven.
“He should be,” she says, gathering her things together.
“I guess we could come up for a little bit,” I state, turning my car off. We follow Mom up to their room, where we find Dad kicked back watching some WW2 documentary on the History channel.
“How was your evening?” Dad asks, hitting the mute button on the remote.
“So much fun!” Emily tells him. “Especially when Hails sent her bowling ball the wrong way!” she says, giggling and pulling out her phone to show him the video. I cover my face, shaking my head as we listen to the video come to life as she hits play. You can hear the thud the ball made when it hit the floor, then the collective laughs that ensued. I can’t help but crack up again just listening to it play on the phone.
“I still have no idea how it happened,” I tell them once the video stops playing. “It must have just slipped off my fingers with the backward momentum I had going on.”
“Who knows,” Dad comments, “but it looks like you ladies had a good time.”
“We did, it was a great night, and all the ladies were just so kind,” Mom tells him as she digs through her suitcase and pulls out her pajamas. She heads towards the bathroom, getting ready for bed.
“What time did you want me here by tomorrow to take you to the airport?” I ask Dad.
“We don’t have to check in until one, but I think we have to be out of here by ten, maybe eleven. So if you’re still open, maybe come over by then, and we can go have lunch somewhere before you need to drop us off,” he suggests.
“I can do that. Em, did you need to come over any earlier than that to pack?” I ask my sister.
“Nope, I have everything at your place, so I’ll get packed up there once we’re back and then toss in the last few items in the morning after I shower and am ready.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I tell her.
“What sounds like a plan?” Mom asks, coming out of the bathroom in her pajamas, a washcloth in her hand as she starts to scrub her face.
“The girls will be here in the morning before check out; we’re going to get some lunch, and then Hailey will drop us at the airport by one,” Dad quickly recaps.
“Perfect!” Mom states as she finishes washing off her face. She steps back into the bathroom, and I hear the water turn on, along with the sounds of her electric toothbrush.
“I guess we’ll get out of here so you two can get to sleep, plus, I need some sleep myself,” I say, covering up a yawn. The last few nights have been late as I stayed up with Emily, followed by early morning wake-ups to get my studying done, so I don’t fall behind. I’ve absolutely loved having my family here with me the last few days. I really wish my brother and his girlfriend could have stayed longer than the one night they were here, but work schedules and all that.
“Night, girls, see you in the morning. Love you both,” Dad says, coming over to give both of us hugs goodbye. After saying goodbye to Mom, we head for the car and back to my apartment.
“So, how are things going? Any more doubts or worries?” Emily asks once we’re back at the apartment and lying in bed. While I miss Dylan like crazy, I’ve loved these last few days with my sister here. I miss getting to spend so much time with her. Phone calls and FaceTime only go so far. She’s one of my very best friends, and we talk about everything. She knows all about how I was worried about things back when we were home for Christmas.
“I think things are good. I’ve been so busy with school that I really haven’t had time to focus on social media and what people say about Dyl and me. After talking to some of the girls, I’ve also realized that I can’t control what people post about us, or me or how they pick apart if I was at a game or not, or what I wore to said game or out to dinner. People are curious, and I can either let what they say bother me, or I can attempt to ignore it and just let it roll off my back. I haven’t really gone out of my way to ignore it; that is just happening naturally because of how busy I am with school.”
“What does Dylan think of all the newfound attention?”
“He’s taking it in stride. It was so cute; a few weeks ago, we were at the grocery store together, and this young boy came up to him. He was all nervous but asked if he was really Dylan. The kid had a T-shirt with his name, so Dylan signed it for him and took a picture with the kid. It made his day. Later on, the kid’s mom tagged him in the picture on Instagram and gushed over how nice he was to her son, and how it made his day.”
Rookie Move (Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 9) Page 13