“I wasn’t gone very long. I actually came home a few days earlier.”
“Oh yeah, why?” Kyle sits down on one of our bar stools. From where he is and the counter, there’s more than enough space between us.
I shrug. “Not my scene. You know the ‘whole go back to your hometown’ thing. Besides, all my friends are away at school, and as much as I love my grandpa, hanging with him and his poker playing buddies isn’t my idea of a good time.”
“Can you play? I can teach you.”
I shake my head. “Grandpa taught Elle and I, a long time ago. He says when we turn twenty-one he’s taking us to Vegas so we can run the table. Something about twins at a table makes people nervous.”
“I believe it.”
“So what brings you by?”
Kyle runs his hand through his hair. “I mean, I guess I could say I was in the neighborhood, but you’d know it’s a lie. It takes me an hour to get here from the gym and that’s without traffic.” He shrugs and stands up, making his way over to where I am and stopping in front of me. “Peyton, I was thinking we could go on a date, something real?”
I step, putting some space between us. “Kyle…”
“Is it Ben?” he asks as he steps further away. “I mean the guy is always whispering in your ear, but I thought he was a friend.”
“Not Ben. Ben actually has turned out to be one of my best friends, surprisingly. He’s in love with Elle.”
“Really? But she’s never around.”
“I know. He comes over because our dad likes him, and he’s been around for a long time.”
“So if it’s not Ben… It’s Westbury isn’t it?”
I honestly don’t know how to answer his question. It is, and isn’t. “I haven’t been completely honest about Noah. I’m in love with him, but he’s with Dessie and--”
“And you’re not ready?”
I shake my head and expect him to leave, but he steps forward and pulls me into his arms. “Friend-zoned. I can dig it.”
“The only other better place is the end zone.”
“Watch out people, Peyton’s on fire.”
I hug him back, thankful he’s understanding, at least he’s acting that way. With my direction and guidance, Kyle loads his arms up with junk food and sets it out on the table. I challenge him to a game of Madden, which he happily accepts.
“I hope you’re ready to lose,” I tell him as I get situated. I have residual pain in my right side and my reflexes are a bit slow, but I can still video game with the best of them.
“I’ve never lost to a chick before and I’m not about to today.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Remind me, how is it you’re so well versed in football? I’ve met your dad and brother, they don’t seem like the type.”
I turn slightly to face him. “Remember when I told you my dad died when I was five?”
He nods.
“Big time football guy. Football gave me a way to stay connected to him. My uncle Liam filled the gap left behind and I went to all of Noah’s practices and games.”
“Do you ever get star struck when it comes to your family?”
I start laughing. “No, why? Because my dad and uncles have a band?”
“Well, yeah! And your brother is a pretty good musician. You’re… whatever with Westbury. It’s like Beaumont-bred stardom.”