“Counter’s fine. I’ll get them after we’re done.”
“All right, you got it,” Robert says and heads toward the door, but turns on his heel and trots back over. “So … you two.” He points between me and Bri.
“We’re playing things by ear tonight,” I tell him but he shakes his head.
“I’m asking,” he says, then gestures between us and repeats, “you two?”
An asymmetric smirk finds itself on my face as I toss my napkin at him.
“Are friends.” I cut him off before he can say any more. Bri nods, agreeing with me. My smile doesn’t leave, though, as she glances at me.
“I just got home,” she says with a smile and then nervously glances at me. “Still settling in.” I like that she looks to me for reassurance. Hell, I like that she looks to me at all.
Just friends doesn’t seem right, but if it’s what she wants right now, I … am trying to let her lie to herself.
Robert grins back. “Well, Asher’s not the only one who’s glad you’re home. We’re all glad you’re back, Bri.”
“Thanks,” she answers and the two of them half hug while she’s still seated.
With a tap on the doorway, Robert leaves, and there’s a lull in our conversation.
“Does anyone want a glass of wine?” Bri asks.
“Oh, no thank you,” my mother answers. My dad shakes his head. They’re polite. Smiling. Bri looks between them and smiles too.
“Just thought I’d ask. Dinner was wonderful. So good.”
My dad is visibly relieved when Bri doesn’t insist or get up to get herself a glass. Before another moment passes, I ask Bri, “You want to go out tonight?”
She looks at me in surprise. “Out? Me and you?” My pulse quickens and I can feel my parents staring at us. She can’t say no with them watching, though.
“Yeah, we can go hang out with whoever’s at the bar.”
Bri laughs, hesitating.
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. You could just sit here with my parents all night.”
“Asher!” she exclaims, then shakes her head at my mom. “I wouldn’t mind hanging out with you guys. I hope you know that.”
“I certainly do.” My mom beams with a kind smile. I think she’s happy Bri and she still have that mutual fondness even after two years of radio silence. “You two should head out,” she says, urging Bri. Great, my mom is now my wingman.
“I’ll help you with the dishes,” Bri offers.
“No thank you.” My mom puts up her hand. “The two of you should go have some fun. Where do you think you’ll go?”
“Everybody’s going to be at the bar tonight for Robert’s after-party. I figured we’d head there.”
Bri nods along, already agreeing.
“Then go,” my mom says, waving us away. “The night’s not getting any younger. We’ll handle things here.”
And with that I stand, offering a hand to Bri to help her up. Just friends, I have to remind myself that’s what we’re supposed to be right now. Just friends.
My mom follows us to the foyer. “Come anytime you want for dinner,” she says, giving Bri a hug.
“Dinner was delicious,” Bri insists again. “Thank you. It was really good to see all of you.”
“Go have fun.” My mom shoos us out of the house, and it’s even better to help Bri into her car. She drove here, so we’re driving separately.