The girls looked amazing, each in short dresses, high heels, their hair done to perfection.
They looked gorgeous and were now going out for the evening with their boyfriends while I was just coming home from a family dinner, about to get into my PJs to do some homework.
There was something wrong with that scenario.
“The unexpected dinner tonight cut into my homework time. So, while you guys probably finished yours, I now need to begin.”
“Damn families getting in the way.” Elise rolled her eyes and hugged me tightly. “If you change your mind, you already look gorgeous. Come on out.”
I looked down at my conservative, neutral tan dress and snorted. “Yes, I’ll fit right in out there clubbing with y’all.”
“We try,” Mackenzie said as she pushed her hair away from her face. “Pacey just texted. They’re sitting outside. There’s nowhere to park on the street since there appears to be a couple of parties across the way. Oh, and somebody blocked you in, Natalie.”
I scowled. “I even parked off to the side so it would be easy for you guys to get out.”
“That’s what Pacey said.” Mackenzie held up her phone. “Anyway, we need to rush out since they’re double-parked, and some jackass is honking at them. We love you.” They all hugged and kissed me and then left. I shook my head and locked the door behind them.
I didn’t deadbolt it since I knew they would be coming back tonight—at least, I figured. I wasn’t positive. They could stay at the guys’ place. So, I shot them a quick text to make sure.
Elise texted back that they were all sleeping at the guys’ house tonight unless I wanted one of them to come back.
Feeling like the seventh wheel, I told them that I didn’t need them, that I was fine being alone, and deadbolted the door.
“It’s just you and me,” I said to the wineglass and wondered briefly if I should get in a cuter dress and make my way out to the club with the girls. Or maybe even go see Tanner.
No, that wasn’t in the cards. I would not go back to that strip club. Not that seeing Tanner strip wouldn’t be amazing, but it’d be far too tempting.
I went into the kitchen, stuck my wine glass in the fridge, and got my bottle of water. I needed to focus on schoolwork to have the next afternoon off. I could indulge later.
I had just closed the fridge when a circuit popped, and the power went out.
“Fuck,” I muttered, grateful that I had my phone in my hand. It was dark outside and seemed even darker in the house. I turned on the flashlight app on my phone, set down my water, and walked towards the laundry room where the breakers were.
The landlord needed to fix this because the power kept going out at odd times, scaring the crap out of me. He knew it, and we knew it, but nothing had been done yet. Something was wrong with the wiring or something. But, apparently, it wasn’t that bad, at least according to an electrician the landlord had sent out.
I wasn’t sure if I believed that, but I didn’t know if a landlord could have electricians under his thumb. This wasn’t a mob movie.
I reset the breaker and sighed with relief when everything came back on.
“See? I can do things on my own. I don’t need to call Tanner every time something breaks.”
At least, that’s what I told myself.
Some part of me had wanted to call Tanner immediately, and another part was grateful that I knew he was at work.
Relying on Tanner would be far too easy and much too dangerous. I would do what I was good at: find my way by myself.
And I would forget that I knew what it felt like to lean on Tanner, even for an evening.
Six
Tanner
“What are we making tonight?” Miles asked as he looked between Dillon and me.
Dillon snorted, and I winked.
“You mean what are Dillon and I making? Because you’re not coming anywhere near this stove.” I pointed my knife at him.
Miles held up both hands and grinned. “What, I’m doing better. Nessa is teaching Natalie and me how to cook.”
My stomach did that little flipping thing at the mention of Natalie’s name, but I ignored it. I could not think about Natalie just then. If I did, it would probably show on my face, and the others would want to know what was wrong.
What was wrong?
Everything. Me, mostly.
“We are making chicken pasta Caprese, along with a true Caprese salad and some garlic bread.”
“I can help with the garlic bread,” Miles put in.
Pacey pulled our roommate back. “How about you help me set the table?”
Miles groaned, and we all laughed. “How am I ever going to learn if you don’t let me help?”
“He has us there,” Dillon added, and I shrugged.
“Okay fine. You can help cook the pasta.”
“The pasta?” Dillon asked, his eyes wide. “Not the pasta. What if he makes it mushy? That’s the whole meal.”
“How about he cuts the tomatoes?” I asked, and Dillon shook his head. “No, if he bruises them, it’ll make that mush.”
“The mozzarella?”
Dillon shook his head again. “No, same reasoning.”
“Can I at least plate the salad once you do all the cutting?” Miles asked, and Dillon gave me a look.
I nodded. “That works.”
Miles rolled his eyes. “Thank you so much. I’m so happy.”
“You do realize that they’re going to be pointing where to put each slice of tomato, basil, and mozzarella, right?” Pacey said dryly, and Miles shrugged.
“It’s something, at least.”
“We’re not that bad, are we?” I winced.
Dillon shrugged. “I think we’re worse than that.”
“That’s good to know,” I grumbled. “Now, let’s get to cooking and open that bottle of wine. I could use it.”
“Tough day?” Dillon asked.
I shrugged. “Normal day, I guess.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“Just papers and a project due. Why group projects exist in this day and age, I don’t know.”
“Probably just to annoy us,” Dillon said with a shrug.
“I have to make a plan for a commercial building with three other people. And we have to agree on things. Considering I’ve been in a poly relationship where communication is key, you would think I would be able to do this. But no, there’s no communicating with these people.”
“You do realize that once we get out into the real world, we’re going to have to work with other people, right? That means tough projects where we get paid but end up doing most of the work because that’s who we are.”
I cringed at Dillon’s words as I began chopping garlic. “That’s a nice thought. Thank you for making me feel better.”
“I try.”
“How’s the bar doing? Your family?”
Dillon smiled. “They’re doing great. We’re busier than ever with the new restaurant opening soon. While part of me wishes I could be at both restaurants and be the chef, that wasn’t in the cards. You know?”
“I get it. We’re allowed to change our minds a few times.”