“Gems wouldn’t do that. We’ve got guitar lessons to look forward to.”
“He’s right. I’m actually pretty excited to have lessons,” Gemma admits before her eyes widen. “Are you actually alright? You’re, like, kind of old. Scar said you’rethirty.”
I scoff in offense. “I’m going to ignore the old comment, and to prove I’m alright, how about this: if you’re free tonight, why don’t I run home to grab my guitar and I’ll swing by your place this afternoon to get us started a few days early,” I suggest.
Gemma looks back at me in awe, but when I glance at Scarlett, she looks frazzled, and I’m not sure what to make of that.
“Really? I’d love that!” Gemma squeals, turning to her sister. “Can he? We don’t have anything going on this afternoon right?”
“Um, yeah, I think we’re free,” Scarlett mumbles.
“Oh, shoot! Is your date with that coffee guy today?” Gemma asks. My mood immediately sours at her question.
Scarlett’s eyes narrow before she gives Gems a gentle shoulder nudge. “No, I’m just getting coffee with a guy, and that isn’t until Thursday morning. Bennett said he would give you lessons Thursday evening, so no problems there.”
“Ah, a hot date? Who’s the sorry sucker?” I can’t stop myself from asking as I fight the strange urge to puff my chest like an asshat.
“Don’t you mean who’s the lucky man that has the privilege of having coffee with me?” she retorts.
“Isn’t that what I said?”
“Not quite, but that’s none of your business,” she bites back.
“Got it. Well, if you’re okay with me coming over today, I’ll run home real quick to grab my guitar and then I’ll head to your place.” As I wait for her response, I shift my weight back on my heels.
Scarlett lets out a sigh, blowing the bangs off her face that I hadn’t noticed at first, before she reluctantly replies, “Yeah, fine by me. Can you just give us, like, an hour or so? I’ve got to swing by my grandparents’ place to pick up Gunner.”
“You betcha,” I tell her as I adjust the strap on my duffle and begin walking backwards toward my car. “See you in a bit.”
I watch as Scarlett hurriedly moves to the driver’s side and gestures for Gemma to get in the passenger seat before they buckle up and take off.
My phone rings just as I’m leaving the parking garage, and I answer using my steering wheel once I see Jackson’s name on my car’s display.
“Yep,” I say in answer.
“Wow, what a way to greet your brother. Hello to you too, sweetie,” Jax retorts.
“Oh, I’m sorry, is this better? Hey, dear brother, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Much better. See, was that so hard?”
“Cut the shit, Jax. What’s up?”
“Nothing, just wanted to call to say hi to my big brother. And maybe ask for your advice on something.”
My brows shoot up in surprise, usually Jax and I butt heads when it comes to some of the decisions he makes. I can’t remember the last time he came to me for advice. “Always,” I tell him.
“What are your thoughts on me asking McKenna’s college friend, the one she played volleyball with, to go out?”
I’m taken by surprise yet again, knowing Jax hasn’t really dated anyone seriously since high school. “Which one, Brooke or Alexa?”
“Alexa, obviously. Brooke is engaged.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. I don’t keep up with that shit. But I don’t see any problem with you asking her out. She seems cool whenever we’ve hung out. More your type, too, with how outgoing she is.”
“And I think we’d be on the same page with things.”
“What do you mean by that?”
