Tyler laughs—actuallylaughs—at my words. “You have no idea how many times I’ve wished the same thing.”
“Maybe there’s one more thing we have in common.” I smirk. “They’re lucky to have you close by, though. Your family must mean a lot to you.”
“I’d do anything for them.”
“Are your parents still in Alabama?”
“No, they’re in Florence right now. Once my dad retired, they decided to travel. They wanted to move here to be with Tess and Evie when everything went down, but I offered to do it.” He moves around the vegetables on his plate absentmindedly with his fork. “They sacrificed so much for us growing up, and they shouldn’t have to give up their dream of seeing the world now that he’s finally retired and they have the time and means to do it. I’m sure they’ll settle down here once they’re done with their grand adventure.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were kind for doing that.”
The corner of his mouth pulls up in a crooked grin. “But you still think I’m the worst, huh?”
“Maybe not theworst.” I do my best to keep a straight face. “What will your parents do if they settle down here?”
“My dad is a classic car fanatic, so I’m sure he’ll buy one to cruise around in. And Mom will thrive being the doting mother and grandmother.”
I shift in my seat, knowing my own mother will never be that. I shove another bite of ravioli in my mouth. “Do you like cars?”
Tyler nods. “I’d love to own a Corvette one day.” He eats another bite of salmon and then grins at me. “Back to me not beingthe worst, though. Have you noticed anything different lately? Particularly in the mornings.”
I purse my lips, trying to think of anything out of the ordinary. “I mean, I’ve been sleeping better, but what does that have to do with—” My mouth falls open. “You haven’t been blaring your workout music.”
“If I’d known it bothered you before,” he says, his tone genuine, “I would’ve used headphones from the start. I soundproofed that room, so I didn’t realize anyone could hear it. I can’t believe it took you two years to say something. No wonder you hate me.”
He sayshate mein the present tense. For a while, I really did hate him, but knowing what I know now, it’s kind of impossible to hate the guy. And if he didn’t know I could hear his music and stopped immediately after I told him it bothered me a few weeks ago, then I’m not sure what else I can hold against him.
It’s like the picture I’d created in my mind over the past two years is completely shattered, and I’m not sure what my thoughts are about him.
I move my fork through the remaining sauce on my plate. “I don’thateyou.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did.” He sighs, and I really feel for the man sitting in front of me. The one who gave up residency at one of the most prestigious medical institutions to be near his sister. The one who treats his niece like she’s his whole world and gives up his routine and normalcy to be her guardian for three months—and pays me way more than he should to watch her while he’s working. The one who visits his matchmaker of a great-aunt every week with a new bouquet of flowers to liven up her room. I still think said great-aunt is nuts for thinking we’d be a good couple, but I understand Tyler more.
“We just had our wires crossed from the beginning, but I know you a little better now.”
He looks up at me. “So, you’re not mad you stayed for dinner?”
I shake my head.
He smiles. “Good. Next time, you can tell me about your family. Sorry, I feel like I talked the whole time.”
“Your sister is in Africa, your parents are in Florence, and you spend all your evenings listening to a five-year-old. I think that gives you a free pass to talk to someone about yourself.”
“Well, thanks.” He rubs the back of his neck with a shy smile.
The waiter comes and takes our plates. “Would y’all like to look at our dessert menu tonight?”
Tyler looks at me, and I shake my head. I’ve already extorted him enough tonight with the lobster ravioli. I’d feel bad making him spend any more money, especially after our conversation.
“Not tonight,” he says. “We’ll take the check, please.”
The waiter returns a few minutes later and places the bill in the middle of the table.
Tyler pulls out his wallet. “You’re not even going to offer to go Dutch?”
“Do you want Darla to find out you’re an uncivil man who doesn’t even pay for his date’s dinner?”
He snatches the bill up, placing his credit card inside, and I snort. “I was going to pay,” he mutters.
