Page 72 of Drew
What the hell, man?
Abby just laughs and pats me on the shoulder. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll tire of Drew anytime soon, but thanks for the warning. After that first day, I’ve never seen that side of him again.”
DeShawn rolls his eyes as he shakes his head. “Great answer, Abby. Great answer.” Then he turns his attention to me. “You have yourself a keeper, dude. The fact you pissed her off on the first day, and she still comes around, is hilarious.”
“Gee, thanks,” I mutter. “Whatever did I do to deserve a friend like you?”
DeShawn pats me on the shoulder as he puts the bread on the counter by the stove. “You know you love me, man.”
Yeah, I do.But saying that will only inflate his ego further.
Before I can say anything, DeShawn changes the subject. “Were those your roommates in there?”
Abby pulls away and moves toward the living room and of course I follow. “Let me introduce you. I think you may have met Sydney at some point, but I’m sure you haven’t met Chloe as she’s not as into basketball as Syd.”
DeShawn’s chin pulls back, and confusion sets in. “Sydney… she isn’t by any chance a bartender… is she?”
This stops Abby in her tracks. Her head slowly turns to DeShawn, and she slowly draws out, “Yeah, why?”
Though DeShawn’s eyes are wide for the briefest of seconds, he tries to brush it off. “Oh, it’s not a big deal. We’ve met a few times, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
Shit. I’ve seen that look before. Something most definitely happened.
But when we walk into the living room and see no reaction from Sydney, I can’t help but wonder if I might be wrong. But DeShawn rarely has that look on his face, and I’m certain I didn’t imagine it.
My thoughts are interrupted when Abby introduces DeShawn officially to her roommates. Sydney remains stoic, but I’m not sure what to make of it. If I hadn’t seen DeShawn’s reaction in the kitchen, I’d think they’ve never met. However, he chooses to sit down on the couch next to Chloe, and any thoughts of him and Sydney disappear.
“So, Chloe.” I overhear DeShawn ask while Grey says something to Sydney I don’t quite catch. “Weren’t you in my psychology class freshman year?”
“More than likely. It’s my major so there hasn’t been many psych classes I haven’t taken at this university.” Chloe shrugs as she explains, but I don’t think she remembers him being in one of her classes.
DeShawn laughs lightly and shakes his head. “I’ve only taken the one class since it was a requirement. But I remember you because you sat near the front, and the professor always called on you when you were doodling in your notebook.”
This causes a scoff from Chloe. “I listen best when I’m doodling. It’s just my thing… as I’m sure you noticed. I always had the answer, didn’t I?” She raises an eyebrow in challenge.
DeShawn raises his hands in defense to show he clearly doesn’t mean anything by it. “I was just sayin’, I noticed you. That’s all.” Chloe starts to respond, but DeShawn interrupts, “I didn’t mean anything negative. I was just saying where I recognized you from, that’s all.”
“There were literally hundreds of people in that class. How do you remember me?” Chloe asks as if she can’t believe what she’s hearing. I must admit I’m a little surprised, too.
DeShawn rolls his eyes and sighs heavily. “It’s no big deal. I sat behind you a few times and couldn’t believe how you could draw such intricate things and still pay attention to what the professor was saying.”
“Oh.” Chloe appears shocked, but before I can hear what the rest of her response is, the sound of the Insta-Pot has me heading to the kitchen to release the steam.
I gather the plates and utensils we’ll need and place everything out along our small kitchen counter so we can all come to dish up. Our kitchen table only seats four, so we’ll have to sit at the high countertop with barstools as well. Being bachelors, we usually eat in the living room, but spaghetti is better to be eaten at a table. Besides, we have company.
Once everything’s ready, I holler for everyone to come and dish up. It doesn’t take long before the kitchen’s crowded, and everyone has a plate full of food that I hope tastes as good as it smells. Abby and I end up at the bar, while everyone else sits at the table. It doesn’t take long before the once chatty room turns to silence.
Thankfully, as I glance over the room, everyone seems to be engrossed in their food, so the sudden silence isn’t my cooking. When I finally take a bite, my mouth waters from the savory sauce. Damn. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
After a few minutes, Grey breaks the silence and stands to get seconds. “Jacobs, this tastes amazing. Thanks for cookin’, man.” He pats me on the back in appreciation as he walks into the kitchen.
Sydney and Chloe both say how much they appreciate the meal, and I play off their accolades the best I can. “No big deal. Glad everyone could make it.”
“I could get used to you cooking.” Abby grins, and my heart skips a beat.
Why did I invite everyone again when I could’ve had this beautiful woman to myself?
Before I let myself get carried away, I shake my head in a vain attempt to clear my thoughts. “I’m happy to cook anytime.”
