Page 10 of His North Star
“Oh, well.” He shrugged. “Maybe not, then. The world is hard enough as it is. I like to focus on the good.”
“As long as you’re there, I know it’ll be a successful night.”
He waved away my comment. But really, without Phillip, I’m sure women like Mrs. Sheffield would leave disappointed regardless of the phenomena they witnessed in the sky.
“You’re too kind, my dear.” He smiled softly. “Have a good night.”
“You too.” I waved, getting in my Jeep.
I checked my phone, since I’d silenced it before heading into the community center. I had a text from Mom telling me to have fun while still being safe. I rolled my eyes. I was twenty-six years old. Pretty sure I had adulted long enough to not need a warning on how to stay safe. The others were from Ty, spaced every five minutes.
T-Rex-Ler:Lys is busy tonight. Want to come over to watch the Nationals game with me?
T-Rex-Ler:I’ll take that as a no??
T-Rex-Ler:Why are you ignoring me?
T-Rex-Ler:Fourth inning, bases are loaded. . .
I rolled my eyes a second time. I loved that he asked me and not one of his guy friends. At the same time, he could benefit from time with his buddies. Between Lys and me, his nights were pretty estrogen-filled. I opened the recent calls list on my phone. T-Rex-Ler’s name appeared the most. I tapped on his name, putting him on speaker. A ringing echoed in my SUV.
“Hey, Mare.”
“Hiiii.”
“Why were you ignoring me earlier?”
I tapped my thumb against the steering wheel. “I was busy.”
“Doing what?”
“Believe it or not, I do have other things in my life besides work and you.”
“Really?” He sounded incredulous.
His words were a punch to the gut. “Why is that so hard to believe?”
Silence carried over the line. Seriously? Was my life so predictable and boring that no one thought I could have a social life?
“Ty,” I said sternly.
“Sorry, I was watching the game. What were you talking about?”
For real? “You insulted me.”
“Wait, what did I say? OH! Come on!”
“That I don’t have a life. . .” Obviously Ty’s mind was split between me and the game. “Never mind. How many innings are left?” Since I’d rather not get roped into helping with game night at home, watching America’s pastime with Ty enticed me.
“Lots. It’s the top of the fifth. You coming over?”
“Yeah. Want me to stop by the store for snacks?”
“Already have it covered.”
That was debatable. “You stopped that weird diet thing already, right? I can’t handle your seaweed crackers again.” I shuddered.
His laugh boomed in my ear. “Those were disgusting!”
