That Secret Crush (Getting Lucky #3)(60)

Rogan: That couldn’t have been more obvious.

Griffin: But what about the job?

Brig: I just asked Tracker if he heard anything about Eric being in town and he said no. You still might be safe, bro.

Reid: No idea about the job. I was fucking blindsided last night, and now I feel like I’m about to lose my damn mind. What the hell do I do?

Rogan: What are you worried about?

Reid: Eric finding out about Eve and me. And fuck, I don’t even know what’s going on with us. I’ve been so all over the place that I’m surprised she even wanted to see me last night.

Brig: Yikes, sounds like trouble in paradise.

Rogan: Yeah, you’re kind of in a sticky situation.

Griffin: This is why you don’t date friends’ sisters.

Reid: Wow, you are all so fucking helpful. Thank you.

Brig: Not a problem.

Rogan: Any time.

Griffin: We are here to serve.

Reid: Fuck all of you.

Brig: ^^^ don’t take that personally, boys. He’s just projecting the anger he feels about his own decisions onto us.

Reid: I will pop all of your goddamn tires.

Brig: Now that’s just low, going after my cars. That’s so beneath you.

Reid: At least something is beneath me, unlike you . . .

Rogan: Oh damn.

Griffin: Ha, he’s talking about how you haven’t had sex in a really long time.

Brig: Thanks, Griffin. Wasn’t sure I got that (note the sarcasm). I’m saving myself for the woman I’m going to marry.

Reid: Either that or the curse passed over all of us and landed only on you.

Rogan: Ooo, that’s not going to go over well.

Griffin: [Homer Simpson backing into bushes GIF]

Brig: You mother FUCKER! You know how hard I’ve been working to cleanse my goddamn aura. Don’t be throwing that around if you don’t mean it.

Reid: Who says I didn’t mean it?

Rogan: Dude, you’re going to make him cry.

Griffin: And then I’m going to have to pick up the pieces.

Brig: I’m dying ALONE!!!!

Rogan: Good job, Reid.

Reid: At least I’m not the only miserable one now.



Dad: Meet me at the restaurant at four. Be sharp.

I stare down at the text message and then back up at the restaurant . . . or at least the space that my dad wants to make into a restaurant. I have no idea what he wants. All I got from him was this text and nothing more. I haven’t heard anything from Eric or Eve either. I sent her a text a few hours ago, asking her how she was and apologizing for bolting last night, but I haven’t heard anything back.

Why do I feel like I’m about to get bombarded?

Heaving a deep sigh, I scan the warehouse beside the Lobster Landing. Dad has kept up with its outward appearance, making sure it isn’t a sore thumb on the end of Main Street, but it serves no real purpose. With its white siding, its pitched roof with Cape Cod–style windows, and the giant LOBSTER LANDING sign painted on the side with an arrow pointing to the entrance, the building is used more for Instagram pictures than anything.

Pocketing my phone and trying not to let my nerves get to me, I make my way to the restaurant and pull open the door. A loud creak echoes through the hollow space, pulling the attention of three figures standing near the expansive windows that overlook the bay. From the sunlight pouring in, I can’t quite make out who the shadows are until I walk across the sealed concrete and step up next to them.

The first person I see is my dad, followed by Eric . . . and Eve?

“Reid, glad you could join us,” my dad says as he gestures to the space. “Won’t this be beautiful once it’s all done? They’ve already started on the floor plan, sectioning things off and putting in the proper wiring for what we need, but the design is still slightly up for debate. All I know is the kitchen and bathrooms have to be on the left.”

Err . . . did I miss something? Did I black out at some point and am now just waking up?

“Yeah, okay.” I look between Eve and Eric and then to my dad. “Uh, what’s going on?”

“Didn’t they tell you? They’re on board.” My dad claps his hands, grinning.

“They?” I ask, swallowing hard.

“Yes, Eric and Eve. Eric will be joining you in the kitchen, and Eve will be handling all the business. She has quite the impressive résumé, even without the bachelor’s degree she’s about to earn. I have a design meeting set up for tomorrow, and from there, you boys will take it over. I’d like to be updated on all developments at the end of every week, and then there is the focus of what I want this restaurant to be.”

What the hell is going on? I’m still reeling from the thought of all three of us working together. As in me, Eric, and Eve . . . the girl I’m seeing and Eric’s twin sister. This won’t be fucking awkward at all.

“What were you thinking cuisine-wise?” Eric asks my dad, folding his arms over his chest, his let’s get down to business face on. I’ve seen that expression so many times. It means he’s ready to listen and then dream big. Happens every time. The man’s ideas are huge, and I’ve always been the one to bring him back down to earth.

“Well, I’d want the atmosphere to be casual and cool. Hip and modern, nothing stuffy, but food everyone would enjoy. You know, street eats, things you would get from food trucks, but slightly elevated and for a sit-down place,” Dad says. “I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes in town, so no crab cakes or lobster bisque, things restaurants are already famous for around here, but I also want to bring a New England flair to our menu and remind tourists where they’re dining.”