Unfinished Ex (Calloway Brothers, #2)(48)

I text her.



Me: Got the ring. I couldn’t have picked anything more perfect. Thank you.



Heisman nudges me, growls softly, and goes to the door.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.”

Outside, I see a For Sale sign going up in my neighbor’s yard. I stop in front of the house and shout to where Mr. Papadakis is watching the realtor from the front porch.

“You’re moving?” I ask.

He descends the front steps and walks over, coffee in hand. “Been here for decades. Raised our kids here. But it’s too much yard for me to handle.”

“I’d be happy to mow it for you.”

“You do too much as it is. Painting the fence. Fixing my mailbox. Pressure washing my driveway. It’s time Mirna and I retire to someplace smaller. We plan to spend the proceeds on trips to see the grandkids, and maybe one to Paris. Mirna always wanted to see France.”

“Well, it sure has been a pleasure having you as my neighbor.”

“I’m happy to say I feel the same way, Jaxon.” He pats Heisman. “You enjoy your morning walk.”



~



While this week’s football game will most likely be a walk in the park, two weeks from Friday we play our primary rival. We need to gear up for it now. I practice my guys hard. Run all the routes.

Do all the drills. They’re a good team, and I get immense satisfaction being their coach.

“Don’t worry.” Eric smacks my shoulder. “We’re going to kick the shit out of the Bruins.”

I thought he might be mad at me. He’s been avoiding me all practice and giving me strange looks.

Not that strange looks are, well… strange these days. Everyone is talking, whispering, and gossiping about Nic and me. But this is Eric. We’ve been friends for two years.

“I hope you’re right. We’ve lost to them three years in a row. We’re due.” I turn and shout, “Pack it in, guys!”

Eric stays close, giving me more unusual stares as our players put the equipment back where it belongs and head to the locker room.

“What is it with the skittish glances all afternoon, man?” I finally ask him. “You got something to say, spit it out.”

“Listen, so I know you and Nicky are back—”

I glance down at the ring. “We’re not back together.” I’m not sure what we are. “We’re just having fun while she’s in town.”

“Whatever it is, I think it’s great. And you seem to be completely over Calista.”

“Yeah, so?” I narrow my eyes. “What’s this about?”

He squares his shoulders. “I was wondering—hoping really—if you wouldn’t mind if I… took her out.”

I bend over laughing. “That’s what this whole dog and pony show was about? You wanting to get with Calista?”

“I know there’s a code between friends. Exes are off-limits. And six months ago, I swear you beat me to her by about two minutes. I was going to ask her out, but then I saw you together in the park walking your dog.”

“Damn. Wish you would have. Would have saved me a lot of drama.”

“So you don’t mind?”

“Nah. She’s great. Just not great for me.”

“Good. Because we’ve already been out.” He steps back. “Twice.”

“Dude, I’m not going to deck you. I think it’s a good idea. But I appreciate the ask.” I chuckle.

“What would you have said if I told you I wasn’t cool with it?”

“It’s you, Jaxon. You’re the most agreeable guy on the planet.”

“Maybe that’s not such a good thing. It’s what had me getting with Calista in the first place when I knew it wasn’t a good idea.”

“She doesn’t hate you, you know.”

“I know. She actually smiled at me in the hallway yesterday.” Realization dawns. “Wait, she smiled at me. You’re fucking.” Snickers from a few players strolling by remind me I shouldn’t be talking so loudly. “You’re fucking?” I say again, quietly this time.

“You’re not jealous, are you?”

“Jealous, no. Surprised maybe. She seemed pretty into me.”

“Well, now she’s into me.”

I pat his back, and we start for the locker room. “Congratulations, man. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. I get the idea Calista is a love the one you’re with kind of girl. But I guess I’m cool with that as long as I’m the one she’s with.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket.



Nicky: I’m glad you like it. Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. It’s been a heck of a day. And I’ve got some good news.



Me: I’ve got some interesting news myself.



Nicky: You first.



Me: Eric, my assistant football coach, is dating Calista. And apparently they’re already pretty tight. Guess I’m an easy guy to get over.



Nicky: Believe me. You’re not.



Hope, or something like it, dances in my gut. Is it possible she wants more than what we have?