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Katie and I have texted a bit since then, but it’s usually me sending something silly to her first. I’m afraid to move too fast. If I had my way, we’d have been out several more times since the last time. Instead, I’ve done my best to keep her mind on me without overwhelming her. I have no clue if it’s the right way to handle this thing we’re doing. I’ve never done anything like this before. I just know that Katie is more important to me than anyone else I’ve ever dated. Instead of rushing in like the wrecking ball I’m known to be, I’m going to take my time and do it right.
Nolan:
Question…
How exactly does the whole “fated mates” thing work?
I set my phone in the cupholder and pull out of the parking lot of the soccer fields. The drive over to O’Malley’s is quick. I park in my reserved spot and head inside. My siblings are already sitting at a table toward the back of the bar.
“Everything going okay?” I ask Amanda. It’s pretty steady tonight. Not too busy to need an extra bartender, but not too slow to be boring.
“Just fine. We’re gonna need a new keg of Home Grown brought up, though. I may be an independent woman, but there’s no way I’m able to get it up those stairs.”
“Dammit. Terry was supposed to bring one up last night. I’ll go grab it.” I head down to the basement where we keep all our cases of alcohol. The silver kegs are heavy as fuck. They’re also a pain in the ass to maneuver up the stairs. I should’ve had one of my brothers help me carry it.
With a groan, I heft the stupid thing up to the bar. We keep a spot under the bar open to store the kegs when it’s not quite time to switch them out. Makes it easier on our bartenders, and the customers don’t have to wait too long for us to get a new keg in.
“Let me know when you need to switch it out. I’ll help you get it in place.” I nod at Amanda after she thanks me and then walk over to the table where my siblings have drinks sitting in front of them. “Sorry, guys. Had to grab a keg from the basement.”
Matthew’s eyes widen. “You’re strong enough to carry one of those by yourself? Color me impressed.”
“Fuck you.” I laugh. “I’d like to see you try to heft one of those up the stairs.”
Matthew makes a bring it gesture with his hands. “Anytime, baby bro.”
I roll my eyes but can’t keep my smile hidden. Matthew and I have always had this teasing rivalry between us. Since before I can remember, he’s pushed me to try harder. It didn’t matter if it was school, sports, or video games; he was the one encouraging me to do better. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without Matthew’s constant pushing. His belief in me gave me the courage to go after what I wanted, even if it wasn’t the path I originally set out on.
My phone vibrates, and I yank it out of my pocket, almost dropping it in my haste.
Katie:
It depends on the book. Basically, the character has a predestined person that’s meant to be theirs.
Nolan:
So… like soul mates, just with magic involved.
Katie:
Yeah, exactly.
“Dude, put your phone away. You’re supposed to be spending time with us.” Sara slaps my arm.
I click off my phone and put it down on the table. “Sorry.” Sara’s interruption is probably for the best. I’m going to need to come up with something else to keep the conversation going with Katie. I need to start the book she told me about. Then I’d have more to talk with her about.
“Have you heard anything about getting a foster placement yet?” Adam asks Carter.
“Not yet. We’re only just getting things settled into the house, though, so that’s probably for the best.”
“Do you need help with painting or anything?” I ask him.
“Definitely. We didn’t have time to get any of that done before we moved in.”
The rest of the night is spent catching up with everything going on with my siblings. Sara and Ben are starting to think about planning their wedding. They’ve been waiting for Sara’s stalker to finally be sentenced before they commit to anything. The court date is scheduled for this spring, and we’re hopeful things will finally be over for Sara.
Matthew and Tilly have been talking about weddings, too. It sounds like they’re planning a small ceremony like Adam and Ellie had last September. They just want to spend time celebrating with us instead of turning it into a big spectacle. Given Tilly’s and Matthew’s celebrity statuses, I can understand that. Thankfully, they don’t have to deal with any annoying paparazzi here in Westlake, but I could see how their wedding could turn into a circus quickly.
All this talk about weddings only makes me want to see Katie even more. Should that thought make me run for the hills? Maybe. But ever since I talked to Katie at Adam and Ellie’s wedding, I realized that I’m tired of hooking up with girls I have no desire to spend my time with. Plus, the only woman who’s even caught my eye since the wedding is Katie.
