realize it’s his way of letting me know he noticed I got a haircut. I’m a little surprised. It’s not all that different than it was before; they only chopped off a few inches.
“So James and I were planning to come down to Austin this weekend to see you guys,” Jolie announces. “I’ve made reservations for Saturday evening at Otoko on South Congress. Does that sound good?”
“Sure,” Aiden says, catching my gaze.
I stifle a sigh and squeeze my eyes closed. Dinner will be exhausting.
When I peek my eyes open again, Aiden is still watching me, his head tilted to the side, his dark brows crinkled.
I shake my head to let him know it’s fine that he agreed. It’s not that hard spending time with Jolie and James. Not really. I confirm with Jolie that dinner on Saturday will be great. After I’m off the phone, Cole stands to join us, and I finally have a chance to say hello to him.
We hug, which feels a little awkward, but I’m not sure what other greeting to do. We dated for a few months a while back. Physically, we didn’t even make it past first base, but I’m not sure Aiden knows that. He’s glancing between us, probably trying to read the tension, or lack thereof.
“What’s in the shopping bags?” Cole asks.
I laugh and glance down to where I dropped them at my feet. “Gifts and free samples courtesy of the new head of creative at Zilker.”
“There’s a yoga mat in here,” he says, sounding shocked as he peers inside.
“Yeah, and a new set of yoga clothes from Alo. Apparently she doesn’t want me embarrassing her by showing up to yoga in a ratty tank top.”
Aiden smirks at my quip.
“I haven’t eaten yet—have y’all?”
“We were going to order pizza, but then Aiden got to writing and left me high and dry.”
I shoot Aiden an admonishing glare. “That’s not the way to treat a guest.”
He drags his hand through his hair and shrugs as if to say, Deal with it.
“I’m too hungry to wait for delivery, but I can pop a frozen pizza in the oven if that’s okay with you guys.”
Cole nods and follows me around the island. “That’s great. Here, I can help.”
“She likes cooking,” Aiden says, taking a seat on a stool at the island. “And she’ll get nasty if you try to get in her way.”
It’s true. Aiden and I have worked out a system. I cook. He cleans up afterward. We’ve tried cooking together and it just gets annoying because I’m kind of a control freak when it comes to the kitchen. Even so, I don’t have the heart to tell Cole I don’t want his help, so I suggest he open some wine.
“You could probably use a drink if you’ve been putting up with Aiden all evening.”
In response to this, Aiden leans forward to prop his elbow on the island then drops his chin onto his hand. He arches a brow as if to tell me I’m walking on thin ice. Proceed with caution.
I stick out my tongue at him, and Cole laughs.
“Yeah, well, you know him better than anyone. Do you want me to open this bottle of red or the white?”
“She likes white, especially in summer.”
It’s true, but Cole looks over at Aiden with a funny glance.
I choose to ignore it, instead focusing on preheating the oven and reaching into the cupboard for three wine glasses. Aiden doesn’t love wine, but he’ll drink it if I pour him some. I think he knows I hate drinking alone, and most of the time he puts up with it for a sip or two.
“So how have you been lately, Maddie?” Cole asks. “You look great.”
I laugh, feeling as though I’ve been put on the spot. “Oh, thanks. That’s nice of you to say. They tried some makeup on me at work and I haven’t had time to wash it off.”
I can’t make myself look at Aiden. I’m desperate to know what he thinks of me and the makeup and Cole’s compliment. It’s safer to keep my attention on Cole.
“Seeing anyone new?”
I’m immediately reminded of my argument with Aiden yesterday. I don’t feel like revisiting that territory, so I just shake my head. “No. What about you? Any new girls in your life?”
He rubs the back of his neck and huffs out a breath as if exhausted by the idea of dating. “I joined Tinder, but it’s not really working out.”
“Really? Aiden doesn’t think I should download it.”