“What does that even mean? It’s not like he’s Collin West or anything.”
“About that…” I closed the door and wandered over to the driver’s side, giddy with anticipation.
She eyed me like I’d gone crazy as I climbed into the cab. “I’m afraid you lose points for impersonating the brother of a celebrity.”
“How many points do I win for actually being the brother of a celebrity?”
Kennedy frowned. “Just when I thought I’d pegged your sense of humor, you throw a curveball like this my way.”
“All joking aside…I’m not actually joking, Penny. My foster brother is Collin West. He made me promise to tell you before you met him so you wouldn’t freak the fuck out and draw too much attention to us at the bar. His wife and my friend will be there. If you’re a true fan, you’ll recognize her, too.”
Kennedy narrowed her eyes. “I’m finding this really hard to believe.”
“You have about twenty minutes to come to terms with it, so you don’t embarrass us both.” I put the truck in gear and pulled out of the driveway.
She eyed me as I calmly navigated the streets. “You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
“Is that why his face is hidden in all his pictures?”
I nodded. “I didn’t want to advertise who he is. Because, you know, privacy.”
“So, you’re taking me to meet Collin and Harlow West right now?” Her voice climbed an octave.
“That I am.”
“Our first date includes a superstar.” She settled into her seat with a satisfied smile. “How are you ever going to top this, Wiki?”
“Shows what little faith you have in me.” I pulled into The Pact’s parking lot and claimed a space next to Lucas’ wife’s Jeep. “You ready for this?” I asked as I killed the engine.
Kennedy pursed her lips and widened her eyes. “As I’ll ever be.”
Chapter Twenty
Joe
Kennedy and I climbed out of the truck and I guided her through the crowded bar to our customary table in the back. Collin and Harlow sat across from Lucas and Cat. I lifted a hand and began introductions.
“Kennedy, I’d like you to meet my brother and his wife, Collin and Harlow West. And her brother and his wife, Lucas and Cat Hutton.”
She lifted a hand to the chorus of hellos. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
I gave her credit. Her eyes were bright and wide. Her chest heaved, her nostrils flared, and two bright points of color stood out on her cheeks. But, she managed to sound like she was meeting a normal person and not the guy she played on repeat in her car.
Collin gave her the onceover and lifted a playful brow. “So this is the woman who threatened to call the police on my brother.”
“I mean, look at him.” Kennedy gestured my way. “If this guy came stalking out of your grandmother’s backyard, you’d jump to terrible conclusions, too.”
Lucas hooted. “She has a point.”
“Wait?” Cat folded her arms on the table. “How have I not heard this story?”
I pulled out Kennedy’s chair. “I was doing the right thing, trying not to take advantage of a little old woman advertising on Craig’s List…”
“First of all, my Nan isn’t your typical little old woman. Second of all, you were dressed in black from head to toe, and come stalking out of her backyard…”
“You keep using that word. I don’t ‘stalk.’ This is just how I walk, thank you very much.”
The entire story came out in fits and starts as we interrupted each other with one-ups and clarifications.
“Wait, wait, wait.” Lucas held up a hand as we finished the tale. “You’re telling me, you saw him coming out of the backyard, assumed he was a thief, and threatened to pepper spray him. Then, the very next day, you thought he was hurting your grandma and punched him in the face. Fast forward a month and you’re going out for drinks?” He doubled over. “My sides hurt!”
Cat flipped her long, red hair over one shoulder. “It says a lot about you both that you’re out on a date at all after that.”
“Careful.” Kennedy waved her hands. “Joe has been adamant that we aren’t on a date. Tonight is about the two of us figuring out if we even like each other, or if we just have a boat load of chemistry we need to ignore.”
Collin frowned. “Sounds like a fancy way of saying ‘date’ to me.”
“Exactly!” Kennedy danced in her seat and I groaned.
“You two think too much alike. Is it safe to admit how uncomfortable that makes