“Kev—” I start, not knowing what I’m planning to say but knowing that after he shared that, I can’t not say anything about my part in it. But clearly the universe had other plans as I spot Georgina crossing the lawn, a hand in the air and a jacket under her arm.

Kevin waves back. “Hey, G.”

We both stand and Kevin gives her a hug. I’m not sure if she’s expecting one from me but I freeze, still stuck in the conversation Kevin and I just had all the while thinking about Whitney across the country seething with jealousy at the thought of this date.

“Good to see you, Georgina, you look lovely.” I nod, and she does. Her long lean legs were covered by high waisted black jeans and a black off the shoulder top that exposes her shoulders. She’s wearing open-toed heels that would put her just under my chin making her way taller than Whitney who wouldn’t even clear my chest in shoes that high.

“Michelle is inside still getting ready,” Kevin says, and I’m grateful that he speaks just as my mind begins to drift to Whitney.

It pulls me back into the present and I give her a smile. The smile. The one that Whitney said had the power to make any woman melt. To be fair, I thought it was just my normal smile but the implication Whitney gave it made it so I never wanted to give that smile to anyone but her. Georgina blushes and moves into the house. As soon as the door closes, Kevin shoots me a look.

“So much for not being interested.”

I snap my head toward him. “What? I already said I’m doing this as a courtesy, but no I’m not interested in dating anyone.” Because I’m in love with your daughter.

“I’ve been your best friend for almost thirty years, I know what it means when you’re interested in a woman.”

Maybe once upon a time he knew, but I’ve gotten good at hiding it having had years of practice. “Mmhmmm.” I down the rest of my beer and I wish like hell I had something stronger.

“What was that about?” Kevin asks me when I make my way into the kitchen behind him. Michelle is still on the porch talking to Georgina who declined to come in probably for the same reason Kevin was about to ream me out for. “Dude, have you forgotten how to date?”

“Maybe? I didn’t date much in Mexico. I guess I’m a little rusty.”