So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

7. Confusion

Reed

"Glad you fellas decided to meet up. It's hard getting a crew together last minute to go out for a bite these days." Nick spoke as Bennett, and I approached. After talking with Bennett at the apartment, Nick popped by. Bennett and Nick were more friends than Nick, and I were. I excused myself to my room, but it didn't take long before they berated me and begged me to join them at the Mexican restaurant down the street. I gave in pretty quickly, and now, my gut twisted in protest after walking into the restaurant and seeing Eden sitting with her friend Brynn.

I was happy to see her beautiful face again but petrified at how everything would play out. Did Brynn know who Nick was? Know what he looked like? This was going to all come out in front of everyone and blow up in my face. I tried to hide the panic as the hostess sat us at the table next to hers, trying to quickly figure out a plan of action.

I greeted her awkwardly, then made mention to Brynn, trying to be polite. I knew my face had to be showing my myriad of emotions. I hated that I was potentially hurting her right now. I was just trying to tread lightly and see how much Brynn may have known. Of course, Nick being the charmer he attempted to be, spoke up. We ended up with our tables pushed together. As I tried to listen to Nick's monologue, Bennett was nudging me, asking if that was "her" while I was trying to read Eden's face. The next thing I knew, she was up and excusing herself to the bathroom. Fuck!

"Is everything okay?" Nick asked her friend.

"Yea, of course." She responded, smiling at me.

"I'm so lost," Bennett grumbled.

"Do you know Nick?" I blurted out to Brynn.

She looked at me in confusion. "No, how would I know him?" She looked over at Nick, him shrugging his shoulders.

"Oh, I just thought. Nevermind." I breathed a sigh of relief. Now, if I could get through this meal and no one mention their job or the stadium, I think we might be okay. We ordered drinks as Brynn went to check on Eden. While she was gone, I explained to the guys that Eden was the girl I was currently seeing and begged them to play it cool.

As Eden walked back to the table with Brynn, I could see she looked sad. My heart hurt, knowing that it was most likely because of me. She gave us all a weak smile as she took her seat next to me. The server reappeared, refilling their drinks and bringing our chips. I reached over under the table and took Eden's hand into mine. I gave it a light squeeze getting her attention to look up at me. I smiled at her, looking into her beautiful blue eyes.

"Are you okay?" I asked her quietly.

"Yeah, I'm good." She smiled, squeezing my hand in return.

Luckily for both of us, Brynn and Nick were quite the talkers. Between the two of them, no one else really had an opportunity to say much.

"So, if I want to keep you out longer, the trick is Mexican food?" I teased Eden. I watched as her cheeks flushed pink, and she laughed, shaking her head.

"Food, in general, is the way to my heart." She started. "But trust me, I'll never make plans with Brynn again. She gave me enough grief for keeping my plans with her and leaving you."

"Hey! I just said if it were me and I had to choose time with my guy or her, well, I'd probably pick my guy." Brynn interjected with a laugh.

"At least I know where I stand," Eden mumbled.

"You'll always be my bestie, but you can't do all the things Tate can do for me."

Eden's mouth fell open in shock before she burst into laughter. "You are not right."

"Tate, you say?" Nick perked up. I felt my body tense again, knowing where this was headed.

"Yes, Tate Hamilton," Brynn spoke proudly.

"No shit?" Nick blurted. "I work with Tate. Well, I have worked with Tate."

"Yeah, He works with a lot of people. Real estate gets you around, and that tends to happen when you're amazing at your job." Brynn gushed.

"Yea, he's a good guy. Helped out a lot with the Sounders stadium project. That's how I met these fine specimen." Nick nodded toward Bennett and me. I straightened up in my seat, not letting go of Eden's hand.

"Lucky us." Bennett laughed. "So, Eden, what is it you do?" I looked over at my friend, mentally thanking him for changing the topic.

"Oh, me? Um. I'm a book buyer for Seattle Reads book store." She squeaked out, nerves getting the better of her. She was insanely adorable. I couldn't help the smile taking over my face as I watched her speak about her work to Bennett.

"Sounds interesting," he commented before filling his face with more of his food.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?" Nick asked, watching intently. I couldn't quite figure out his deal, but I wasn't happy with it.  I intertwined my fingers with Eden's, leaning into her.  She glanced over at me with a sweet smile that sent my heart into palpitations.

"Oh, it's new. Just a few weeks." Eden brushed it off.

"I've never seen Mr. Sawyer so love-struck before." Nick sipped his beer. In my mind, I was pouring the beer on his head and then punching him in the face, but I kept my composure. I had him to thank for meeting Eden after all. Once he knew who she was, I had a terrible feeling he wasn't going to back down. I could see now, watching him watch her, that he was interested.  Nick was a determined man, and when he wanted something, he went after it. 

"I've never seen him like this before, and I've known him quite a long time. I'm not sure what you're talking about, dipshit." Bennett grumbled at Nick.

"Ok, well, we can all agree we've never seen me before; how about that?" I rubbed the back of my neck with my free hand. Eden laughed, smiling over at me with such warmth.

"As much fun as this had been, guys, Eden and I have other plans for the evening. That is if I'm allowed to steal her away?" Brynn asked.

"Of course. I knew you had plans, and I would never impose, no matter how much I want to."  I smirked, looking over at Eden.  

"Thank you for letting us crash your party, ladies. Don't worry about the check; it's on me. I look forward to seeing you again." Nick announced with his pompous voice. I really had to stop spending time with the douche; I was beginning to dislike him even more than I already had.

"Have fun. Text me later, please?" I leaned over, whispering in Eden's ear. "I'm glad I got to see you again; you look beautiful." I lightly kissed her cheek, rubbing my hand slowly down her face.  I took in her smell, a light vanilla scent, and her eyes sparkled. She nodded with a smile before following Brynn up and out of the restaurant.