“I figured as much.”
“We had that one kiss at the bakery,” I said.
“You’re welcome,” he replied with a grin.
“Thank you,” I agreed. He was right to take credit; I couldn’t have done it without him. “And after that, we had one date.”
“Congratulations, man,” Gavin said seriously. “I know how much she means to you.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with it?” I asked.
“I like her too, but what are you going to do?” Gavin replied. “She made her choice.”
“We’re not official or anything,” I told him.
He smirked, regarding me with suspicious eyes. “Are you telling me I should go after her as well?”
I inhaled. What was I trying to tell him? I knew that he was just as interested in her as I was. I didn’t think it was fair that only one of us had a shot. He was my friend, and I wanted to see him satisfied. But was I really willing to give up my own chance at happiness to try to appease him?
“I don’t know what I’m saying,” I admitted. “I’m just telling you the truth.”
He sat back in his chair, regarding me with fresh eyes. “Okay. Thanks.”
“I mean, don’t get me wrong,” I continued. “I would love a chance to make her my girlfriend. We just aren’t there yet.”
“Got it.”
My phone beeped, and I looked down. It was Patrick. Do you want to come over? the physical therapist asked. No agenda, just to hang.
A half-second later, Gavin’s phone beeped, and I surmised that he had received the same text. “That’s Pat,” I said.
“I got it,” Gavin confirmed.
“Do you want to go?”
“Sure.”
We finished our coffee and threw away our trash. I texted Patrick to let him know that we were on our way. Gavin and I had come in separate cars, so we split up in the parking lot. I wondered what was on Patrick’s mind and if he really just wanted to hang out. I hoped it wasn’t anything about the bakery or his little sister who had garnered so much of our attention. Turning the car on, I eased my way back onto the street. One thing was for sure: Petra was full of surprises. I had my hands full with work and what was hopefully a blossoming relationship. Halfway to Patrick’s place, I decided on a course of action: may the best man win.