“Just what I needed.”
The damn city was full of condos. So why the hell did she have to move back into this building?
Not long after he'd moved into the building two years ago, she'd purchased the condo next door to him. For some reason, she'd immediately singled him out as her new best friend, despite the number of people living in the building. Almost daily, she'd knock on his door. Sometimes she'd have baked goods for him. Other times, she just wanted to talk his ear off. It didn't seem to matter what he said or how short he kept their conversation; she kept knocking on his door or sending him text messages. So he'd been beyond ecstatic when she moved to New Orleans last year.
“I'm surprised she didn't ask if she could join us,” Alec said.
“Told her we were meeting at Jim's place,” Matt answered around a mouthful of food.
“I owe you one.” Considering that Matt's cousin Jim lived in Dallas, it'd be a little difficult for them to play poker there tonight.
“Don't worry, I'll remember. So, Alec, how long are you sticking around?” Matt asked as he reached for his beer.
“Just the night. I hope to make it back to Portsmouth for the four o'clock ferry home.”
“Too bad. I've got an extra ticket to the basketball game. I know Duncan won't want to go.”
Matt was right there. Duncan could watch baseball every day. Even an occasional football game he enjoyed. He wanted nothing to do with basketball. He'd prefer a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles to a basketball game.
Following Matt's lead, Alec filled his plate. “Everly can't go?”
“She decided to extend her trip to Miami.” A combination of frustration and annoyance permeated Matt's words.
They'd been friends long enough that Duncan knew Matt's displeasure stemmed from more than the fact his girlfriend had extended her vacation.
“Indefinitely,” Matt added before he walked out of the kitchen. “She's moving in with someone she reconnected with while down there. She said they dated on and off when they used to work together.”
He'd expected Matt to say they were no longer together, but not that. “That's rough, man. I'm sorry.”
Before joining his friends at the table, Duncan switched on the baseball game. Tonight was the third game in the Wild Card series between the Red Sox and the Yankees. Whoever won tonight clinched a spot in the playoffs. If the game were being played in Boston instead of New York, Duncan would be watching from inside Fenway Park rather than from his living room. But, unfortunately, that wasn't the case, so he'd have to settle for watching it this way.
“Whatever. Shit happens.” Matt shrugged half-heartedly and took a drink.
Duncan glanced at Alec, and judging by his expression, Alec was thinking the same thing he was. The situation bothered Matt a lot more than he wanted them to think.
“Maybe you should reconsider and join Duncan in the auction. If I call my aunt, I know she'll happily squeeze you into the lineup.”
“Thanks, but I'll let Duncan have the spotlight and watch from the audience.”
He knew it was asking too much for his friends to stay as far away from the Helping Hands Bachelor auction as possible.
“Gianna and I'll be there too. We're looking forward to it.”
I'm sure you are.Of course, if Alec were the one up on the stage, Duncan wouldn't miss it either. He'd even record the evening so he could show it to everyone they knew.
Matt paused in dealing the cards. “You know, I don't think we've gotten together since the night Duncan made that bet with you.”
“Yeah, you're right, Matt. We haven't,” Alec said.
“Worst idea I have ever had.” If he'd kept his big trap shut that night, his name wouldn't be listed on the bachelor auction’s website.
“I disagree with you. It worked out great for me. I've never been happier,” Alec said as he picked up his cards. “Gianna would disagree with you too.”
When he'd proposed the bet, Duncan had been sure he'd be the winner and Alec would be the one waltzing across the stage in November. But, unfortunately, Alec had not only won but also fallen for Gianna—not that he wasn't happy for the couple. After all, Alec was his best friend and Gianna his favorite cousin. Despite that, he would've preferred to win the bet, see Alec auctioned off, and then have the two of them meet and fall in love.
“Have you decided what you and the winner will do?” Alec asked.
“Nope.”