“You’re lying. I know you better than most, Mitchell. Vacation hookup?”
“No, not a hookup.” Drew set his glass down and began to tell Jeremy about Lacey. He left out certain parts, like that she made the first move, and being her fake boyfriend, but once he started talking, he couldn’t stop.
“Wow, Drew Mitchell is off the market. There are going to bebroken hearts all over the Windy City. When do I get to meet her?”
“She lives in New York City. Actually, she has an upcoming pitch meeting with Pete Carson.”
Jeremy let out a laugh. “To think that clown owns one of the top five hundred companies in the country; it still baffles me.” Drew laughed along with Jeremy. He was right—Pete had spent a lot of college goofing around, but that was years ago. “So, are you and Lacey going to do the long-distance thing?”
“For now, yes. I do have a few ideas, but I wouldn’t want to jinx them. Everything will be fine, I’m sure of it.” The waitress came by and took their orders. As she walked away, Drew grinned at his friend. “Anyway, the reunion…”
The men spent the rest of their lunch discussing the logistics of getting everyone together and took some time to go over all their upcoming contributions to the university. That was something every member of their fraternity prided himself on: giving back to the institution that helped them become the men they were today. It was the very least they could do.
Drew’s phone dinged with a text from Anita.
Mr. Parker had an appointment cancel and can meet with you at 1:45. Can you be back by then?
He glanced at the time; that was in twenty-five minutes.
Leaving lunch now.
Drew stood. “I’m sorry, but something came up. Call me if you need anything else.” He pulled his money clip out of his front pocket.
Jeremy stood. “I’ll take care of the bill. You can get the next one.”
“Thanks.”
Drew propped his feet up on his end table and turned on the Bulls game. His day had been productive but long. Now all he wanted to do was relax in front of the TV with a beer. No stock tickers,spreadsheets, or conference calls—just sports.
Did Lacey like football? Drew had season tickets for the Bears, and his office would occasionally get a suite for a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. He loved every sport, and when weather permitted, he would spend as much time as possible on the golf course.
He never thought he’d fall in love with someone and not know the usual things about her—favorite colors, sports, and even foods. He knew he’d learn everything in due time, but to relieve some of his curiosities, he sent her a text.
Drew:Hi, beautiful. Do you like sports other than baseball?
Three little dots started dancing and then stopped before starting again.
Lacey:That’s an odd way to start a conversation. LOL
Drew:Sorry, I just sat down to watch a game and was wondering.
Lacey:Oh, ok. Yes, I do. Do you?
Drew:Of course. Do you have any favorite teams?
She texted an eye-rolling emoji; Drew laughed.
Lacey:You know I like the Yankees. I also like the Knicks, Rangers, Cowboys, Adam Scott.
He stared at her answers. Drew understood the first three, but the last two baffled him. Although he was happy she liked a golfer.
Drew:Cowboys? You’re from NY. Isn’t that sacrilegious or something? And Adam Scott isn’t a team.
Lacey:My father was originally from Texas, and that was his favorite team. And yes, I know Adam isn’t a team, but have you seen him?
After several emojis with hearts for eyes appeared, he picked up the phone and called her.
“Hi,” she said, giggling as if she didn’t just tell her boyfriend she thought another man was good looking.