“That’s so crazy!” I slap my knees. It’s strange enough that Jenna and I, both Charlestonians, are here at Purdue. Most southerners never leave the south. Ever. Unless they have a very compelling reason to do so, such as marrying a millionaire, getting a job offer that pays millions, or you get the picture. And southerners rarely go to college at a northern school unless it’s for a degree in something that they cannot get at a southern school. But really? Is that even possible? So how did Jenna and I end up at Purdue? Because her brother Ben went here and LOVED it, and for four years that’s all we heard. So Jenna persuaded me to visit with her and, I must admit, I fell in love with it too.
“So, why have I never heard of you?”
He raises one hand. “No idea. Look what you’ve been missing all this time.” He laughs and there are his pearly whites.
No shit. I’m going to wring Jenna’s neck the first chance I get. And when I think about it, why hasn’t she been lusting after Drew all this time? She never talks about him. Never.
My stupid filterless mouth spews forth, “Why hasn’t Jenna ever mentioned you? Seriously, after all these years I would think I would’ve heard about you.”
His face turns the prettiest shade of pink. It goes all the way up to the tips of his ears.
“Well, our age differences might have something to do with it. Gramps, you know. Think about it. Ben and I were in high school when you and Jenna were in elementary or middle school.” And he winks. Then his expression turns somber. “But I was in a serious relationship until over two years ago.”
“Ahh. Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” Now that makes sense, but I want to stay away from the rebounder.
“Yeah, I dated her in college and pretty much figured we’d get married, but she didn’t. She ended it during my third year in med school.”
“Oh?”
“I’ll be honest here. I took it pretty bad. So, yeah, that’s probably why.”
“I see.” I do some calculations in my head. “So if it’s been way over two years, would that be considered a rebound?” Oh, shit. Did I just say that out loud?
“Rebound? You think I’m on the rebound?” He parks the car and I glance up to see the restaurant.
“I, uh,” I suck some air through my teeth, “I didn’t mean for you to hear that. I was calculating the time in my head.”
He swivels in his seat and nails me with his eyes. I’m pinned in place by those damn blues of his. They are really something. “I’m not on the rebound. I couldn’t even talk to a woman for months. Almost a year to be precise. Then I went out on a few dates, and stopped altogether. Just wasn’t ready. But eventually, I moved on. When I let it all go, I realized we weren’t a match. Our wants out of life were way off base. When that happened, things sort of fell into place. It’s been over two, almost three years since the split and I’m happier now than I’ve ever been. So no. I’m not on the rebound, Cate.”
“Thank you. You didn’t have to tell me all of that.”
“No, I didn’t.” He says it graciously. “It is strange though, us being from the same town, and never having met. Plus the fact that I’m best friends with your best friend’s brother makes it even weirder. It did require some sort of an explanation. I’m glad I told you. So, shall we go in and eat?”
“I think we shall.”
He walks around and opens my door, like a true gentleman.
“By the way, did I tell you how great you look tonight?” he asks.
“No.”
“My bad. You look amazing.”
“Thank you.” I glance down at my outfit, a black knit dress that skims my body. It isn’t special but it highlights my assets and I’ve always felt sort of pretty in it.
“I have to tell you something. That night I saw you at the party, all I could do was stare at you. After our little conversation, I decided to make it my goal to get you to go out with me. Thank you, Cate, for helping me out.”
“Helping you out?”
“Well, yeah. You helped me attain my goal,” he says as he waggles his brows.
“Um, do you have any other goals that involve me?” I ask. I don’t dare tell him I’ve already set some of my own. And they aren’t the kind I like to share.
“Yeah, but I can’t disclose those yet. Maybe later, after a glass or two of wine.”
I lean into him. “Hmm, you have me hanging in suspense, Drew.”
“It’s all good, Cate.”
Dinner is delicious. It’s the best Italian food I’ve ever had away from Charleston and New York City. Drew orders for us both because I can’t make up my mind. I finally tell him to surprise me. When the food arrives, there’s so much of it I laugh. I’m sure we’ll be bringing boxes of it home, but Drew eats like he has a bottomless pit for a stomach. I’m impressed.
“Where does it all go? To your toes?”