Sweets was already in the kitchen also, cutting up whatever delicious dessert he’d brought. “When are you going to get a couch exactly? I mean, the TV looks great hanging on the wall above the fireplace. State of the art. But it’s not doing you much good if you can’t sit anywhere to watch it,” he joked.
The guys were totally right, and Jason had had every intention of finishing the living room last weekend, but since Libby had come into his life, his priorities had shifted significantly. He hadn’t had time.
“I don’t think his woman cares much about his living room furniture,” Kraft taunted.
Jason rolled his eyes as he led Tank toward the kitchen area. “Not one single complaint. You’re right.”
“How’s it going with her, by the way?” Tank asked.
Jason grinned. “Great. Most of the time. If you leave her mother out of the equation. Oh, and the guy she was on a date with when we ran into each other? He’s a piece of work, too. Won’t take no for an answer.”
“Yikes. That’s a lot to dissect. Start with her mother.” Sweets cringed. “What the hell does her mother have to do with anything?”
Jason sighed as he pulled out a chair and dropped onto it. The rest of the guys sat also. “Apparently she thinks Libby needs to marry a nice man from Guatemala. I don’t meet her standards.”
Tank winced. “And why does Libby care what her mother thinks?”
Jason shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m close to reaching my limit. It was okay for the first several dates, but I’m losing my patience.”
“Are you two exclusive?” Kraft asked.
“Yes. I put my foot down about that the first night we saw each other when I first moved to Dallas.”
Tank’s eyes went wide. “Wow. I’m not sure I’ve ever known you to be so territorial about a woman.”
Jason took a sip of his beer. “There’s always a first for everything. What can I say? We click. I’m falling hard for her. But she’s pulling a Veronica.”
Kraft groaned. He was the only man at the table who knew about Veronica. She’d been in Jason’s life three years ago, long before Jason had met Tank and Sweets.
“Who’s Veronica?” Sweets asked.
Kraft glanced at him. “Rich woman who lured Jake into her conniving web, used him, and fucked him over.”
“Yep. That about sums it up,” Jason agreed.
Kraft continued. “She left scars, and Jason is worried Libby will do the same thing.”
“Shit,” Tank muttered. “That sucks. Libby’s not some rich girl having her cake and eating it too though, is she?”
Jason shrugged. “She’s not rich. The rest remains to be seen.”
“You need to confront her, man,” Kraft nudged. “It’s time.”
Jason knew his friend was right. Jason had confided in him a few weeks ago, mostly because Kraft knew what had happened with Veronica better than anyone. He wanted to shake this line of questioning though. He spent enough time worrying about Libby and their future. Tonight he wanted to forget. “She has hot friends though if anyone is interested. Three of them. They’ve all hinted they would love a date with a buff hunk like me. I’m pretty sure they have each asked me if I have any single friends at some point.”
Kraft perked up. “What about that blonde, Christa? The one I met at Trent and Destiny’s wedding. I call dibs on that one.”
Jason laughed. “How did I already know this? And yes, she’s single. I’d be happy to set you up if you want. I’ll warn you though, she seems pretty innocent.”
Kraft rubbed his hands together. “I’d be more than happy to educate her.”
Jason rolled his eyes. “I have no doubt.”
“Who are the other friends?” Tank asked. “My mom is hounding me for grandkids. I could go for a nice girl.”
Sweets groaned. “Your mom? Mine’s begun to sulk. I’m thirty-nine. You’re all just babies compared to me.”
“Why don’t you find a nice woman and get married then?” Kraft asked.
“You know any? At my age, it’s harder. The women I meet are usually carrying a truckload of baggage. I’ve tried, but I never make it past the first few dates. The last thing I want to do is sneak out of a woman’s house before her kids wake up.” Sweets shuddered.
“I don’t think any of Libby’s friends have any baggage like that. They’re younger for one thing. You want a sweet girl? I’ll set you up with Bex. She’s the quietest one.”
“That’s perfect for you,” Kraft teased. “Women can’t get a word in edgewise when they’re with you.”
“Ha-ha.” Sweets picked up a chip from the bowl on the table and tossed it at Kraft.
“Okay, matchmaker,” Tank said, “who do you have for me?”
“I think Shayla. She looks elegant and sexy. Perfect features.”
Tank whistled. “Damn. Do it. I’m in.”
Jason glanced around the table at all the expectant faces. “You guys are serious? You want me to set you all up with Libby’s friends?”
“Yes.” The chorus of agreement was funny.
“You gotta be flexible. These ladies are all flight attendants with crazy schedules.”
Everyone nodded.
Kraft stretched his neck to one side and then the other. “See. I’m flexible.”
Everyone threw a chip at Kraft.
Jason laughed. At least he was no longer sulking about what to do about Libby. He wasn’t sure all her friends would really take him up on his offer, but he could try. They were the ones to originally suggest his matchmaking skills. As long as no one held him responsible for their possible future failures, he didn’t care.
Christa was the easiest one. She lived with Libby. He’d seen her several times. He hoped Kraft wouldn’t trounce on her and scare her off in five minutes.
Bex and Shayla had been in the condo one night when he’d picked up Libby. Had they been joking when they insinuated they wanted him to set them up too? Shayla was flirty and funny. She’d done most of the talking. Bex was shy and quiet. She might have agreed with her friends just to not be left out of the
