I fell in beside him while Tex sat across from us, saying, “Do we want to get a pitcher of beer to start?”
“Sure.” Grey leaned back and swung his arm across the top of the seat behind me.
My chest warmed as I inched closer to him, his presence comforting. It was like old times. We’d always been affectionate with each other, and now was no different. I glanced at Tex. He'd better not say a word about our earlier discussion.
Tex arched a brow as his gaze swiped from me to Grey and returned.
A server stopped by the table, and we ordered our beer.
“So, Grey, where did you grow up in New York?” Tex leaned back in his seat.
“Um, the Upper East Side. My parents own a penthouse there. It’s um…” He glanced at me.
“It’s fucking fantastic. The views are incredible, and the doorman is a cool dude.” I swung my gaze to the server as she dropped off our beer and glasses.
“Yeah? What does your father do?” Tex poured our beers and slid them toward us.
“He’s the head of Moore Enterprises. They run a few finance firms, places where wealthy people let you invest their money for them, shit like that. I don’t know much about it.” He ran his fingers along his glass. “I’ve tried to keep my head in football.”
“But didn’t you meet some of your dad’s associates before you moved?” I drank my beer, the cool bubbles coating my throat. If he didn’t make the draft…shit, he’d make the draft. I’d be sure of it.
“Yes, but I ended up meeting a lot of their daughters.” His cheeks pinked as he dipped his gaze toward his beer. “I think my father is trying to set me up.”
“What? That still happens?” Tex’s eyes widened.
As he focused on Tex, he said, “It’s called strategic matchmaking. My mom said to keep my options open and that it would ultimately be my decision.” He set his jaw.
“You don’t look happy about it.” Tex sipped his beer.
“I’m not. My dream has always been the NFL, not working for my father, or marrying some socialite.” He scoffed and looked away. “It’s just not me.”
“Hey.” I covered his hand in mine on the table and leaned in close. “You can do whatever you want, and with an NFL contract, you won’t need their money.” His trust fund hinged on his GPA. I knew that much.
Grey’s gaze searched my face. “But what if I get picked for a second-string position or end up on the practice squad?” He winced.
“Dude, that’s still some good money. Even practice squad guys earn enough to buy a house and shit. Maybe not a Paradise Valley mansion, but you know what I mean.” Tex scoffed a chuckle and drank his beer.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m, uh, just not used to worrying about money.” He glanced from me to Tex. “Which, I’m picking up the tab tonight and you can’t stop me.” Giving Tex a lop-sided grin, he said, “It’s the least I can do for you guys letting me live with you and showing me around.”
Lifting his chin, Tex said, “I’d tell you we’d do that wanting nothing in return, but I know you won’t listen.” He held his glass toward Grey and said, “To having a new member in the Desert Dog house.”
“Thanks.” Grey tapped his glass on Tex’s, and I did the same.
“Hey, should we order some pizza?” I scanned the restaurant for our server and flagged her down. “Everything?” I already knew Tex liked that.
“Sounds good to me.” Grey twisted his beer on the table. “This’ll be some year.”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters who can take over your family business?” Tex studied Grey.
Tex was still stuck on that topic. I’d already discussed it with him. I draped an arm across Grey’s shoulders.
“Nope, it’s just me. I don’t know why my parents didn’t have additional kids, but it is what it is.” He glanced my way and gave me a thin-lipped grin.
After sipping his beer, Tex said, “It must put a lot of pressure on you.”
“It does.” Grey nodded. “I’m sort of used to it. For the last few years I’d been able to push it to the back of my mind, but this year, since it’s my make it or break it year, it’s up front and center.”
The server stopped at our table, and we ordered our pizza.