"Maybe he's someone who just hasn't met the one girl who would make him renounce his bachelor ways," Kris said. "Look at what happened to Dylan when he met you, Ari."
Ari smiled serenely. "Sure. Maybe Trey's still waiting for the right girl to come along."
"Whoever it is would be one lucky gal," Kris couldn't help commenting.
"Oh, no," Sam said.
"What? It was just a comment," Kris said innocently.
"Kris," Ari said with a sober face. "When Dylan and I got serious, Trey was genuinely happy for us. But Trey also vowed—that was Trey's word, not mine—that he would not go down that same path. He said he's happy to stay single for a long, long time—maybe even for the rest of his life."
"Really?" Kris said, surprised at the heaviness of the disappointment that coursed through her. "He must have had some painful experience with a woman to have that conviction."
"I know he's had a bad experience but I don't know what happened exactly. I'm sure Dylan knows, but I don't want to ask as it's really none of my business, and Dylan's quite loyal to his friends, too," Ari said.
"You're lucky, Ari. Dylan's a great guy," Sam said.
Ari sighed contentedly.
As Sam and Ari continued talking about Dylan and men in general, Kris only half-listened to their conversation. Her mind preferred to dwell on Trey.
Oh, God. Not another playboy.
*******
"Hey, girls. Good to see you again," Dylan said, kissing Kris and Sam on the cheek as they walked into his living room. "And you," he said to Ari as he pulled his girlfriend close for a lingering kiss on the lips. "I missed you."
Kris suppressed an envious sigh just as an image of Trey flashed in her mind. She shook her head imperceptibly. The sooner she found herself a handsome guy to have sex with, the better. When that happened, she wouldn't have to perceive Trey as the epitome of her perfect fling partner.
"By the way, girls, Adam and Trey are joining us tonight. Hope you don't mind," Dylan said.
Yay! I mean…so what? Kris thought.
"No, that's fine," was what she said out loud.
"No, we don't mind," Sam seconded, glancing slyly at her.
"I'll give you girls a tour of the place before we head off to the restaurant," Ari said. "You don't mind if I show them around, do you, honey?" she asked Dylan.
"Of course not," Dylan answered. "And you don't have to ask me. You live here now, too."
"I haven't officially moved in yet," Ari replied with a goofy grin on her face.
"That's just semantics," Dylan replied, squeezing Ari against him playfully. "Besides, you're moving in next week."
"Next week?"
"Yes. I've already booked a removalist for this coming Saturday. You don't mind, do you? You said it will only take you a couple of days to pack. I thought the sooner we do it, the better."
"When I said a couple of days, I didn't mean two days, Dyl," Ari replied with worry in her voice. "I meant a few days, and I'm not exactly sure how many. I may not be ready by Saturday."
"Oh. I'll help you pack then, or we'll get the removalist to pack for you," Dylan said, unconcerned.
Ari arched her eyebrows at him. "You're busy this week and I don't want strangers packing my stuff."
"We'll help!" Kris volunteered.
"Yes, we're more than happy to," Sam quipped.
"Would you, girls? That would be great! Thank you," Dylan said with a big grin, then turned to Ari. "Any other problems, baby?"
Ari rolled her eyes. "No, as long as the girls don't mind. They're here for a relaxing break, you know."
Sam laughed. "Don't be silly, Ari. It would be fun to help you pack your stuff."
"Okay, then. Thanks, girls. Now let me give you that tour."
*
Kris started to feel inordinately nervous when it was time to go to dinner.
"Let me call Trey to let him know we're on our way. Adam's with him," Dylan said.
"Is Adam's girlfriend coming too?" Ari asked.
"No. They're having a bit of an issue."
"Oh. That's a shame."
"I don't think so," Dylan said.
"Dyl!" Ari rebuked.
"Well, I happen to think Adam will be better off without her. But don't mention anything to him. He's a bit sensitive about the subject," Dylan replied as he put his phone against his ear. "Hey, Trey. We're leaving my place now…Okay, see you there."
"Are the guys at the restaurant already?" Kris asked as Dylan hung up.
"No. They're just leaving Trey's place. He only lives a couple of blocks from here, but we'll get to the restaurant before they do. We're literally just a few doors away."