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“But have you been on a proper date? Like, in public, eating food that one of you didn’t cook? Going to a movie? Maybe even dressed up a little?”

“No.” The admission was weak.

“Then that’s your next move, little brother. Ask him on a proper date.”

After hanging up, I stared at the phone lying on the cushion beside me. Meg was right. It wasn’t sustainable to keep the secret. It wasn’t fair to either of us, or to whatever this was becoming. If this was real—and god, I hoped it was—we needed to go on a date.

My mind immediately went to Vesuvio. The cozy warmth, the incredible carbonara, the kindness of the owner, Mirco. It was personal, a place I’d discovered on my own. A place I wanted to share.

My thumb hovered over Tyler’s contact. Nerves tightened my throat. After a couple of deep breaths, I tapped out the message, forcing myself not to overthink it.

Kevin: Any plans tomorrow night?

I hesitated on the send button for a second before tapping it.

The phone buzzed before I could put it down.

Tyler: Nope. What’s up?

Okay.

My fingers flew across the screen.

Kevin: Want to have dinner with me? There’s this Italian place in the North End I’ve been wanting to take you to. Vesuvio.

Send.

The typing bubbles appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. The wait was agonizing.

Tyler: Like a date date?

Kevin: Exactly like that. Unless you’d rather not.

Waiting again. Seemingly longer. Then⁠—

Tyler: Are you kidding? I’d love to. What time?

Yes!

A grin stretched across my face, sharp and sudden. I almost dropped the phone from my excitement.

Kevin: 7:30? I can pick you up.

Tyler: Great. I’ll be ready.

A date. I’m going out with Tyler Bennett.

My pulse hammered—a mix of pure terror and giddy anticipation. Nothing, not even stepping onto NHL ice for the first time, compared to this. Relationships had come and gone, but this connection with Tyler felt like finding a missing piece I hadn’t known I was searching for.

My phone buzzed again.

Tyler: Just to be clear, I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. And not only for the food.

A laugh escaped me.

Kevin: The food is pretty life-changing. But yeah, me too.

Tyler: Good. And just so you know, I clean up pretty nice for a date.