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“Ask her where she found it,” Lillian said.
Jean sighed loudly. “My refrigerator. I must have placed it down when I went to grab something and didn’t even realize. Was under the egg carton the entire time. But enough about me and my failing memory. How was it seeing Isla again?”
“It was fine.”
Jean’s eyebrow arched. “Just fine?”
“Holy shit!” a familiar voice boomed from behind them. “If it isn’t Parker!” Connor came out of the kitchen, and Nolan held his hand out. Connor slapped it and pulled him in for a hug. “I heard you might be wandering around these parts.”
“How didn’t I know?” Jean asked.
“I have my sources.” Connor winked and patted Nolan on the back. “Ladies, let’s ease him into his return and not pester him with too many questions.” When Jean narrowed her gaze Connor added, “I’ll send over another pitcher of margaritas.” Jean’s mouth curved upward, and she and Lillian rejoined Maria at the table.
As they got to the bar, Nolan glanced at Connor. “Thanks for the save.”
“Anytime, buddy. I saw the claws were starting to come out. Once they hooked you, I don’t think even an offer of margaritas would’ve been able to pull you away.”
Nolan nodded a thanks at his longtime friend and slid onto the barstool.
“What can I get you?” Connor asked, coming around the bar to stand in front of him.
“A burger. I’ve been dreaming about one since I crossed the state line.”
“They don’t have burgers out there in Seattle?”
“Not a McConnell’s burger. There’s something about them.”
“Probably the sixty-year-old grill.” Connor laughed. “I always say once that grill goes so does my business.”
“Then let’s hope that never happens.”
“So, what the hell are you doing back here? Olivia said you moved into your parents’ rental.”
“Gossip really does travel fast in this town.”
Connor shrugged. “Liv does work here now, and I see her every day, so it hasn’t travelled that fast.”
“Liv is a waitress?” Last he knew, she was living with her rich boyfriend in a penthouse over Manhattan. She worked for him, too.
“She is for now, until something better comes along. She’s figuring it out.”
Nolan understood that sentiment probably better than anyone. He guessed he wasn’t the only one life threw a curveball at.
“I guess you can say I’m figuring some things out, too.”
“We have to get in a few games of basketball while you’re here.”
“Definitely.” Nolan had been on the varsity basketball team with Connor all of high school. They made a good team on the court, and off the court Connor had always been someone Nolan could rely on.
“Oh! I want you to meet my newest bartender. Connor waved over a guy who looked to be around their age. Dark stubble lined his face and matched his hair. “Shane, this is one of my oldest friends, Nolan.”
“Nice to finally meet you. Shane extended his hand, and Nolan accepted.
“You too.”
“It’s nice to have a face to the stories.”
“How many stories is Connor telling you?” Nolan asked.
