Page 77 of Flirting with Trouble

“That’s wonderful news,” Shelley exclaims.

“Yes, we’re all excited about your new business endeavor,” Lenore says. “But I’d rather hear the scoop on you and your new lady friend. We hear you’re getting hotsy totsy with Flynn’s sister, Victory.”

Shelley gives her a chiding look. “Mom, don’t embarrass him.”

Roddy laughs. “You can’t embarrass this guy. He can have any woman he wants.”

No, I can’t. Not when the only woman I want doesn’t want me. I grit my teeth to keep those words from coming out.

“Raz mentioned that he and Leni caught you two in a lip-lock right in the middle of the busy city sidewalk,” Lenore says.

“Gotta love Raz,” Roddy says.

“We’re happy for you, honey,” Shelley says. “We adore Victory, and her family is lovely.”

“We liked her, too,” Gail said. “Will we be seeing her at the wedding?”

Fuck. I don’t even want to think about navigating the wedding. I need to get the hell out of here. “I’m sure you’ll see her there.” Before they can ask any more questions, I say, “I’d better get going. It was great to see all of you. Enjoy your evening.”

I escape into the bar and weave through the lively crowd, stopping to introduce myself to new customers and catching up with Sunday-night regulars. I chat with a few friends from around town, and when I notice a blonde and brunette eyeing me near the dance floor, I make my way up to the bar to avoid them.

“Hey, Wells,” Fitz calls out as he and Grant break through the crowd.

“Hey. I didn’t know you guys were here. How’s it going?”

“Not bad,” Grant says. “We haven’t seen much of you lately. We thought we’d swing by and catch up.”

“Sorry. I’ve been pretty busy.” I walk behind the bar. “Can I get you a beer?”

“Sounds good,” Fitz says, and Grant says, “Sure.”

I fill three glasses and then join them on the other side of the bar.

Grant lifts his mug. “To your new restaurant, little bro.”

“The property isn’t ours yet. The lawyers have to jump through some legal hoops first to make sure it’s doable.” I take a drink, not wanting to talk about that, either.

“You know I was kidding with all that shit talk, right?” Fitz says.

“Yeah, whatever. It’s all good.” I take another pull of my beer, feeling antsy as fuck.

“It’s cool that Victory found it for you,” Fitz says.

“That reminds me, why did I have to hear about your new girl from my wife?” Grant asks. “Is that who you were frustrated about when we played poker last month?”

I try to sound casual. “Yeah.”

“Guess that means things are going well,” Fitz says.

Not really. I take a drink instead of responding.

“What can I say? I give great advice,” Grant says.

“What are you, the love guru? Jamison gave him great advice.” Fitz lifts his chin at me and says, “How crazy is it that the guys who have dated the least are the ones who helped you win her over?”

Lot of good it did. “Pretty crazy.” I guzzle my beer, then set my empty glass on the bar, catching a glance I can’t read between my brothers. That’s my cue to get the hell out of Dodge. “You guys enjoy yourselves. I’ve got things to do. I’m heading out.” I make a beeline for the exit.

They catch up to me as I step outside. One on either side, like fucking bookends.