Page 64 of The Best Shot

Around nine, things started winding down. Grant had to get the dog home. Annie had work in the morning.

Yasmine stood when I did, and I passed her the water she’d set down earlier.

“Thanks,” she said, not looking at me.

“Sure.”

When I glanced up, Ava was watching us. Thoughtful. Then she turned to collect her purse. Grant clipped Havoc’s leash on and said his goodbyes, the other hand already reaching for his wife.

“Same time next month,” Nico said, clearly pleased at the outcome of the evening. I was happy for him.

“Same time,” I said. “Are we really going to let Carter pick another one?”

Carter started defending himself. I caught something about book two, then Annie mentioned CeeCee and baby clothes, and my attention slid to Yasmine.

She was saying something to Annie, dimple showing, and I stopped tracking the conversation.

“Hale.” Carter’s voice cut through. “What do you think?”

I had no idea what they were talking about. “Good idea.”

He seemed satisfied.

“Bye, y’all,” Annie called.

“Good night,” Yasmine said.

“Good night,” I said.

She nodded and walked out with her arm looped through Annie’s, the bell over the door chiming behind them.

When I turned back, Nico was watching me with a small, knowing smile.

Yeah. I wasn’t fooling him at all.

18

SPICE CABINET

(WITHOUT YASMINE OR HALE)

Ava: They’re fucking, aren’t they.

Tabby: yup

Annie: 100%

Ava: And not even subtle about it.

Annie:

Ava: I’m not stupid. I’m offended they think I am.

Ava: How long has this been going on?

Tabby: Nico says at least since the bar after Hale’s date with the professor.

Ava: What? That was weeks ago. Why didn’t he say anything?