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He holds firm. “I don’t care. I want you and me just likethis.”
I lean against him, loving his warmth. “Wait—do we still get to playFortnite?”
“Fuckyes.”
31
“Crushed this week,”Rena crows as she, Kendall and I clink glasses at the bar down the street fromCloser.
“You signed the contract to handle the new Vane resorts?" Kendallasks.
I nod. "Cami’s heading up marketing now that she’s working at Vane. The one thing she did before she and Aiden left on their honeymoon was award us theaccount.”
“Richard’s not getting in theway?”
“No. At first I thought he came to the decision himself, but now I think he was pushed into it by Aiden, who protects his wife. It’scute.”
I know their arrangement is mysterious, but I’m not one to judge. Still, I know there’s also more under thesurface.
We catch up on the week, work andgossip.
My phone buzzes, and I read my sister’stext.
“Lil’s stressed out, going through exams and her new research assistantship.” I reach for my drink. “She really seems to like herprofessor.”
“Ooh, older man,” Kendall says, and I shoot her a warninglook.
“That is not going to happen. What’s new with youtwo?”
“Wes and I are good,” Rena says. “But Scrunchie has been struggling emotionally lately. We’ve been thinking of getting him another skunk as acompanion.”
I shake my head. I’ve met her wild pet a handful of times, and he suits her personalityperfectly.
Kendall weighs in. “Logan’s been acting strange. Spending time out, which is fine because Rory and I have been having lots of fun together. But still. It’sweird.”
I bite my cheek, exchanging a look withRena.
“Yeah, I have no idea about that,” I lie, and Rena blinks when Kendall looksover.
Actually, I overhead Ben advising Hunter on engagementrings.
He’s already told us he’s proposing soon, and though he wouldn’t admit how, given Hunter’s affinity for big gestures, I’m confident it’ll be spectacular. I’d love to see him and Kendall engaged. He adores Rory and he’s become reliable since they gottogether.
“You must have to leave for your plans soon. The weekly ones with Ben.” Rena grins. “Now you can’t say you’re not fucking himtonight.”
“If hebehaves."
A familiar man catches my eye as he approaches us. “Daisy. It’s been awhile.”
Shit. “Hey,Marc.”
He looks me up and down in my red dress, clearly pleased with what he sees. There’s intent shining behind that expression as he goes on. “You here for happy hour? Some friends and I had a hell of a week, but we’re getting over it right over there, if you’d like to celebrate withus.”
I’m conscious of my friends and colleagues as I step toward Marc, smiling. A ribbon of guilt runs through me as I think of how I’ve been out of touch. “Thanks for the offer. I’m sorry I haven’t messaged in the last couple of weeks—things have been crazy, and a lot has changed for me. But I don’t think this is going to goanywhere.”
He cocks his head, undeterred. “Hey, if you want people to think you’re busy, I get it. No one likes the chase to be tooeasy.”
The chase?I’m glad I didn’t waste more time on Marc afterall.
