Conversation buzzed around us, weaving through the thrum of the speakers overhead.
Mac was behind the bar tonight. He’d already made his rounds, stopping to talk as we settled in. Even though he owned the bar now, these were his roots. The group would always bust him about the fact that he was still bartending, but he’d tell us to mind our business, not his.
The man couldn’t slow down.
It felt good to be out, surrounded by the familiar warmth of friends, but my thoughts kept drifting.
After the night with Miles, I’d needed space to decompress. To ask myself hard questions.
Was what I’d experienced a red flag—or just a hiccup?
The next day, Miles had texted. He’d apologized, said he could tell by my body language that I was uncomfortable.
It helped.
A little.
Enough to soothe some of the tension that had knotted in my chest. Enough to make me second-guess the discomfort, to chalk it up to first-date nerves and unfamiliar terrain.
So, I invited him out tonight—to see how he’d fit in withmypeople.
He’d been excited, eager even, saying he was looking forward to meeting more locals. I imagined it didn’t hurt that a strong reputation would do wonders for his restaurant.
But I hadn’t told anyone he was coming yet.
It was probably time to break the ice.
“So,” I said, smacking my palms lightly against the bar to draw their attention, “any of you meet the new guy in town? The one opening the restaurant where The Coffee Cup used to be?”
A few confused looks passed between my friends. Penny was the only one who nodded.
To my left, Logan lifted his drink, choosing not to comment.
“Can’t say I have,” Boone replied, wrapping his arms around Aspen and resting his chin on the top of her head.
That kicked off a round of heads shaking and quietnopes.
“Well,” I continued, keeping my voice light, “I invited him to join us tonight. Be nice.”
Why I’d said the last part, I wasn’t sure. Maybe I was more nervous than I realized. Deep down, I knew this group would always give someone a fair shot. Still…
“We’ve been on one date,” I added. “I like him. I figured tonight was a good chance to get to know him more and for you all to meet him.”
My eyes flicked to Mac behind the bar, his gaze locked on Penny.
She returned the look with one of her own—a sharp, silentnot right now.
The tension was immediate.
Stillness settled in the air as everyone exchanged subtle glances, something unspoken passing between them.
Then Aspen broke the silence with a soft, reassuring smile. “Of course! We’re happy to meet him.”
Theo’s eyes widened, Rhodes stiffened behind her, his whole posture subtly shifting.
What the hell was happening with my friends?
I looked to Logan for some kind of read, but he just met my gaze and shrugged, then lifted his glass and took a long, silent sip.