Page 53 of Wild Card
I ignore her and his comment, stuffing my phone back in my pocket. “Did you happen to mention our plans for happy hour?”
“Nope, but Abe did.”
“Abe did?”
“He invited him.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he likes Talon. He pays attention.”
“You think he knows Talon asked me out?”
“I know a lot. And like everyone else, I notice this dance you two are doing.” Abe Koch ambles in the break room.
My surprise turns to panic, my mouth going dry. Abe circles his hand in the air. “Let’s discuss this over drinks.”
“Or never,” I suggest hopefully.
He walks back out and Bex hands me my bag. “Do I need to drive you to make sure you don’t bail?”
“We’ll box her in. You have lead, I’ll tail.” Lucas stands in the doorway impatiently. “Let’s roll.”
No one speaks on the way to the parking lot and they do exactly as Lucas suggested. Bex pulls in front, waiting for me to reverse, then Lucas slides behind. It’s only a few miles to the restaurant and bar they frequently hang out. Each minute in the car, my dread increases.
My only saving chance is that maybe Abe is already occupied with someone else and I can avoid him.
No such luck.
He’s sitting at a high-top with a bucket of beer in the middle and a lone martini at the place next to him. He takes a pull of his bottle, his expression transparent. No dodging this.
“Maddie’s on her way,” he announces when I’m close.
Relief washes through me. Maddie is his fiancée and an absolute doll. “Okay, I’ll settle over there.” I point to the other end.
“She suggested I order this for you.” He taps the stem of the glass. “Said you may need it.”
“She’s a genius.” Bex takes the stool on the other side of the empty seat, waiting for me.
I sit reluctantly, holding my purse like a lifeline.
“Relax, Lo.”
“I’m good.” Dammit! The freaking squeak comes out.
Lucas and Abe chuckle while Bex outright laughs.
“Have a sip.” Abe scoots the drink closer. “May loosen you up.”
I eye the martini, wanting to shoot the whole thing back and order another STAT. Instead, I sip, letting the lime and citrus taste coat my mouth. “This is delicious.”
“Maddie said Key Lime was your favorite.”
It surprises me that she remembers, considering we haven’t been out together in forever.
“She also said it would help.”
“Help with what?” I ask innocently.
