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Ethan looked better. I could tell he was still high, but he was now smiling and laughing with the guys, so I’d deal with it.

“Rosalie, you were incredible tonight,” Enzo said from across the booth as I sat beside Fox. Fox gave my thigh a gentle squeeze and smiled.

“So good,” Cole agreed. “When did you write that one song? What was it called?”

“Which?” I asked, sipping at the fruity drink Fox had ordered for me.

“The one with the lyrics that go,I’ll keep you in the spaces. Between every breath I take. A love that lived… Just a lifetime too late.” Cole’s voice was low, but I heard him just fine.

I glanced at Anson, who inclined his head to me and smiled. We’d been writing that one forever. It just seemed to flow for us.

I cleared my throat. “Ani and I wrote that. It was something that just seemed to come together rather easily.”

“I see.” Cole shot a glare at Anson, who looked down at his glass.

I thought they’d fight, and the guys would be angry about the song. It didn’t mean anything. I knew the lyrics were eerily close to all the issues I had going on, but it wasn’t like that. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

Fox took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles. “I loved the song. It’s beautiful. You did well, baby.”

“Thanks.” I smiled at him and relaxed when no one pushed the issue.

Anson looked at his phone for a minute before getting up. “I’ll be right back.”

He didn’t elaborate. He stepped away and disappeared into the crowd.

“I hate that guy,” Cole grumbled.

“We fucking know,” Ethan said. “We haven’t forgotten.”

Cole shook his head, a sour look on his face. I shifted in my seat and spotted Anson coming back with Ryder.

Immediately, I got to my feet and greeted him. I really liked Ryder. He was a sweet guy, and he’d helped keep me safe. It was easy to see why he was best friends with Anson.

I hugged him the moment he stopped at the table. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace.

“It’s good to see you,” he murmured, holding me for a beat longer than necessary. He released me and looked down at me.

“It’s good to see you,” I said, smiling at him.

“How you been, Red? Keeping Anson busy?”

“Of course.” I let out a laugh as his eyes sparkled. He looked over my shoulder at my guys.

“Hey, I’m Ryder—Anson’s friend. I don’t know if we’ve met before. I have a terrible memory.” He held his hand out to Ethan, who shook it.

Cole was on his feet already, a muscle thrumming along his jaw as he shook Ryder’s hand. He must have gripped it harder than he had to because Ryder cocked his head and smirked at him.

He turned around, only nodding to Fox since they’d met before.

Ryder and Anson took their seats, Cole following, but I could see hatred burning deep in his baby blues. I wish he weren’t so jealous. It drove me insane.

“How do you know Anson?” Enzo asked.

“Uh, fuck, we grew up together mostly. We met in grade school. He couldn’t shake me,” Ryder said as Anson chuckled.

“Like fucking herpes, huh?” Cole piped up, his eyes narrowed in Ryder’s direction.

“Just like fucking herpes,” Ryder smirked, taking Cole in stride. I shot a quick look at Anson. He looked annoyed but gave me a tight smile.