I kiss the kids, assuring Helen I’ll be home before bedtime, and slide into Kat’s SUV.
“Are you sure you want to drive me home after?”
She backs out of the driveway. “Yeah. I want to go to bed early and hope to wake up inspired to resume this life tomorrow.”
“You should go on one of those cruises that take you around the world.”
She glances at me. “What? There’s a ship that takes you all the way around the world?”
“Yep.” I pull down the visor and apply the lightest layer of lip gloss from a tube that’s likely two years old. “I saw a pamphlet at the library. They stop at all these amazing ports. Can you even imagine the things you’d learn and see?”
“A long cruise does sound nice, but we have a growing client list.” She blows out a breath. “Maybe I’d actually have time to meet someone if I were on the other side of the world.” She laughs.
We enter the pub just in time to see Seth’s reaction to the cake and balloons Marcie and Robyn placed around the small room adjacent to the bar.
His eyes wander to Kat with a slight glower, and she pops a few peanuts into her mouth to hide her grin.
“He doesn’t like his birthday, or he has a phobia of balloons?” I ask, placing a few nachos on a plate.
“I don’t know. In college, he never wanted to celebrate. Seth’s not usually grumpy, but he’s a real scrooge about this day in particular.”
“Hey. Here’s a menu. The food is amazing.” Robyn slides the laminated list in front of me. “And go get a drink. We gotta get this party started.” She sways her hips and lifts her wine in the air.
Kat’s eyes roll in my direction. “She doesn’t have to tell me twice.”
I follow Kat to the bar, but I hear my name. I twist to see Carson, Wind, and Trig with another guy, but no Slade. My heart sinks a little.
When I stopped by the garage the other day, I hoped to make amends for hurting or offending him, but I haven’t seen or heard from him since. Not that I necessarily expected to, but I was hopeful afterwhat Krissy said about him being scared. I thought if I were vulnerable and shared some of my past, he’d see that his friendship is important to me.
“Well, hello, boys,” Kat says, resting her arms on their high-top table. “Is this the Friday drinking club?”
“If only,” Carson says. “Alex is in town, so it’s our excuse to drink beer and eat grease.”
Kat’s shoulders slump forward. “Must be nice to consume all those calories and never suffer the consequences.” She pops a homemade chip in her mouth.
Trig turns toward us. “You should join us.” He slides off his stool.
“We’re here for an office party.” I tip my head toward the room Marcie and Robyn reserved.
“Well, we’re watching the game at Slade’s this weekend,” he says, sipping his beer. “You should bring the kids over. We need to work on Ollie’s throwing arm.”
“And I’m making lasagna,” Wind tosses out.
“Thanks. He would love that, but I’ll have to see.” I smile, knowing it would be fun, but I won’t be going without Slade inviting us. “Ollie has a Christmas program at preschool next week if any of you want to watch one teacher try to keep twenty-five little kids in sync and from picking their noses on stage. He’d be so excited to have you there.”
“Absolutely,” Carson says. “Send us the details.”
“We’re getting a drink.” Kat pushes away from the table. “See you guys later.”
“Have fun catching up with your friend,” I say, following her.
Kat squeezes between people to make room at the bar. “What are you drinking?”
“Just water.” One of her shoulders drops, and I smile. “I have two kids to put to bed tonight.” Plus, I cannot afford wine.
Kat stares over my shoulder, waiting for the bartender. “Great. Junior is here. I don’t have the mental energy to restrain myself from punching him in the nuts again.”
I crane my neck and see him slapping hands with Seth. When I twist back, my gaze snags on a large figure at the other end of the bar. My big, burly neighbor leans, attempting to get the bartender’s attention.
