“To eat or work?”
“Both. Seems he’s down a server and a bartender tonight.”
After the morning she’d barely survived, Riley didn’t feel up to the dinner shift in a busy restaurant.
“I told him we had other plans,” Nick told her.
“Oh, thank God.”
“He was still willing to pack up a dinner for us to go.” He sounded enthusiastic about this.
“Which means what?”
“He likes you. He’s welcoming you to the family,” he explained as he led her down the block. He was walking with a limp and leaning on her. She liked it.
“What about your mother?”
“She still thinks you’re the daughter of a hippie witch and a farmer, so I wouldn’t be expecting any hugs from her anytime soon,” Nick advised.
“Noted.”
“I’m proud of you, Thorn.”
“Why is that?”
“You didn’t throw a gun at the bad guy this time.”
“No. I almost shot you and Mrs. Penny instead.”
“Progress.”
“Yo! Wait up, boss man,” Mrs. Penny called. She was hustling after them as fast as her cane could go. “Where are we going?”
“To get drunk,” Nick told her.
“Count me in. My blood alcohol level is dangerously low.”
Riley’s phone rang.
“Hi, Mom,” she said.
“Oh, good. You’re not dead,” her mother said dryly.
44
4:19 p.m., Tuesday, August 18
Their Lyft driver dropped them off in the mansion’s parking lot. A drunken Mrs. Penny swayed like a pirate finding her sea legs.
Burt burst through the back door to greet them, running in happy circles.
“Who’s my best sparkly boy?” Riley crooned to the dog.
She wasn’t drunk. She’d been too tired to put any effort into getting shit-faced. Plus, she’d missed out on the shots Mrs. Penny and Nick were doing due to all the phone calls. Her father. Her sister. Lily called to tell her she saw Griffin Gentry being helped out of a dumpster on TV. Jasmine had called demanding to know why she didn’t get an invite to the hostage situation and bombing of Channel 50.
“I think I could give Burt a run for his money. Wink,” Nick said, winking with both eyes. He was an adorable drunk. He’d announced to the entire bar that he was in love with Riley Thorn and that he thought she was super hot. Twice. The third time he’d tried it, she kissed him just to shut him up.
The server, a woman who hadn’t ever slept with Nick, had brought out a dozen hot wings to celebrate.
