Harlyn laughs. “Don’t ruin this for me. I finally get to mess with Sutt about a man.”
I glare at the cloudless sky. “I’m beginning to regret this trip down memory lane.”
Sutton pinches her friend’s elbow. “Please stop. You’re gonna scare Grady off.”
“Yeah right.” Harlyn snorts. “I doubt that’s possible. Just check out the way he’s staring at you. His protective stance further proves my point.”
I startle at her observation. Heat prickles up my neck. “Uh, what?”
She flicks her wrist. “Don’t be embarrassed. Sutt never looked twice at any guy. She refused to admit it, but this girl has always been totally obsessed with you. I’m relieved to finally meet the one who owns my bestie’s heart.” She leans forward and whispers, “I approve.”
Sutton hides her face behind a hand. “I didn’t tell you to reveal all of my secrets.”
“Isn’t that the point of this gathering?” Harlyn lifts a brow.
Sutton’s sheepish gaze flickers to mine. She offers a light shrug. “You wanted to know about my college years. This girl was an essential part. She didn’t know much about you, but clearly read between the lines.”
I kiss her forehead. “Love that you couldn’t forget about me. Even when I was an ungrateful asshole. I couldn’t let you go either, Sutt.”
She steps into me and tugs at the hem of my shirt. “Not even for a moment.”
“Gah, you two are so presh. I’m a happy witness.” Harlyn’s voice is soft, but bursts our bubble all the same.
Sutton winks at her. “That’s how I’ve always felt about you and Foss.”
“Dreams are coming to life left and right.” Harlyn clasps her palms together.
“As if we planned this or something,” Sutton giggles.
“Oh, remember that night our freshman year?” Harlyn begins recalling some event I wasn’t around for.
Foster clears his throat. “Thirsty?”
“Fuck yes, man.”
“Let’s grab a round of beers. The girls can catch up without us.”
“You’re speaking my language.”
I follow him to the keg station set up in a far corner. We have to dip and dodge our way through the endless throng. Soon we won’t be able to weave from one side to the other. Straight madness. The bar is finally in sight after getting my personal space tested far more than I care to admit.
I stand next to Foster while a line quickly forms behind us. It belatedly occurs to me that I don’t know Sutton’s alcohol preferences. I missed out on learning what she likes. A pile of bricks land in my gut. Damn. I scrub a hand over my mouth and glance over the choices.
Foster must notice the panic in my expression. “You okay, man?”
“Yeah, just thinking. What do you recommend?”
“They brew a killer IPA. Harlyn likes their blueberry sour. I think that’s what Sutton would drink.”
“Sold.” I repeat the order when it’s my turn. The bartender fills two mason jars and passes them over. With a deep sigh, I turn and face the fray. Foster takes the lead again, people immediately bumping into him. We eventually make our way back to the girls. It’s some sort of miracle I didn’t spill half our beers along the way.
Sutton makes grabby hands at the deep purple concoction. “You know me well. This looks right up my alley.”
“Foster pointed me in the right direction. I figure fruity shit is always a good choice.”
She blows me a kiss. “You’d be correct.”
I settle on the chair next to her, across from Harlyn and Foster. We all lift our glasses and clink them together. “Cheers,” we all say in unison.
