She took Bryson by the hand and led him past the high-top tables and stools packed with people. At least thirty screens of various sizes were positioned throughout the sports bar, eight of which comprised the wall behind the bar.
“Sorry we’re late,” Evie greeted as they approached where their friends sat.
“It’s my fault,” Bryson said. “I was called into surgery early this morning.”
“And I didn’t want to leave without him,” Evie said. Sheturned to Bryson. “I thought we said we weren’t going to do that thing where we finish each other’s sentences.”
He held up his hands. “You did it, not me.”
“You’re supposed to point out when I do it,” Evie said.
He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. “I promise to point it out next time,” he said. “Although, for the record, I think it’s cute.”
Evie looked over to find Ashanti and Thad staring with matching incredulous expressions.
“What?” Evie asked.
Thad just shook his head as he slid off the stool. “Take this one,” he said. “I need to check on the dogs.”
Evie climbed onto the stool Thad had just vacated. Bryson’s focus was already on the basketball game that dominated every screen in the bar.
“That was weird, but I’m in my ‘no judging’ era, so I won’t comment,” Ashanti said. “Where are Waffles and Bella? Why didn’t you bring them?”
“Because Bryson’s mom and dad are dog sitting before they leave for their cruise. They’re going for two weeks, through the Panama Canal.”
“Jealous,” Ashanti said.
“Same,” Evie said. “But Bryson and I are too busy to even consider going on a vacation anytime soon.”
“That’s right, Businesswoman. You have a business to get off the ground.” Ashanti beamed. “Are you excited? I’m excited for you.”
“I’m very excited,” Evie said. “Nervous, but excited.”
Thad returned with Puddin’, who wore his rhinestone collar. Evie reached down and gave him a head scratch.
“Where’s Duchess?” Ashanti asked.
“Still taking pictures,” Thad said.
“Did you have any idea when you came up with the idea for The PX that Puddin’ would be one of the main reasons everyone wanted to visit?” Evie asked him.
“Uh, if you can recall, I didn’t want anything to do with Puddin’ when I moved back to New Orleans,” Thad said. “I’m still undecided.”
“You are not.” Ashanti playfully kicked at his shin. “I think Puddin’ is the perfect mascot for this place. He softens it up.”
“I’m just glad to finally fully open this place,” Thad said.
Thad and Von’s estimate of a few more weeks until their official grand opening had been off by about another month thanks to a broken water main that took the city longer than anticipated to fix. Yet, the timing could not have been more perfect.
Because of the delay, The PX’s grand opening coincided with a significant NBA game featuring New Orleans’s franchise. Evie was pretty certain she was the only person herenotwearing a Pelicans jersey. That included the dogs.
“Look at that one,” Thad muttered, gesturing with his chin.
Evie looked to her right and caught sight of Von Montgomery stalking toward them. Make that two people not sporting Pelicans regalia. Von wore an army-green T-shirt with The PX’s official logo across the chest. He had a bar towel slung over his shoulder and a determined look on his face. His expression softened when he noticed Evie and Bryson.
“Hey,” Von said, kissing Evie on the cheek and catching Bryson’s palm in a firm shake. “Glad you two could make it.”
“As if we would miss out on the celebration,” Evie said. “This has been a long time coming.”
