“I’ve told you,” I say, smirking. “I know people who could have your juices flowing in ten minutes tops.”
Astrid stifles a laugh as Audrey looks slightly horrified.
In some respects, it’s altogether amazing that Audrey has reached the age of twenty-seven without being sullied. She has been friends with Astrid and me since high school, after all. But Audrey has held tight to her convictions. As much as I tease her about introducing her to the wilder side of life, namely, enjoying a sex life without feeling guilt or remorse, I respect her choices. I’d probably die if she ever took me up on one of my offers.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t try—especially because Audrey has seemed a bit down since the beginning of summer. She spent months finding ways to hang out around “her crush” and had finally talked herself into shooting her shot … only to discover that he’s engaged.I’m still heartbroken for her.
“I’m joking, but I’m also not,” I say. “Maybe it’s time to throw a little caution to the wind, Auddie. Let your hair down. Have some fun.”
“While I appreciate your concern, I’m not sure our definitions of fun in this context match very well,” she says sweetly.
“Maybe not. But I don’t think we’re as far apart as you might think.”
Astrid groans. “I can’t wait to see where you’re taking this one, Gianna.”
“Patience, grasshopper,” I say, laughing before returning my focus to Audrey. “Isn’t it true that Socrates believed that themore you know, the better choices you can make to find true happiness?”
“Yes,” she says, curiosity thick in her tone. “How do you know that?”
I throw up my hands. “Why does everyone today seem surprised that I have smart friends?”
“Gianna must be fucking a philosopher,” Astrid whispers to Audrey just loud enough for me to hear.
“Fucking a philosopher?” I gasp. “I would never.Take that back. No offense, Auddie. Your philosophy doctorate is super hot. I’m just not sure it would be on a guy. I mean, the only visuals we get of that sort of thing are busts of serious-looking men with no glasses.”
Astrid shakes her head, grinning.
“Glasses would help.” I shrug. “Think about it.”
We pause our conversation to chitchat with Kim as she doles out our dinner. The asshole customer finally left just moments before Kim lost her cool. We try to distract her with tales of our week until another server calls her away.
Astrid waves at someone across the room. “Excuse me for just a second. I need to say hello to someone.”
“Sure,” Audrey says as Astrid stands.
We watch as she approaches averyhandsome man standing at the front of the restaurant. He’s much taller than Astrid, with sandy brown hair and a solid jaw. He carries himself with a sexy confidence that reminds me of someone else I know.
“I didn’t say that I’d win. I just said I’d be happy to give Gianna a chance to handle me. Sounds fun.”
A smile tickles my lips.That it does, Drake.
“Who the heck is that?” Audrey asks. “He looks vaguely familiar, but his name eludes me.”
I refocus on the man conversing with our friend. “Don’t know. I’ve never seen him before. I’d remember that face.”
Astrid gives a final smile and then returns to her seat.
“Hello?” I ask as her ass hits her chair. “Who in the hell was that? You have two very single friends sitting right here.”
“Jason Brewer!” Audrey shakes her head. “I knew I recognized him. He’s Renn’s brother, right?”
Well, that makes sense. Those Brewer men, especially the youngest one, Tate, arestun-ning. I have no idea how Astrid works with them without a bib to catch her drool.
Astrid returns her napkin to her lap. “Yes, that’s him. Jason owns Brewer Air, which is convenient when I’m trying to schedule a family vacation for their entire freaking family. Having an airline at my disposal makes things infinitely easier.”
“Who has an airline at their disposal?” I laugh before taking a large drink. “It must be nice to live in their world.”
“They don’t complain much,” she says, smiling. “But can we get back to the fight you were having over a coat tree? What in the world was that about?”
