Even though I had Kai in my sight lines, I sure liked the way “I’ve got you” sounded coming out of Owen’s mouth.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Why are we waiting in a line that’s twenty people deep for bagels?” I quietly complained to Meredith and Colton. “There’s a bagel shop on every corner at home.”
“Yeah, but they’re notGoldberg’sbagels,” Colton said. “You gotta do local shit when you’re in Sag Harbor.”
I glanced around at the crowd. “Are there actually locals around here, or are they too smart to come into town during a holiday weekend?”
The two of them fit right in among the fancy folks queued up on the sidewalk for breakfast sandwiches, although more than a few people looked like they could use some hair of the dog. We’d arrived the night before, so late that it technically could be qualified as early, which meant we’d gone right to bed.Tonightwas the big night.
“I’m just so happy to be naked,” Meredith said, wiggling a Tory Burch flip-flop in the air. “Perfect timing to be boot-free.”
“You still need to take it easy,” I cautioned. “Sneakers would be a better choice.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” she grumbled. “Just let me be cute for this weekend, okay?”
Colton pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek. “Never not cute.” He squinted across the street to where another crowd was forming. “Is that one of the Housewives? The one who sings about Pinot Noir and fancy cars?”
I craned my neck to see. “Yup, that’s her. First celebrity sighting of the weekend. Colton is officially on the leaderboard.”
I loved that despite all of Colton’s finance-bro energy, he wasn’t afraid to embrace the goofy stuff we enjoyed. Bonding over showmances and villain edits made it easier being their third wheel.
“So beach day today?” Meredith asked as we inched forward. “Perfect weather for it.”
“Don’t hate me—I know it’s ridiculous—but I need to get some writing done,” I replied.
“Oh, come on, it’s a holiday weekend,” Colton whined. “Come for a half day at least.”
“He’s right,” Meredith piled on. “You can take a couple hours to recharge and then do it.”
I shook my head. “Not possible for me. I’d sit there and stress about not working and wind up having a crappy time. But if I write first and manage to kick some ass,thenI’ll meet you.” I paused. “I’ll do it poolside, so it feels a little vacationy.”
Meredith pushed her sunglasses on her head and looked beyond us. “Um, I think you’re going to have a very successful writing session.”
“Yes, exactly. Thanks for manifesting it for me.”
“No,” she hissed. “Musealert!”
I froze. “Where?”
“Coming up the sidewalk behind you.”
Colton went on his tiptoes and craned his neck as if he’dnever taken part in a covert gossip mission in his life. “I know the guys he’s with. One of them is a host for tonight.”
Meredith squeezed my arm. “Which guarantees he’s going to be there.”
I leaned closer to her, tilting my head back and smiling widely. “Teeth and nose check, quick!”
“All clear, you’re good.”
The three of us stood there watching Kai and his friends amble closer. I hadn’t seen him in ages, but the butterflies were back in full force.
Muse status intact.
“So do you want me to say hi or...?” Colton asked, glancing between us.
Meredith rolled her eyes. “Do you even understand the responsibilities of a wingman? Seriously, Colton.Yes.Of course.”
