We arrive at the restaurant, and I feel out of place amongst all the rich people. Everyone’s dressed in designer clothing and decked out with expensive watches and jewelry.
I can’t help but feel self-conscious in the green satin dress I bought on sale at Macy’s.
The host looks me up and down before she leads us to our table. Round booths line the outside and long tables for larger parties are scattered throughout the middle.
A sax player fills the room with a soft jazz tune, really selling the romantic ambiance of the space. Couples are nuzzled closely together, staring deeply into each other’s eyes as they engage in conversation.
“So what was it like living in Colorado? Do you miss it?” I ask after our server takes our drink orders.
“Oh yeah, for sure. I loved living there. The apartment I stayed in had an incredible view of the mountains.”
“That sounds a whole lot better than the view I had. There was an old man in the building next to mine who would always walk around naked.” I shudder as the image flashes through my mind.
Lucas chuckles, shaking his head. “New York is something else.”
“Did you go snowboarding or skiing while you were there?”
He nods. “Snowboarding. I completely underestimated howdifficult it would be. I didn’t take lessons, and I fell on my ass more times than I can count.”
“Oh no! Did you get better, at least?”
“Yeah. I made sure to take lessons when I went again. I haven’t gone down a black diamond yet, but plan on doing it next year.”
“Are you still playing basketball?”
“I am. I actually have some news.” Lucas’s eyes light up, a grin stretching from ear to ear. “I recently signed with the San Francisco Dragons. I’m going to be their sixth man.”
“Wow! That’s incredible. Congratulations, Lucas!”
He smiles shyly. “Thank you. I don’t know if you keep up with basketball at all, but Maddox and Elijah are on the team too.”
Great—now I’m back to thinking about Maddox and his stupidly handsome face.
“Is it weird playing with them? I know you guys didn’t exactly get along in high school.”
Lucas shakes his head. “There haven’t been any problems so far, but I’ve only practiced with them a few times. Kamado can be a ball hog, so we’ll see how it goes when I play a game with them in a few days.”
As if we spoke him into existence, none other than Maddox fucking Kamado walks into the restaurant flanked by Elijah, Santiago, and Andrés.
Just my luck.
I pull my phone out, pretending to check my messages.
Please, please sit them somewhere else.
The host leads them to the table directly in front of us and I curse under my breath.
“Here’s your table, gentlemen. Your server will be with you shortly.”
“Oh, shit!” Elijah blurts, eyes widening when he spots Lucas and me.
“What?” Maddox asks, giving him a puzzled look.
Elijah tips his chin in our direction and Maddox follows his gaze.
Fury ignites in his eyes. I can feel the heat of his rage surging through the restaurant.
“What the fuck are you doing with her, Hilton?”
