Is Brie here for Dev? Have they been together all this time, long distance?
Nah. I would’ve heard. Right?
Rich whistles. “Not as bad as I expected.”
Ethan shrugs, “Abbi and I were looking back at our yearbooks the other day. Brie was really pretty. How come we never noticed?”
Right. We.
“Don’t pop your jaw,” Rich says cheerfully, slapping me on the back.
“Thanks,” I grit out.
Dev rubs Brie’s back beneath her jacket.
Rich lowers his voice. “I don’t think she’s noticed we’re here yet.” He nudges me. “What’re you gonna say to her?”
Ethan’s tone is grave. “Don’t you think we’re too old for this shit? Time to leave her alone? I mean, hell, you’re her boss now.”
I hardly hear him, eyes still fixed onthe longest hug in history. Dev arches his back, taking her with him so that her feet dangle. Her giggle travels across the bar.
“Yeah, but they’re not at work,” Rich points out. “Besides, who’s gonna believe her over Sawyer?”
“Woah there,” Ethan says, peeling my fingers off the glass I’ve been clutching. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see him watching me, head tilted. “Ho-lyshit.”
“What,” I say, about ready to combust.
“Dev needs to take her to his car if he’s going to keep that up,” Rich says.
Ethan’s gaze is still heavy on me as he tells Rich, “Dude, you’re gonna want to shut your mouth.”
“What?” Rich asks. “It’s just Brie Queso.”
Ethan shakes his head as he reaches for his beer. “Fine, but when Sawyer clocks you one, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Why would he?” Rich asks.
“You’re an idiot,” Ethan says. “No. We’ve both been idiots.”
Finally, the hug ends and I tear my gaze away from the scene. “What are you two going on about?”
Rich shows me his palms. “Don’t look at me, I’m as lost as you are.”
Ethan says, “How long have you had a thing for Brie?”
I roll my eyes. “You’re projecting, man. You’ve had hearts in your eyes since you and Abbi got together.”
“Uh-uh,” Ethan insists. “There’s something there.”
Rich looks between us. “Seriously? You’ve got a hard-on for BrieQueso?”
My teeth grind, wishing they’d both stop talking.
“Have some respect,” Ethan says to Rich.
“Heshould have someself-respect,” Rich bites back.
“This was a bad idea.” I shove my drink away and move to stand.
