“And you happened to linger because…”
I grew up with five siblings, I know why she stuck around. Everyone likes a bit of gossip from those closest to them. Especially, when I’m not one that shares too much about my life. It’s easier that way.
“Curiosity like I said.” She grabs a flower and trims it down before placing it in a vase. “But, I am intrigued as to why he’d tell you to just ask. It’s almost as if y’all know each other outside of listening to Crooked Halo at the bar.”
Sam rolls her eyes and nudges Kate with her elbow. “She clearly doesn’t want to talk about it, drop it.” She glances at me. “Seriously, you don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to. Kate seems to forget people have boundaries.”
“No.” Kate shakes her head. “I don’t forget. I barge straight through them. We’re a close-knit team, it’s only fair that we know some details about each other.”
“That’s not what you were saying when Xander entered the picture.” Emily laughs. “You shut us down at every line of questioning.”
“We’re not talking about me.” Kate grumbles.
“It’s fine.” I wave the comments away. “We spent a night together a while a back. It’s no big deal.”
“That’s how me and Xander met.” Kate sighs, and a smile takes over her face. She really and truly is in love, and I’m happy she’s found it.
“It wasn’t exactly a one-night stand type of thing, though.”
“What do you mean?” Emily asks.
I run through the events of the night, and when I look up at my coworkers, and friends, their eyes are wide. Disbelief written all over their faces.
“He also tried talking to me at Tiffany’s wedding.” I point to Emily since she’s the one who saw him. “But, I completely blew him off. I don’t understand why he’d offer to go on this trip with me.”
“I do.” Kate raises her hand as if she’s in class.
“Enlighten me.” I wave my hands over the table, a sign for her to give me the evidence.
“He’s got it bad for you. It’s the only explanation.”
“No.”
“Yes, the fact the one-night stand wasn’t typical means he’s invested. Looks like you’ll end up in a relationship soon.”
Shit. That’s not what I want to hear at all, even if I have zero aspirations to be involved romantically with anyone.
CHAPTER FOUR
tristan
Today we breakground on the studio. It’s happening a lot faster than I anticipated. When you have a popular band as the owner of the property, I guess that moves things along at a faster speed. Or, this was in the works before they filled in the rest of the crew. Which is totally plausible.
Dale pulls me away from the rest of the group. “Did you get the flowers ordered?”
“Yep.” I will not be elaborating on what else went down. I’m still trying to figure it out myself.
“They didn’t charge you extra?”
“Not at all. It was the same price as they charge everyone else. We barely made the cut off time.”
A small white lie won’t be the end of all things.
“Good deal. You’re a lifesaver, man.” He pats me on the shoulder and turns to walk toward the rest of the group.
“Actually, I’ll need off for a bit. I’m just not sure when.”
“Anything you need.” He waves the request away. “We’re only working on the studio for the next few months. No tours or side gigs.”
