“That’s great,” JP says while looking around. “Weird to think Kenzie’s brother plays here.”
“Oh, who is her brother . . .” The question falls off my lips just as a very familiar face walks through the doors. Holy shit.
“Blakely?” she says as my roommate from college comes into view.
“Kenzie?” I ask. “Oh my God.” And then it hits me. Oden O’Connor. Duh. Jesus, why didn’t I put two and two together?
I walk up to her and open my arms. Like in old times, she falls into my embrace and hugs me.
“Oh my goodness, it’s been so long,” she says, squeezing me tight. “Why has it been so long?”
“Because I’m a terrible friend,” I answer before pulling away and looking at her. Still so freaking cute with her quirky glasses and Mrs. Frizzle-type attire. “Look at you, you look amazing.”
“So do you.” She takes my hands in hers. “Why didn’t Oden tell me you were working here?”
“I don’t think he realized because neither did I.”
“How do you know each other?” Huxley asks.
I pull Kenzie in close and say, “Kenzie was my roommate in college. We were inseparable for four years. Even during school breaks, she’d come home with me or I’d go home with her. We spent an entire summer in her hometown, Almond Bay, hanging out on the beach, going to their cute town events, and buying a cookie a day from The Almond Store.” I turn toward her. “I dream about those cookies.”
She chuckles. “They now make cookie mix and sell it online so you can make your own at home.”
“Well, sign me up.” I bring her in for another squeeze and realize I need to pull it together and be professional. “Sorry about the gushing. I haven’t seen this girl in a while, and it took me by surprise.”
“Not a problem at all,” Huxley says. “Feel free to reconnect and, Kenzie, don’t be afraid to tell Blakely how wonderful we would be to work with.”
She laughs. “They’re demons. Don’t even consider it.” When Huxley raises his brow, she laughs again. “Just kidding. You would be very lucky.”
“That’s better,” Huxley says before placing his hand on Lottie’s back and leading her to a high-top table along with Kelsey and JP.
Quietly, I say, “I can’t believe you’re here. How long are you in town for?”
“For a few days.”
“Really? We need to catch up. What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Planned on sightseeing, but you let me know when you’re available, and I’ll make time to see you.”
“Perfect. I have some temporary housing at the moment, but you can meet me there, and either we can grab something to eat or stay in.”
“Stay in for sure.”
“I knew you were going to say that.” I nudge her. “You haven’t changed.”
“Neither have you.”
I pull my phone out and search for her name. When I find it, I flash her the screen and say, “Is this still your number?”
“Yup.”
“Perfect. I’ll text you.”
“Sounds great.”
“Well, enjoy the game, and if you guys need anything, I’ll be in and out.”
“Thank you,” Huxley calls out.
