“Still at work,” she said, trying to sound casual.
Mark winced. Chris gave me that look.
We all felt bad for her. Loyal to a guy who never showed up.
Which is exactly why she always had a seat with us.
Family.
Always.
I grabbed a whiskey and leaned back against the bar, half listening to Tony talk about some real estate deal, half just soaking in the night.
Then—
that feeling.
Back of my neck.
Like static.
Like someone watching.
I turned.
And there she was.
Sage.
Across the room.
Golden hair loose. Black dress. Bare shoulders catching the light.
She didn’t look surprised to see me.
Didn’t smile.
Just watched me.
Slow.
Intent.
My mouth curved without permission.
There you are.
I started toward her?—
Then she moved first.
Some guy stepped into her space. Tall. Loud. Confident in that drunk way.
She let him.
Let him slide a hand around her waist.
Let him lean down close to her ear.
