“On it.”
There are plenty of cars in the parking lot of The Tipsy Tuna, and when I walk in, a beautiful, older woman with dark skin and a bright smile waves at me.
“Nat, how you been? I haven’t seen you around here in a while.”
“Hi, Mauve. You look stunning as ever.”
“You sweet-talker, you.” She swats me with the towel slung over her shoulder.
“You know you can come to me if Bobby ever gives you any trouble.”
Mauve laughs. “You by yourself tonight?”
“Actually, I’m looking for…” There. I nod at the bar where Layla is perched, drinking a martini.
“Oooh.” Mauve wiggles her eyebrows.
“It’s not like that. I guarantee you,” I mumble. Brushing past Mauve, I stop in front of Layla.
“Hey, handsome.” She grins at me. “That was fast.”
“You know why I’m here.” Taking the seat beside Layla, I frown. “Keep playing games and Chance is well within his rights to inform the town sheriff.”
Layla snorts. “And tell him what? That I’m here having a drink, same as the rest of the townies?” She takes a sip of her martini.
I bite back my annoyance. Chance needs to speed up the timeline of his proposal. It hasn’t been a full hour of babysitting Layla yet, and I’m already exhausted.
Layla waves to get the bartender’s attention. “What’ll you have, Nat? Since you’re kind enough to keep me company, it’s on me.”
“Just a water.” I tell the bartender.
Layla pouts. “You’re no fun.”
I twist my neck around, looking for April.
The music in The Tipsy Tuna is loud and it mingles with the laughter erupting from a table on the other side of the room. I recognize the ladies from The Pink Garage. Rebel, April and Cordelia must be having a girl’s night.
During my scan, a familiar ponytail catches my eye. Doubling back, I peer through the crowd and notice the curve of her cheek and the very edges of her upturned lips.
It’s Riley.
My heart reacts with a sharp tug and I half levitate off my chair so I can see her better.
“What are you looking at?” Layla asks. She sees the direction I’m staring in and laughs. “I didn’t lie to you, Nat. I’m keeping my distance from McLanely’s girlfriend until I decide what I want in exchange.”
I barely hear her words.
All of my attention is on Riley.
I can only see her from behind but she’s nodding along, her full ponytail bouncing. Cordelia leans in to tell her something and she tips her head back, laughing.
Warmth fills my chest and I feel a sappy smile pulling at my face. I’m glad to see her out and enjoying herself.
She deserves that.
She deserves the world.
“Oh my goodness.” Layla covers her mouth.
