“Well, thanks to Natalie’s design magic,” Lauren replied with a grin.
I smiled, a little flustered. “It’s easy when you’re working with someone who has exquisite taste.”
Camille leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. “Okay, stop stalling, Natalie. Why do you look like you’ve just stepped out of a spa?”
Lauren laughed. “No kids this weekend?”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re both ridiculous.”
Camille smirked. “What happened with the Brit? Did he pluck your feathers?”
I burst into laughter. “You’re unbelievable,” I said, dodging the question as the Uber pulled up to Bourbon House.
The hostess led us to a cozy table in the back, the same spot where I’d sat with Will for our “business meeting”. The memory gave me chills as I tried to focus on the present.
As we settled in, Lennox, the manager, appeared with his usual charm.
“Hello, ladies,” he greeted us. “You all look stunning tonight.”
We placed our cocktail orders and began scanning the menus. I was half-listening to the specials when I saw Will.
He walked in with a man I presumed was Evan. They were laughing as they made their way to the bar, but his eyes found mine almost instantly.
No way.
He said something to his friend, then headed straight for our table, wearing that infuriating smirk I couldn’t help but love.
“Hello, ladies,” he said smoothly. “Funny seeing you here.”
“Likewise,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“I’ll let you get back to it,” he said. “Unless, of course, you’d like to join us?”
Before I could decline, Camille jumped in. “I think we’d love to, and who’s that with you?”
“Yes, that’s my good friend, Evan,” Will replied. “I’ll see if Lennox can combine our tables. Natalie, is that okay with you?” He smirked again, clearly enjoying the situation.
When he walked away, Camille turned to me with wide eyes. “Mon dieu, That’s why you’re glowing!”
“Shh!” I hissed. “It’s complicated. He’s still involved with that blonde, and it’s messy.”
Lauren leaned in, whispering, “Did you sleep with him?”
“Maybe a few times,” I admitted. “Last night. This morning. All day today. Who’s keeping count?”
They both burst into laughter, earning a few curious looks from nearby tables.
Lennox worked his magic, and soon enough, our tables were pushed together. Evan was introduced, and it didn’t take long for him to charm everyone with his quick wit and infectiouslaugh. Evan was hilarious, and Will’s perfectly timed remarks had us all in tears. It felt easy, natural, like we’d all known each other forever.
At one point, I leaned over to Will and whispered, “Are you stalking me?”
He laughed softly. “Fair about last night, I tried to figure out where you were. Not tonight, though. This was fate. Besides, you know I come here all the time. Maybe you’re the stalker.”
“Camille picked the place,” I said, arching a brow.
“Sure,” he said, winking at me. Somehow, he made it look smooth instead of cheesy.
Will insisted on paying the bill, waving off our protests. As Lauren pulled out her phone to order an Uber, she leaned over to me.
