She showed Mercedes the phone.
—Happy New Year!—
“Nothing about being here?” Mercedes glanced again. “Did he see you?”
“Yes, he saw me when he was leaving. I don’t know what to think.”
“I think you need to have another drink and enjoy yourself. If you can. I know you, and you’ll stew over this all night.”
“Probably. Maybe Ishouldhave another drink. We’ve got a ride home, after all.”
“That’s my girl. I’d like to hang out for a little while longer but give me the signal and we can scram.”
Carli hugged her friend, then splashed some water on her face before they went back out. Ted was front and center as soon as she sat down.
Fortunately, some of the other people at the table decided to do some group games, and they all joined in. But after a while, Ted drew her aside and ran his hand down her arm.
“How about if we get out of here and go to my place? We can have our own New Year’s celebration.”
Carli looked toward Mercedes at the other end of the table and signed.When were you planning on leaving?
Are you ready to go now?Her friend eyed Ted sitting beside her.
Yeah, he wants me to go have sex at his place.
Mercedes laughed, and Carli joined in. Ted looked completely poleaxed.
I’m calling the Uber now. Say goodbye.Mercedes tapped away on her phone.
“You’re pretty good at that sign stuff, too. How come?” His hand tightened on her waist, urging her closer.
“Because I’m her Deaf roommate.”
Ted’s hand slipped from her hip, his eyes wide. The look he gave her indicated he wouldn’t be reissuing his invitation for a sleepover. Why was it always so easy to get rid of a guy?
Chapter thirteen
The vibration from his phone shook Blake awake. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was after ten in the morning. He’d actually managed a few hours sleep. Surprising, considering he was on the lumpy couch in his office.
Swiping across the screen, he read the text.
— I hope your patient is okay.—
What a sweetheart thinking about him. His fingers moved on the device
—Thanks. It’s been touch and go. I’m sorry again about ditching you.—
The tone sounded quickly.
—No worries. Mercedes invited me along with her friends. Anton’s. I thought I saw you at one point.—
He’d been there and seen her. Dancing and laughing with another guy. He hated how much it bothered him.
—Yeah, we stopped in to get some food. The caf was closed early for the holiday.—
—Who’s we?—
Why was she asking? Curious, or was there another reason? Was it bad if he wanted her to be jealous?
