“I’m sure you’ll like him.” Deandra gives me a knowing smirk I’m glad Gemma can’t see. When Gemma turns toward her, I playfully run a finger across my throat and glare. “Can we go? The guys are waiting for us.”
“Waiting for us?” I repeat.
Gemma claps her hands. “We’re going out!”
“I think I’m going to head home,” I say, pointing vaguely over my shoulder
Gemma ignores me. “We’ve got a babysitter until midnight, which gives us”— she glances at her watch—“at least an hour to have a drink and sing a song.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Karaoke,” Kennedy clarifies, wrapping an arm around my bicep and pulling me to the aisle. In my ear, she whispers, “Briggsy’s idea.”
Out of view of Gemma’s prying eyes, I text Zach back.
Finley
Looks like I’m coming to you
Karaoke is in full swing when we enter the bar, a terrible rendition of “I Will Survive” in progress. Zach added karaoke twice to hisMake Finley Happylist, so I'm not surprised he suggested this bar tonight.
The boring beige color of the outside building brings to mind the phrase,Business in the front, party in the back,because there’s nothing understated about the indoor decor of The Final Song. Shimmering streamers line the walls, refracting dim blue lights to illuminate the bar, while rainbow disco lights flash across every surface.
Kennedy’s hands land on my shoulders. “Doesn’t this placescreamZach Briggs to you?”
It’s strange for Gemma’s best friends to know about my relationship with Zach, but Gemma hasn’t said a word. I’d chalk it up to her respecting my boundaries, but after all the matchmaking stories she’s told over the years, I know better. Between focusing on her daughter and opening a new location of her bakery, she’s had blinders on.
When I don’t reply, Kennedy tugs me deeper into the bar until we settle in a large corner booth.
“Anyone want a shot?” Gemma avoids my gaze, knowing I can’t have alcohol with my meds.
“I’m down,” Kennedy says, sliding out of the booth. “I’ve got a DD who can carry me upstairs later.”
Deandra shakes her head. “I’ve got a meeting in the morning.”
“My dad has made you so focused,” Kennedy teases before following Gemma to the bar.
“What does she mean by that?” I ask.
Deandra looks up from her phone. “Cale—Kennedy’s father—has apotentialbusiness deal in the works, so I’ve been busier than usual. I can’t say more than that.”
“But you work for the Wolves?”
“For now,” she replies, one side of her lips tilting in a coy smile.
A burst of noise pulls our attention to the bar, where a half dozen Palmer City Wolves players approach Kennedy and Gemma. Alexei hauls Kennedy off her feet, and she wraps her legs around his waist, burying her head in the crook of his neck. Gemma hands out shots to Zach, Jennings, and a couple guys I don’t know before motioning in our direction. Matt’s eyes go wide when they land on me.
“Uh-oh,” Deandra says, though the words are devoid of any real worry. I can’t see this woman cowering to anything, especially not a man. I wish I had the same impenetrable confidence.
Matt takes five long strides to stand before us. “Finley—”
“I’m being good,” I cut him off and hold both hands up innocently. “No alcohol. Deandra’s my witness.”
Deandra blows out a breath. “Loosen the reins, Harris. She’s an adult with a smart head on her shoulders. This is a good test run for you. You don’t want to repress Elodie to the point of rebellion during her teenage years. Trust me.”
Matt shoves his hands in his pockets. “I wasgoingto say I’m glad you could make the game, Finley.”
“You played well,” I manage to reply despite my shock. No lecture? No order to go home? Whoisthis guy? Because he’s not the brother I know. “It’s okay I’m here?”
