Before I can respond, Lou spots me.
“Well look what the cat dragged in!” he shouts.
I close my eyes briefly.
Mindy laughs.
Lou rounds the bar, wiping his hands on a towel. “Boss man shows up in a cowboy hat with a fitness influencer?”
“She’s not—” I start.
Mindy sticks out her hand. “Mindy. Accidental biker.”
Lou shakes it solemnly. “Lou. Intentional instigator.”
Marcy leans over the bar. “You didn’t tell us she was cute.”
“I didn’t tell you anything,” I mutter.
Marcy grins at Mindy. “He gets all broody when he likes someone.”
“I am not broody.”
Mindy glances at me. “You’re a little broody.”
I throw my hands up. “Unbelievable.”
They laugh. And she laughs with them.
And I realize something important.
She fits here.
That shouldn’t matter yet.
But it does.
We slide into a booth near the back. A server drops off drinks without even asking what I want.
“You’re predictable,” Mindy teases.
“Efficient.”
She rests her chin in her hand. “Okay. My turn. Never have I ever dated someone who worked for me.”
I grin. “Never have I ever hired someone I dated.”
“Good answer.”
“Your turn.”
She taps the table thoughtfully.
“Never have I ever stayed in the same town my whole life.”
I shake my head. “Grew up here. Left for a while. Came back.”
“Why?”
