We walked up, right into the middle of the group. Darren reached between two of them to pick up a clipboard with a pen attached by tape and string.
“What are you signed up for, ladies?” Darren said.
I resisted the urge to cringe. The way he delivered it. The way he said “ladies” was sleazy and dorky all at the same time.
“Sorry?” the tall brunette of the group asked. She wore a shimmering emerald-green top that complemented the thin gold jewellery she wore. She was slim but toned. Out of Darren’s league, for sure.
“Karaoke; we’re signing up,” he answered.
“You’re signing up,” I corrected. Darren smiled.
“So, what’s your favourite song?” he continued as he wrote on the clipboard. I saw her smile in amusement, and thought Darren maybe just needed his hand held to make the approach.
“Oh,” a redhead with ruby red cheeks, I suspected as a side effect of drinking, gasped. “It’s you,” she continued when I turned to her.
“Have we met?” I asked, feigning ignorance. I was well aware that I was news within Pack Sandstorm circles, likely outside of Sandstorm as well. Cole taking me from Ashford wasn’t a subtle thing. “Or are you shocked to see an omega?” I asked after a pause that was a beat too long.
“Oh, no, sorry, I’m so awkward,” she said, laughing. “I’m Monika, jeez, sorry.”
“I’m Harriet, and this is Darren,” I said, introducing us.
“Hi,” Darren said.
“I’m Josie,” the model of a woman that Darren clearly admired, introduced herself. “You’ve met Monika, this is Iona—”
“You’re pretty big news around here,” Iona said. She had a curly pixie cut and was in a blue bodice top and light jeans that just touched her hips.
“And this is Chrissy,” Josie continued, and the last of the group, a brunette with a brown vest top and long denim skirt, waved and shifted on her feet.
“I need a drink; anyone want…” The unfinished question lingered for a moment before Monika answered.
“Yeah, let me come with,” Monika said, linking arms with Chrissy and making their way slowly toward the bar.
Heaven’s Bar was filling up now. It was busy before, but now it was nearly uncomfortable.
I couldn’t find Cole in the crowd.
“Looking for someone?” Iona asked, distracting me. A glance at Darren showed him and Josie in conversation. She touched his arm.
“No,” I answered, turning to Iona.
“You didn’t come here with anyone?” she asked.
“I’m with Darren,” I said.
She looked to Darren and Josie, and back to me.
“Doesn’t seem like it,” she said.
“As friends,” I replied.
She nodded and smiled.
“I think our friends have ditched us,” Iona said.
I watched as Darren led Josie to a table while they chatted.
“Looks that way,” I said.
