She has a logo, no face photos. Her feed is filled with sections of her books. It’s bland and could do with a shake-up. I make a note in my phone to speak to Anaïs about having a chat with her. If anyone could help, it would be Anaïs Sinclair.
I mean Lexington. Anaïs Lexington. Still feels weird.
The ride is just under ten minutes and as we roll to a halt, I pass some notes through to the driver. I’ve definitely over paid, but it doesn’t bother me.
Walking towards the bar, I scope out Kai. He’s already sitting at a table with two girls. I roll my eyes and let out a soft chuckle.
“My man.” Kai stands from the bench and claps his hand into mine before pulling me in for a bro hug. We’re good friends, but we weren’t the best teammates. “Girls.” He looks down at the two pretty girls next to him. One blonde. One brunette. “This is Royce.”
I give them a smile and salute off my temple.
The brunette goes coy, fingers twirling in her hair.
“Drink?” I ask.
Kai nods. “Just a soda water and lime for me.” He puts his order in.
I face my attention to the girls and they both order an Aperol spritz. Walking off, I find the bar and hustle my way through. It’s busy for a Thursday afternoon. Finally, I catch the attention of the bartender and order the drinks. Whilst I’m there, I pinch a menu; I am starving.
Ordering two of the summer salads and a side of chips, I pay and walk the drinks back over, placing them down and popping the food service number on the table.
“Grabbed us a couple of salads,” I say to Kai and the blonde gives me a look. “What?” My tone is curt.
“What about us?”
I laugh because she can’t be serious. “Why would I order for you? I’ve bought you both a drink. If I wanted a date, I would have found one. But I wanted to see my mate, who you have hijacked so…”
I am met with silence before the blonde huffs and whispers to her friend who grabs the drink and moves away.
“Bro.” Kai holds his hands up looking at me, brows furrowed. “What the fuck?”
“Go and sit with them, then.” I drag my soda water towards me and take a mouthful.
“What’s got you all riled up?”
“Nothing.” I roll my lips and place the glass down, averting my gaze to the busy patio.
“Something clearly has.” His brows raise, his forehead crinkling slightly.
“Just drop it. If I wanted to speak about it, I would find a therapist.”
“Great, so I’ve got cunt Royce today,” he mutters, sipping his drink and I scoff. He isn’t wrong.
“Just having a day.”
Kai nods. “Then have it, but remember, it’s a bad day, not a bad life… Look at us.” He sits back, arm spreading wide as he takes in the ambience. “It could always be worse.”
His eyes are back on me, and I want to punch him in his stupid face. He gives surfer boy vibes with his blonde hair, styled in curtains, and blue eyes to match. He’s too good looking to be a race driver, honestly. He should have been a model, or a surfer, just not a race driver.
“I know,” I admit, dropping my head.
“In all seriousness…” His tone changes to one of sincerity. “Are you okay?”
I nod because that’s all I can manage. The moment is broken when the waitress places down our salads and a portion of chips.
“Can you grab us another bowl of chips, please?” Kai gives his best smile, and she is putty in his hands.
So wasted.
