He caught it and ate it, still laughing.
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” he said. “But seriously, Chase, I’m happy for you. You deserve someone who makes you smile like that.”
“Thanks.”
“Just promise me one thing.”
“What?”
“Don’t overthink or self-sabotage. Don’t let fear ruin something good.” Diego’s expression was serious now. “You have a tendency to talk yourself out of happiness. Don’t do that this time.”
I thought about Finn.
About the way he looked at me.
About the way I felt when I was with him.
“I’ll try,” I said.
The minute my car door shut and Diego drove away, I swiped open my phone and typed.
Me: Hey, you. How’s the bar?
Finn: Packed. Benji started another sing-along. He switched to Taylor Swift songs. Send help!
Me: Sorry, I’m off duty. But I miss you.
Finn: Yeah?
Me: Yeah. Do I really have to wait to see you? How about tomorrow?
Finn: I work tomorrow, too, but you could come to the bar? It’s not a game night, so it shouldn’t be a zoo.
Me: I’ll be there.
Finn: Good. Your booth misses you.
Me: It’s officially mybooth now?
Finn: It’s had a reserved sign with your name on it all week. That was actually Mark’s doing.
Me: Seriously?
I smiled at my screen, that same warmth spreading through my chest that had been there all day.
Me: Get back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Finn: Can’t wait.
Chapter 37
Finn
Chase showed up at the bar Thursday night around seven.
It was a slower night. The Lightning had a travel day, and there were no watch parties, only the regulars and a handful of walk-ins, which meant when Chase walked through the door in his rumpled suit and askew tie, I could leave the bar and sit with him.
“Hey, you,” he said, leaning up to kiss me before settling into his usual booth.
