As if sensing my attention, he glanced up and caught my eye. His whole face lit up with that brilliant smile that still made my chest tight.
He mouthed something that looked like “crazy night.” I nodded, grinning back.
My hand went to my jacket pocket.
It was still there, still safe.
I’d been carrying it for two weeks.
“Dude, you need to stop touching your pocket,” a voice said beside me.
I jerked my hand away and turned to find Diego sliding into the booth across from me.
“What areyoudoing here?” I asked.
“You invited me, remember? Big game, big night, come support my future brother-in-law.” Diego raised an eyebrow. “Or did you forget in all your nervous pocket-checking?”
“I’m not nervous.”
“You’re about to piss yourself, and that wouldn’t be a good look, even for a lawyer. Just do it already.”
“I’m waiting for the right moment.”
“The right moment was last week. Or the week before. Or—”
“Diego—”
“Fine, but if you don’t do it tonight, I’m telling him myself.” Diego leaned back, looking around the bar with obvious approval. “This place has blown up. Finn must be thrilled.”
“He really is. They all are.” I watched Benji do a complicated bottle flip that made several customers cheer. “They’ve worked so hard for this.”
“And you’ve been right there with them.” Diego smiled. “You know you’re basically part owner atthis point, right? Between the marketing strategy, the lease negotiation, and all the shifts you’ve worked—”
“I haven’t worked that many shifts—”
“You worked five shifts last month when Jacks was sick. You know the drink menu better than some of the actual staff.” Diego’s expression softened. “Shit, you’re a better bartender than Jacks.”
“Jacks is a barback.”
“See. That proves it.” He shifted in his seat, turning his body so he faced the nearest TV. “You found your place, Chase. I’m happy for you.”
I had found my place.
It was here, with Finn, and with these people who’d become like family.
Which was why tonight felt so important.
It was why it had to be perfect.
The game started, and the bar erupted in cheers as the Lightning won the puck drop.
I watched Finn whoop and high-five Mark, both of them grinning like kids.
My hand went to my pocket again.
Diego kicked me under the table.
“Stop it,” he mouthed.
