He was still taking it easier at work too, refusing to slide back into the version of himself who used his job to cope, to hide, to feel important. It wasn’t easy, but it was getting better—especially now that River was talking to him again.
After he sent the text, he waited for the little bubbles that would mean she was typing.
They never appeared.
Mathew frowned and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
“Girl trouble?” Aiden took a bite out of a vending machine sandwich and leaned up against the counter beside him.
“How do you trust those things from the vending machine?” Mathew asked. “If the refrigeration goes out, you’re done for.”
Aiden smirked as he continued to chew. After swallowing, he said, “Good thing I work in a hospital, then.”
He shifted so one hip rested against the counter. No one else was in the break room, but that could change any second. Andthe look on Aiden’s face made it clear something was weighing on him.
Mathew’s stomach dropped. “What’s wrong?”
His friend pressed his lips together. “So… I have this friend…”
Rolling his eyes, Mathew turned for the coffee pot and grabbed his mug. Everyone knew that was how people started conversations about themselves. Aiden was a fool if he thought Mathew didn’t know it.
“And he’s interested in dating his friend’s?—”
Mathew arched a brow and glanced back over his shoulder. “You better not say sister. I told you. Penny is off-limits. Don’t even think about asking her out.”
Aiden winked. “I was going to say ex, but okay.”
Mathew grimaced. “Victoria is not worth the trouble.” He blew out a breath. “Steer clear. I’m serious.”
When Aiden didn’t answer right away, Mathew looked at him again. His friend seemed deep in thought.
“But if she was actually a decent person,” Aiden said carefully, “and his friend had already moved on with someone else… do you think it would ruin the friendship?”
Mathew really didn’t want to think about Aiden falling for Victoria. He wasn’t lying when he said she wasn’t worth the trouble. But then another thought occurred to him.
Was that why Victoria was still hanging around?
No. That couldn’t be it. She was still texting him. Still pushing for another chance.
“If the friend has already moved on,” Mathew said slowly, “and the woman in question is actually a good person. Someone who makes the other guy happy, then I guess that’s his call.”
Aiden finally looked up. Surprise and hope flashed across his face so quickly it might have gone unnoticed by anyone else. Ithit Mathew hard, because he didn’t want to see his friend get hurt.
But before he could say any of that, Aiden covered the look with a grin.
“So I can date your ex, but not your sister?”
Mathew shot him a flat look. “I knew this wasn’t about your friend.”
Aiden tossed the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth and grinned. “Good to know you haven’t lost your ability to read people.”
He clapped Mathew on the shoulder and headed out of the room.
Mathew lookedup every single time the door to the antique shop opened. It was a strange place to be, but Lily had insisted River wanted to check it out. The new store looked less like an antique shop and more like a gallery full of interesting furniture and decor.
Several people wandered the space, but Mathew lingered near a painting at the front so he could keep an eye on the door. Lily had been certain River mentioned this place specifically.
So where was she?
