“Hey, I love you, and it’ll be okay,” I assured Brennan, again, as we parked my motorcycle, which he’d driven, and went to find Jett and Grace.
“I know. I just don’t want to deal with that. You know, I don’t care if people like me, but I don’t like my character being trashed.” With a sigh, he checked his phone and put an arm around my waist.
“Who does? But hey, your publicist is on it,” I assured as I glanced at my phone. “They’re this way.”
Brennan and I had a great time together. But then he checked his phone, which was full of bullshit that he had to deal with. I wished that there was more I could do other than hold him and tell him that it would be okay.
The market was lit up with lights, the evening air pleasant, as people shopped and got things to eat. Delicious smells made my belly grumble.Soon.
Jett had Grace tucked under his arm as she ate candied fruit on a stick.
I felt Brennan’s reaction through the bond as her lips wrapped around a strawberry.
“Oh, you look so fucking sexy eating that.” I bounded over and stole a candy-and-strawberry kiss. I turned to Jett. “Hi.” I kissed him too.
“Hi. Hey, Baby, I got one for you.” Jett gave me a fruit stick that was like Grace’s. “I got you a plain one, Honey.” He handed Brennan one.
“Oooh. Thank you.” I swirled my tongue around it, catching Grace’s eyes.
“Thanks, Dear.” Brennan kissed him.
Grace mimicked my gesture. Brennan growled and put his arms around both of us.
“Wes and Spencer are missing out,” I laughed. I took a selfie of me and Grace and dropped it in the group chat, making sure the picture wasn’t inappropriate, since Riley was in it.
Me
We’re going to get noodles. Don’t you want to join us?
Suddenly, I wanted us all together.
Riley
I’m busy, you fuckers. Thanks, tho.
Wes
Oh, that sounds good. Spencer and I are just finishing up.
Spencer
Thank you for the invitation. We’ll be there soon.
Wes and Spencer were coming? Amazing. I didn’t know why they had to work late tonight. Maybe it had to do with Elaris’ case being re-opened? Who knew?
Me
We’ll save you a spot. Here’s the address.
I wasn’t sure if they’d ever been to the noodle shop, so I dropped the address in the chat along with a few suggested places to park, since car parking wasn’t plentiful.
As we walked, we finished our fruit and threw away the sticks.
“Grace!” One of the young servers waved as she greeted us in Mandarin. I think she was the daughter of the owner. “How many, four?”
“Six,” I replied. “The other two are coming.”
“They are?” Grace beamed. “How fun.”
