Petrov, the loud Russian, clapped him on the shoulder and they headed toward the bar. I exhaled slowly.
“So.” Kenzo slid into the seat next to me, long limbs folding gracefully. “How are you finding Chicago? Besides the humidity, which is criminal.”
“It’s… different.” I glanced at Hana, who had taken the seat on my other side. “I’m still learning the city. It’s easy to get around, which is a plus.
“The food scene is incredible,” Hana said. “Honestly, it’s up there with some of the best cities I’ve lived in.”
“Where else have you lived?” Sabrina asked, sliding into the seat across from us.
“Oh, all over. I backpacked and taught English abroad for a few years after high school—Naples, Barcelona, Paris, Hanoi.” Hana smiled at the memory. “Basically just chased good food around the world until I ran out of excuses not to come back to the States and actually learn how to cook it properly.”
“Meanwhile I’ve only been to Canada and Russia,” Kenzo said dryly. “For hockey.”
“That’s not true,” Hana said. “Bradley dragged you to Ibiza last month.”
“Right. It was… an experience.” Kenzo’s expression suggested he was still processing it.
“You told me you loved it.”
“Parts of it.” The corner of his mouth twitched. “The company was good. The food was okay.”
“That’s his highest compliment,” Hana told us, amused. “I don’t even know how we’re related. I’ve been eating my way through every neighbourhood here for class research—totally legitimate academic purposes.”
“She dragged me to an eight course tasting menu last week and made me take notes,” Kenzo said.
“I thought you liked it. You asked for seconds!”
“They barely gave us firsts,” he grumbled. “A spoonful doesn’t count as a course. But I’m back on my training diet now so she’ll need a new guinea pig.” He sighed dramatically. “A foodie sister and a foodie boyfriend and I’m stuck eating grilled chicken and vegetables.”
“Boyfriend?” I echoed, stupidly. Right. Of course. I’d been so wrapped up in my own mess I hadn’t even clocked what everyone else seemed to already know.
Sabrina’s eyes met mine across the table. She didn’t say anything but I could read her expression perfectly.Interesting.
“Yes, Bradley and I have been dating for almost a year,” Kenzo said and his face softened.
Hana rolled her eyes affectionately. “They’re disgustingly in love. You’ll meet him eventually. He travels more than the team.” She turned back to me. “You should come watch a game with us sometime. Bradley’s got a private box so we’re covered for any home game. Or we could catch one at a bar if that’s more your speed—I know a place that does incredible wings.”
“Maybe,” I said, noncommittal.
“Too bad they’re going away while I’m here, I’d love to watch from a private box. This one isn’t much of a hockey fan,” Sabrina stage whispered.
“No pressure,” Hana said easily. “But the offer stands. It’s fun having someone to yell at the refs with. I taught Bradley all the Russian cuss words I know.”
“Speaking of which.” Kenzo checked his phone and stood. “I promised I’d be home by nine. FaceTime before bed.” The drinks hadn’t even arrived yet and he was already ducking out. I admired his style. “Théo, it was good to officially meet you. Sabrina, enjoy your visit. Avery—” He pointed at my brother. “Behave.”
“Never,” Avery called back.
Kenzo just shook his head and kissed his sister on the top of her head before slipping out the door.
I watched him go, then turned back to find Derek and Petrov returning with a tray of drinks. Derek set a vodka with sugar free Red Bull in front of me without asking.
Our fingers brushed when I took it.
I didn’t look at him. But I felt Sabrina watching us, cataloguing every detail for later. She was going to have questions. So many questions.
With Kenzo gone, the conversation drifted to our end of the table.
“You should move here,” Avery was telling Sabrina, his arm slung across the back of her chair. “You’d love it. Good party scene, lots of shopping, your two best friends.”
