She’s right. We both know it.
I can still feel his gaze locked on me, watching from somewhere and waiting for his chance.
My stomach rolls just thinking about it.
“You’re not helping, Mae.”
My friend gives me an apologetic smile before looking up and flagging down a server for another round, a pensive expression on her face as she turns to me.
I shift in my seat. “What?”
I know that look, and it never ends up well when she gets it. It’s the look that got us in trouble when we ditched class in high school. It’s the look she had when she suggested we sneak out her window and go to a party when I was sleeping over at her house when we were seventeen. That look? It spells trouble.
“Maybe you shouldshowhim.”
“Show him?” My brows pull together as I glance at Aiden, who’s equally as confused. “What are you talking about, Mae?”
“Damien. He won’t take no for an answer, but if youshowhim you’ve moved on, he’ll leave you alone.”
“You’re crazy.” I’m shaking my head before she can even finish, but I don’t get a chance to say anything else because the server comes with our drinks.
“It’s a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself,” she continues the moment he’s gone.
“Mae, the last thing I need is a man in my life. Besides, I’m not going to date somebody just so my ex can get the memo and leave me alone.”
My best friend lifts her drink, her eyes meeting mine over the rim of her glass. “Who said anything about dating? Or it being real, for that matter?”
My lips part as I gape at her, trying to figure out if this is some kind of joke, but nope, Maisie is dead serious.
“Did you hit your head? Get bitten by one of those strays with rabies and now you’re hallucinating?”
“None of my dogs have rabies, thank you very much. You know I’m right.” She glances at Aiden, who seems equally as thrown off as me. “Tell her I’m right.”
Aiden opens his mouth, but I wave him off.
“Ignore her,” I tell Aiden, shaking my head. “She’s delusional. Can we please talk about something else? How is that dog training going?”
If there is one thing Mae can’t shut up about, it’s her animal shelter. She loves all animals but has an especially soft spot for stray dogs.
Mae’s eyes narrow at me. “I know what you’re trying to do, missy.” She jabs her finger into my arm. “You can try to change the topic all you want, but we both know I’m right.”
“Mae…” I groan, exasperated.
“Fine, fine. I’m just saying.” My friend lifts her arm in defense. “Things are good. Chase thinks Duke would make an amazing search and rescue K9, and he’s been working with hima lot. He’s been doing really well and loves working, so now it’ll be a matter of politics.”
Aiden’s friends finally show up, so he excuses himself. I finish my drink as I listen to her talk about the logistics of it before shifting the subject to the new stray she picked up. She’s just finishing when her phone lights up with a message that grabs her attention.
“Damn, I’ve gotta go.” Mae slides off her chair, still looking at the phone.
“Is everything all right?” I finish my drink and follow suit.
“Somebody brought a wounded dog to the shelter.” She quickly types something back before looking at me. “You going home?”
“I need to go to the bathroom first, but I’ll see you in class?”
We’ve enrolled in a Pilates class our gym started offering recently. It was our way of trying to exercise. Now, if we wouldn’t miss half the classes…
“Yeah, I think so.” She hugs me goodbye, but before she can leave, she gives me another pointed look. “Think about what I said.”
