“Lucky for you, we’re not just any people. We’re your friends. Besides, you’ve gotta love pizza. You can’t be a New Yorker and not like pizza.”
“True.”
“We go to a local place a few towns over, near where I used to live. They have old arcade machines, cold brews, and some of the best damn pizza I’ve had outside of the city.”
“Tempting.”
And it is, except for the fact that I feel like a walking target ninety-nine percent of the time, which drastically slices down on the fun quotient—ofanything.
He straightens and clears his throat. “I think you could use a little fun. When was the last time you had any?”
I pause, desperate to recall a day that didn’t include whispers and glares.
Eddie smacks his palms against his thighs. “If you have to think about it, it’s been entirelytoolong. That settles it. You’re coming to the pizzeria with Theo and me.”
Maybe he’s only asking me because he feels bad for me, but I’d give anything to have a few laughs and forget my troubles for a moment.
Screw it. I’ve survived one attack today. Maybe I’ve hit my quota.
Sucking in a deep breath, I nod. “Okay. Pizza sounds nice.”
Chapter 2
Garlic Knots and Good Company
Eddie
“Look at that. Right on time.” I rub my hands together as the server carries over a tray of piping hot garlic knots, cold beer, and a surprise for my son.
Our server, Rachel, sets the food down with a grin, and I slide a glass toward Theo. “One cherry soda for the MVP of the team.”
Theo doesn’t miss a beat as he wraps both hands around the glass and takes a giant swallow through the straw. “Ahh.”
I chuckle, but fix him with a knowing stare. “Easy there, buddy. You don’t want a bellyache before pizza, right?”
But Theo pays me no mind. He’s far too busy enjoying his treat, especially since he only gets soda for celebrations and special occasions.
Today is both.
Not only did my little guy win the game for his team, but we have a friend celebrating with us.
And damn, Kiki needs a night out more than anyone I know.
She sits across from Theo and me, hunching her shouldersas if trying to disappear into the wooden booth. She focuses her gaze on the beer mug as her fingers trace paths along the condensation decorating the glass.
But she has yet to take a sip.
Ori and Ash knew Kiki before her fall from grace. They claim she was pure sunshine—witty and exuberant. A blast at parties and, rumor has it, intoxicating on the dance floor.
I don’t know her estranged husband, Drake, but I swear to God, I want five minutes alone with him. Not just because of the monstrous things he did to those innocent women, which is more than reason enough to bury his ass under the jail.
He stole Kiki’s life—and light—too.
“Works better if you drink it.” I shoot Kiki a smile, taking another swallow from my glass. “Kind of like this.”
“I don’t like beer.” Theo chimes in, scrunching his nose.
Kiki’s gaze flies upward to meet my son’s as a small smile crosses her lips. She leans in slightly, resting her forearm on the table. “Want to know a secret? I don’t either.” She chews her lip before daring to look in my direction. “Sorry.”
