I give myself a quick once-over. “I’ve been at flea markets all day. I need to change.”
“I can wait.” She’s beaming, and for whatever reason, all I can think is that Minnie is going to love this girl.
And I like that idea more than I should.
“Okay,” I say, relenting. “I’ll come.”
“Are you good at trivia?” she asks. “I just need to know if I should keep you on my team or send you to Dad’s.”
Chapter 24
When Zoey and I walk into the bar, my nerves kick up like a swirl of leaves in a fall breeze.
Miles is here. Somewhere.
I haven’t seen him since the night I offended him.
The bar is dark and crowded and loud, and a Billy Joel song plays in the background. Something nostalgic and heartfelt about turning lights back on.
We make our way through the throng of people, toward the back of the space where tables and chairs are set up to face a small stage in the corner.
It’s slightly less crowded back here, and I follow Zoey straight over to a large rectangular table.
That’s when I see him.
Miles is standing with his back to us, talking with a few other people. I want to either turn around and run straight home or keep facing forward and run into his arms, but I’m not sure which.
I had him pegged all wrong.
Those women were his daughters.
His divorce was ugly, and it didn’t make him less kind.
“Hey, everyone!” Zoey says as we reach the little group.
There’s a round of hellos and a few curious glances in my direction as Miles turns to face us. At the sight of me, his expression softens. “Claire.”
I don’t know what my face is doing—probably some weird hybrid of a wince and a smile—as if I’m aware that I’m intrudingbut also trying to be polite but also mentally shouting an apology but also trying not to swoon.
It’s a lot.
But then the softness disappears, replaced by a single arched brow and a grin that seems to issue a challenge. “Did you come to get your butt kicked?”
Something inside me switches.
Game. On.
I slowly widen my eyes, then look at Zoey. “Definitely put me on your team. I need to show your dad how this is done.”
There’s a chorus of“Ooooh”and“Let’s go!”from the group, but I can’t seem to look at anyone but Miles.
He holds eye contact for several long seconds, then a tall blonde clears her throat. “Introductions, please.”
“Right.” Miles shakes his head a little, then backs out to the edge of this little circle.
“Claire, these are my people,” he says. “You know Zoey.” He points at her.
“I do. She’s amazing.” I give her a wave, and she makes a show of bowing in my direction like I’m royalty.
