Page 113 of The Trouble with Flings

“I am that,” Jennifer says. “I still can’t believe you left the city for good. Do you miss it?”

“No,” Indi says with a shake of her head. “I adore the city, and Archer and I go back sometimes, but I fell in love with this island before I fell in love with Archer. Life is sweeter here.”

“That’s more than you can say about Archer,” Keira chimes in, and turns a loaded grin on Jennifer. “I have a bone to pick with you.”

“Keira,” I warn, having no idea where she’s going with this.

Paying me no mind, she crosses her arms over her pink Sweet Barista T-shirt and narrows her eyes. “I’ve been obsessed with the damn pastries my brother has been bringing home from the city. Thanks to you, I’ve gained about five pounds trying to make something similar. I think I’ve finally gotten the honey-lavender croissant down pat, giving it my own flair with figs or blueberries, of course. But that kouign-amann has been a bitch to perfect. I just took another batch out of the oven.”

“Well, I’d be happy to be your taste tester,” Jennifer says.

“I’m taking you up on that.” She looks at me and says, “I’m stealing her.” Taking Jennifer’s arm, she leads her to a table.

Jennifer glances over her shoulder at me, smiling.

“I want to taste test,” Indi says, hurrying after them.

“Grab a seat.” Keira pulls out a chair for Jennifer. “I’ll get you one of each. What’re you drinking?”

“Half-calf is good, thanks,” Jennifer says.

As Keira heads behind the counter, I say, “I’d like a—”

“I know what you drink,” she calls out, waving me off.

When I turn back to Jennifer and Indi, they’re leaning over the table, head-to-head, already deep in conversation.

The door chimes, and Jamison and his sisters, Tessa and Randi, walk in.

“Hi, Fitz,” Jamison says.

“Hey, Jamison. How’s it going?”

“Ask me after I have coffee,” he says. “Are you coming to Brant and Cait’s tonight? They’re having a barbecue and movie night.” Jamison’s brother, Brant, is married to Deirdra and Abby’s half sister, Cait, a tattoo artist.

“That sounds like fun,” I say, wanting Jennifer to meet more of my friends.

Tessa eyes me curiously. “Rumor has it you’re bringing a woman to the egg hunt.”

“You can bring her tonight to Brant and Cait’s,” Randi offers.

I glance at Jamison. “Really, dude? You fed the grapevine?”

Jamison holds his hands up in surrender. “It wasn’t me.”

“It was me,” Keira says as she sidles up to us carrying a tray full of pastries and coffee. She hands me a steamy mug. “Someone’s got to keep the girls in the know.” She looks at Tessa and Randi and nods toward Jennifer and Indi’s table. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to the woman who keeps getting my brother to leave the island.”

As they walk away, Jamison says, “Hope you and Jennifer didn’t have plans this morning. They’ll be gabbing for hours.”

I don’t want to miss a minute with Jennifer, but she’s laughing with the girls and looks perfectly happy. I arch a brow at Jamison. “Should we sit with them, or get another table?”

“I am not touching that question with a ten-foot pole.”

“Why not?”

“Because women are complicated. There are five of them and only two of us. We’re outnumbered. If you choose a separate table, there’s a chance Jennifer will feel slighted. But if you sit with her, it might put pressure on her to act a certain way around her new friends. The optimal social outcome is usually determined by the person with the least to lose, and right now I’m not sure that’s you.”

I’m so confused. “So…?”