Page 104 of The Rules of Dating

I put on my big-girl panties for a moment. “Colby, it’ll be okay. You got this.” Exhaling, I said, “Call me when it’s over, okay?”

“Okay.”

Then I hung up before he could say anything else. I could tell he wasn’t going to be the first to hang up. I immediately regretted ending the call, but I couldn’t bear it if he’d said something that made me cry. I didn’t want to turn into a blubbering mess in this bar. That wouldn’t have been good for him or me.

“What did he say to you?” I asked Deek.

“He thanked me for looking out for you today. That’s all. He’s really worried about you.”

I ran my finger along the condensation on the beer bottle and became lost in my thoughts. A few minutes later, I looked up and noticed someone waving as he walked toward us. It was…Owen?

“Fancy meeting you here.” He grinned.

He was dressed in a navy three-piece suit. His shiny watch gleamed. Everything was on point.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

He clasped hands with Deek. “This bar is not far from my office. Figured I’d come for a little happy hour.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Really…”

Owen sat down with us and signaled for the waitress before ordering a beer. “What’s new with you guys?” he asked.

“Nothing much. Just trying to forget the fact that Colby is getting married in the next hour.” I took a long sip.

Owen played dumb. “Oh, is that today?”

“Come on, Owen. You knew it was today.”

His expression darkened. “Yeah, I did. He just texted me to come by and check on you. He knew Deek was with you, but I think Colby wanted some representation from his side to make sure you were okay. If he couldn’t be here, I was the next best thing.”

“Well…thank you. But that’s totally unnecessary,” I said.

“Anything I can do to make this day easier for Colby, I’m gonna do it.”

“This is a rarity, though. You left the office before four PM?” I teased.

“I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I left work early.”

A little while later, Brayden walked toward our table in the corner with a big smile on his face.

“Not you, too?” I said.

“What?” He shrugged. “I’m just here for a drink.” He winked and looked over at Deek. “’Sup, man?” Then Brayden gave me a look like he felt sorry for me. “How are you doing?”

“Jesus Christ. Nobody died,” I shouted. “Why is everyone acting like someone died?”

Brayden patted my shoulder. “If you’re okay, then we’re okay.”

“I heard there was a party!” another voice yelled.

Holden. I shook my head and laughed. “I should’ve known this was going to be a trifecta.”

Holden bent to kiss my cheek. “Hey, Billie. Looking amazing as always.” He nodded toward Deek. “Hey, man. I saw your Instagram. What the hell were you guys doing with the Kardashians today?”

“You’re not serious, are you?” Deek cackled.

Holden winked as he sat down. “So what are we drinkin’?”