Page 52 of Mistletoe Mischief

“I’m sorry, that was shitty of me.”

Neil laughed. “It’s all right, we haven’t always been the best around each other, but I’m trying to be better.”

“That’s really nice, Neil,” Ryler said, wondering at the change of heart but afraid to ask.

“Why don’t you go ahead and text your friend, and I’ll hop in the shower?” Neil suggested.

“Okay,” Ryler said.

“I’m going to go make a snack,” Kit said, leaving the room and heading into the open kitchen. Ryler sat on the couch and pulled out her phone to text Pike.

Hey, it’s Ryler, Alia’s assistant. What are some things to do in town on a Saturday night?

The three little bubbles flashed, and when she read his response, Ryler laughed.

How did you get this number? (Pensive emoji)

Holly gave it to me. I told her we were supposed to meet tomorrow and I forgot to grab it from you. Why, did you not want me to have this number?

I just didn’t remember giving you a card.

Oh, you have business cards. Sophisticated.

Lol I’m a sophisticated guy.

Well, are you a sophisticated guy who knows what the haps are on a Saturday night?

The haps are a live band at Brews and Chews and that’s about it.

Is the band any good?

I guess it depends on what kind of music you like. This one tends to play mostly country and classic rock.

Oh, and at the Wolf’s Den they have karaoke, but it’s a rougher crowd.

How rough? Coyote Ugly no water in the star rough or Sons of Anarchy toss you out a window rough?

Leaning more toward Sons of Anarchy. The local biker club hangs out there a lot. If you pick the wrong song, you might get heckled.

I don’t think my friends are gonna go for that. I guess live band it is.

I guess I’ll see you there then. My friends and I usually meet there around eight.

Is that an official invite to join you?

You all are welcome to join us. Don’t make it weird.

Ryler laughed, and Kit asked over her shoulder, “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” she said, exiting the chat. “Pike invited us to join him and his crew at Brews and Chews.”

“Sweet,” Kit said, hopping over the back of the couch to sit next to her. “Are Holly and Merry gonna be there?”

“Um, I don’t know, but their significant others probably will be.”

“That’s fine, I just like to look at them,” Kit said.

“Creeper.”