Page 103 of Not That Into You

“Oh. Well, it’s got alcohol in it, so it kinda does.” I salute her with my drink and take a sip.

“How was the Hamptons?” Gina asks.

“Fine.” Noting her raised eyebrows, I add, “I’ll tell you more once Hayley and Anna get here. Not that anything exciting happened. I just don’t want to repeat myself.”

Plus, I’m already on Hayley’s shit list because I still haven’t talked to her about my upcoming trip to Ohio. And I’m sure she noticed I didn’t make it home last night, which will raise even more uncomfortable questions.

She texted me last night and this morning, demanding explanations, but I ignored her messages. Which I know makes me an asshole, but it’s a conversation to have in person, not over text. I owe it to her to wait until she arrives at Blue Iris before I divulge anything.

At least, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Claire looks at Gina. “That’s all I’ve been able to get out of her, too.” She looks at me. “I don’t buy it.”

I shrug.

“Give. There’s more to this story.”

I hold my breath, trying to come up with a good deflection, when Alli stops by our table. “Only the three of you tonight?”

I smile, mentally thanking her for the interruption. “Hayley and Anna are running late.”

“Ah.”

“How are you?” I ask.

Claire’s eyes narrow at my attempt to change the subject.

Alli sits in the chair next to Gina. “Good.” She gestures to the full room. “Business is going well.”

“Hey,” Claire says, “are you still thinking about opening Blue Iris earlier for lunch and coffee?”

Alli’s lips form a tight line. “I’m still thinking about it, but...” She shrugs. “We’ll see.”

“Is Celeste still against it?” I ask.

Celeste is Alli’s girlfriend and business partner. According to Alli, Celeste is happy with the bar as it is and has resisted any efforts to change it.

Alli frowns. “She’s not on board yet, no.” She takes a deep breath. “But anyway, what about you all? How are you?”

Claire gives me a sly smile. “Monica was just about to tell us about her hot weekend in the Hamptons with Cameron.”

I glare at her.

“Hayley’s Cameron?” Alli asks.

“Yup,” Gina confirms with a grin.

“Really?” Alli looks at me. “Interesting.”

My brow furrows. “No, it’s not.”

She laughs and rubs her hands together. “Oh yes, it is. You two have been sparking at each other forever.”

Claire points a finger at me. “Ha!”

Alli puts her elbows on the table, interlaces her fingers, and rests her chin on her hands. “So. Tell us about your sex weekend.”

I scowl. “It wasn’t a sex weekend.”

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