Page 36 of Covetous

It’s been a whirlwind of a summer, and now, in mid-August, the city is alive with a different energy and life has settled into a new rhythm. “How long does it take to get some service around here? We put in our drink orders fifteen minutes ago.”

“It’s a Saturday.” I look over the dinner menu again, even though I already know what I’m going to order.

“And?”

“It’s probably the busiest on Saturdays.”

“Then they should prepare to have an adequate number of staff.”

I give him a playful smirk, both teasing and reprimanding. “I’m sure our drinks will be out soon.”

With a slight frown, Ian surveys the lounge, his sharp gaze taking in every detail of Midnight Blues—its worn wooden booths and small dance floor. The air is thick with the heady aroma of beer and sweat, mixed with the sultry voice of a blues singer and her band.

This isn’t Ian’s scene. It’s too grungy, too raw for his refined taste. It’s not my usual one either. But tonight, I wanted us to venture somewhere new, to let loose and forget about our worries. A place where we didn’t have to talk about anything if we didn’t want to. A place where we could get lost in each other, swept away by the lively, sexy atmosphere all around us.

Next week, we’re going to the theater. And last month, I convinced him to take a soul line-dancing class. It couldn’t hurt to brush up on our dance moves. Isn’t it a staple at every wedding reception to incorporate some soulful line dance into the mix, like a cha cha slide or a cupid shuffle? In addition to anticipating an epic reception, I’ve hired a wedding coordinator to keep me on track, only sharing details with Ian when it’s necessary. He says he’s too busy with his residency to plan alongside me. My schedule has been more open since quitting my job at the beginning of the month, but I haven’t been sitting around reading bridal magazines all day. I’ve been working on my relationships outside of Ian.

Liv and I started a book club, and we’ve been diving into some great reads together. I’ve also been hitting up baseball games at the stadium with Niko and his fiancée, Jordyn. On the culinary front, Yasmine and I have been honing our skills in the kitchen by tackling two recipes a week from Hunter’s latest cookbook. Izzy and I have made spa dates a regular thing, and sometimes her younger sister, Stella, joins in on the pampering. To top it off, my spiritual life has been growing ever since I started accompanying my dad to church most Sundays.

Throughout my ambitious summer, what I’ve enjoyed the most is the chance to focus on self-care and foster a more loving relationship with myself.

Ian is still adjusting to what he calls the new me. He thinks I’m overextending myself, but I’ve explained to him more than once that I’m not. I’m finding myself.

Ian’s frown deepens as he bends down to peek under the table. “The floors are sticky.”

I try to lighten the mood with a chuckle. “It’s fine, babe. Just try to have fun.”

“For you, I’ll try.” A smirk plays on his lips as heat dances in his eyes.

“Thank you.” I take a sip of my water, using the moment to mask my irritation.

“You’re very welcome, my love.” He raises his water glass, inspecting it before having a drink.

“You’re so bougie,” I tease.

“Bougie? You have us confused.”

I wrinkle my nose in mock disgust. “I’m not bougie.”

“Whatever you say.” He chuckles before glancing past me. “Look who it is.”

Curious, I turn around. A big smile spreads across my face as I recognize Esme and Victor at the bar. At first, Esme doesn’t seem to notice us, but Victor does. His grin matches mine as he lifts his chin in greeting before pointing us out to Esme.

“Should we invite them to join us?” Ian asks, and I can’t tell if he really wants to or if he’s just being polite.

“Are you sure?”

“Why not?” Ian signals them to our table. Victor heads our way but doesn’t go far when Esme pulls him back by the hand and says something in his ear.

I face forward back to Ian.

Maybe Esme doesn’t want to share her date night with us. Ian and I could use the intimate alone time, and maybe it could be the same for them. I avoid getting involved in the particulars of their relationship. Not that it’s hard. It’s like there’s an unspoken understanding between Esme and me. We don’t talk about Victor.

Ever.

Of the two of us, Liv is her confidant for her relationship. I used to feel excluded, but given the tangled, complicated history between the three of us, I understand.

“You two seem friendly.” Ian takes a sip of his water, peering at me over the rim of his glass. He’s not talking about me and Esme. Not with that look on his face.

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