Page 3 of Why Not Both?

“We’re here in part because of you,” Derek says. “You need to shake off the break-up.”

“The break-up doesn’t bother me. I meant it when I said she did me a favour. I should have broken up with Lucy a long time ago. I didn’t realize how tense I was with her until it was over.”

“Here, here,” Adalie says, raising her glass. We clink again and I smile at my best friends.

I’m about to say something else when my gaze snags on a blonde and rainbow ponytail, long and silky, hanging down a red-clad back.

“That one,” I say, indicating in her direction.

Derek grins and Adalie rolls her eyes. I flash her a smile.

“I don’t mean I’m planning to take her home. I mean I’m going to ask her to dance.”

“As long as you’re not turning into this one,” she says, hooking a thumb at Derek.

“But dancing is the first step in taking a girl home,” Derek says.

“That, my friend, is no girl,” I say. “That is a woman.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” He takes a drink of his beer while looking at me expectantly.

“She looks like she’s hanging out with her friends, and we just got here. I’m in no rush. Besides, I want to text Vic. Make sure she’s okay. See if she’s changed her mind.”

I pull out my phone and send a quick message to my boss and friend of twenty-five years.

Me: How are the numbers coming? Having fun yet?

We drink and talk while I wait for her answer. Adalie tells us about the new painting she started working on while Derek and I listen with bemused smiles, understanding about half of what she’s saying but enjoying her enthusiasm anyway. My phone buzzes. I pick it up as I drain my glass, my eyes sliding to the rainbow hair for what feels like the hundredth time. The woman still hasn’t turned this way. I adjust my focus to read Vic’s response.

Vic: You know how much I love numbers. Especially ones that look like these.

Me: We’re doing well this year then?

“Spencer,” Derek says, pulling my attention away from my phone. “There’s something you should see.”

My phone buzzes again.

Vic: It’s shaping up to be almost twice as good as last year’s numbers. I’m thinking we might be looking at expanding sooner than I thought.

Me: You should be here celebrating then, not in your office.

“What is it, Derek?” I ask, waiting for the little dots to change to Vic’s response.

Vic: I’m in my happy place. Leave me alone. Get laid tonight. I probably won’t be home until late.

Me: Sunglasses emoji

“What did she say?” Adalie asks.

“She’s not coming out. She’s having too much fun.”

“Spence,” Derek says sharply. I hate the shortened form of my name and he knows it. So now he has my undivided attention. “Incoming.”

I look up just in time to see Lucy striding toward me, her short brown hair framing a face lit up with excitement.

“Spencer, honey,” she says, her voice sugary sweet. “I’m so happy to see you.”

I raise an eyebrow and cast a look at my friends, who both shrug.

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