Page 173 of Unforgettable

I gawked at them as Hazel rolled her eyes at his compliments but smiled nonetheless. “If you hadn’t already written a book about the two of you, I would tell you to. I’m sure this man gives you more than enough material.”

They kissed, and Luke headed to help Josh and Reed carry supplies to the back bar.

“Wait, did you talk to your parents?” Hazel quickly changed the topic and leaned forward in her seat. Her eyes were wide with anticipation.

“Yes, and they reacted exactly as I knew they would—with grunts and groans and other sounds of disapproval. Then they told me that they believed it was a phase, that no person could sustainably live in a‘ménage à trois.’”

I’d expected the response when I decided to tell them that Reed, Josh, and I were not only in a relationship but also living together. I’d held off telling them because I really didn’t want their opinion to rain on my parade. But having the truth hanging over my head was beginning to frustrate me. I wanted it all out in the open and I truly did not care what they thought.

Their disapproval meant I was doing something right.

But Hazel’s face flamed with anger. “I’m sorry, but your parents are absolute assholes.”

“Don’t be sorry, it’s the truth.” I didn’t mention them questioning my intentions. They wholeheartedly believed that I was dating Reed and Josh for attention since I’d always had a knack for the dramatic.

“Everyone knows now, right?”

I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face thinking about when we’d told Mama G. She’d invited us back over for dinner at their house, and in the middle of the meal, Reed had announced it to his parents.

Of course his father already knew which Mama G was not happy about—she wasn’t keen on being left out. But her initial reaction was one of shock and then pure joy. There were so many tears and hugs all around. Their support was unwavering and unconditional.

That’s the kind of reaction I would remember rather than my conversation with my parents.

“Yes, everyone knows.”

“Hey, ladies. How are y’all?” The bartender approached us with a smile. The first thing I noticed about her besides her strawberry-blonde hair was her small-town Southern accent. I immediately remembered her interview and how I was impressed not only by her résumé but also by her demeanor and smile.

“We’re good. I’m—”

“Amanda,” she finished for me with a smile. “I remember. You’re one of the owners—one of my bosses.”

I nodded as she grabbed the tequila. “Two margaritas, right? Do we want them spicy?”

Hazel shrugged. “Why not?”

“How’s everything going?” I asked while she grabbed two jalapeños and muddled them.

“It’s going well, I think. Everyone’s nice and laid back.” She skillfully poured the tequila into the shaker and reached for the lime juice like she’d been behind the bar for years.

“Where are you from?” Hazel asked while she shook our drinks.

“This small town north of here. It’s kind of a drive-through city, like a flyover state, but… on the ground.” She laughed nervously and filled two glasses with ice before straining the drink into each.

“And you just moved here?”

“Yes,” she said, not concerned about our inquisition and more focused on the drinks in her hands. “Decided it was time for a… change.” There was a hint of apprehension in her voice, but she quickly continued, “I’m coaching the girls’ varsity volleyball team at one of the schools around here, and I’ll be doing this a few nights a week.”

She smiled when she set the drinks in front of us and garnished each with another jalapeño.

“Well, we’re happy to have—”

“Two of my favorite girls!” I hadn’t finished welcoming our new bartender, whose name I still couldn’t remember when a familiar voice called out behind us. Large tattooed arms encircled me and Hazel, and a tall form stepped between us.

“Nice to see you, too, Devon.” Hazel laughed. He kissed the top of her head and then mine and glanced at our drinks.

“Spicy margs? We really are celebrating.”

“Want one?” our gorgeous new bartender asked him. Devon, always slightly quiet around new people, gave her a small smile but shook his head.

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