Page 55 of Tiers of Joy

“Hi!” I beam enthusiastically.

Amy smiles.

“Thank you for letting us join you guys. It’s so busy tonight! Oh gosh, are you guys on a date?” She asks.

“We are! You?” Wyatt asks.

“Yes. Oh this is cute! It’s like a double date.” She claps.

I down my wine.

“Eloise, I’ll have the bottle.” I yell with my hand in the air. I point to my glass.

“So I hear you’re opening a bakery in town Esme?” Amy asks.

“Yep, that’s right.” I smile.

“We will have to come by when it’s open. I’ve heard wonderful things about your baking; Gaige says you have a very moist sponge.” She compliments.

Gaige’s eyes are on me the entire time.

“Eloise! Wine!” I yell.

“God damn it, go and get it yourself if you’re that thirsty.” Eloise shouts back.

“Excuse me, I shall get our drinks. It’ll save Eloise the hassle.” I stand.

“I will give you a hand.” Gaige says following me.

I walk to the bar and Gaige comes up and stands right beside me. He’s so close I can smell his cologne and his natural scent of the outdoors and pine.

“You look beautiful tonight.” Gaige whispers in my ear.

“Thanks.” I mutter.

“Jack, when you have a minute!” I yell, tapping my hand on the bar.

“Sorry about that. What can I get you?” Jack asks.

“Can I have a bottle of rosé? Actually, make that two. Oh and a beer for Wyatt.” I ask.

“I will take a beer and a bottle of rosé too.” Gaige asks.

Jack nods and gathers our drinks.

“He’s not right for you.” Gaige states.

“Sorry?” I ask.

“He won’t be able to keep up with you; he's too boring. He won’t get you.” Gaige informs me.

“Thanks for the heads up but I think I can work things out for myself. I'm a big girl.” I snap.

“Only trying to be a good friend.” He retorts.

The way in which he says friend pisses me off. Jack comes back with our drinks. I hand over my card and tell him to keep a tab open. I pick up my wines and Wyatt’s beer and turn to head back to our table.

“You’re even buying his drink!” Gaige says as he walks past carrying his and Amy’s drinks.

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