Page 10 of Vengeful Secret

“Yeah, I’m not tipsy enough to dance yet,” Marisa backs me up, and I’m grateful.

I smile, and Sarah hails the server for another round of cosmopolitans, our second round.

The server seems to take an inordinately long time to return with our drinks, but it is busy inside the tavern, so I can’t really blame her. I’m just antsy after seeing Gray.

I made a point not to lock eyes with him, not to stare at his strong jaw or his dark blond hair that fell to his collar, a bit longer than it was the last time I saw him. I certainly didn’t lock on to his green eyes that I’d gotten lost in all those years ago.

When the drinks do arrive, the server smiles and shakes her head as Marisa, whose turn it is to pay for the round, takes out her card. “It’s been taken care of, all your previous rounds and any new rounds you’d like to order.”

“What?” Sarah breathes.

“Who would have done that?” Rosa asks.

The server shrugs. “He's asked to remain anonymous, but he left this note.” She places down a cocktail napkin with a message scrawled on it.

It reads, “For old times’ sake.”

My heart starts to race, knowing it’s Gray.

I’m slightly annoyed but also, just a little appreciative. It’s a complicated way to feel, but I know this night could have turned out expensive for all of us even though we were alternating rounds. It’s nice to know that I won’t have to struggle paying next week’s grocery bill just for a night out.

“We have ourselves a mystery man,” Sarah crows, and I try my best not to blush.

I glance up at the bar, and Gray sends me a short wave before I look away quickly.

Sarah stares at me. “I think he’s into you, Sutton.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mutter. “He could be into any one of us.”

“He’s looking atyou,” Rose points out.

“Well, he can look all he wants. He’s out of luck. I’m out with my girlfriends.”

Marisa smiles at me. “There you go. Just because he paid for our drinks doesn’t mean you have to go and talk to him.”

“You don’thaveto, but it’d be nice and would entertain me,” Sarah snickers.

Rose laughs out loud, but Marisa has my back.

“Come on, girls, don’t tease Sutton. Let’s just drink and get ready for the dance floor.”

“You have no excuse after this round, Marisa,” Sarah warns.

“Yeah, yeah.”

I pat Marisa’s hand, thanking her for taking up for me.

Sarah and Rose can be a little pushy, expecting everyone to be as outgoing as they are.

“He’scute,though,” Sarah insists. “Too bad I’m not feeling men these days.”

“Too bad I hate men these days.” Rosa chuckles.

Marisa stays silent and so do I, just sipping my cosmopolitan.

Panic rushes through me.

Will he try to come and talk to me?

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