Page 20 of Nicky

“And,” Brianna continued, her grin turning sly, “to finally finding love in the new year because, let’s face it, the lot of us are a disaster in that department.”

“Oh, come on,” Wyatt groaned. “Do we really need to bring up our collective lack of game right now?”

Kyle smirked over his mug. “Speak for yourself. I’ve got a very active dating life, thank you.”

“Active isn’t the same as successful,” Parker quipped, dodging the lime wedge Kyle flicked at him.

I laughed along with the group, the warmth of their banter a welcome distraction from the weight I’d been carrying. For a moment, it felt easy to be here, surrounded by the people who’d known me before life got so damn complicated.

It was a rare night when everything felt simple—just friends, drinks, and the comfort of old connections. Even if the ache for something—or someone—more still lingered in the back of my mind.

Before long, the dance floor was calling their names, and four headed off, leaving Kyle and me at the booth. The upbeat musicand laughter of the crowd filled the space as I sipped my drink, watching them disappear into the sea of moving bodies.

Kyle didn’t waste any time. “You’re quiet tonight, Nicholas. You okay?”

I gave him a tight smile. “Yeah, just not in the mood to dance, I guess.”

He leaned across the table, eyes practically sparkling with mischief. “C’mon, you gotta at least try to have some fun tonight. Dance. Hook up with someone. I’m pretty sure you can find someone here to?—"

“Please,” I cut him off, laughing but rolling my eyes. “You’re worse than some of the residents at the home, you know that?”

Kyle tilted his head, momentarily confused, before his expression shifted into mock offense. “Me? No way.”

“Yes, you. I know all of you mean well, but none of you are subtle at all.” I shook my head. “Ughhh!”

Kyle’s grin widened. “Ooh, retirement community drama? This I have to hear.”

“It’s not drama.” I waved him off, leaning back against the booth. “Some of the residents, particularly Beverly and Mrs. Thompson, have this ridiculous idea that I’m…” I trailed off, my words faltering.

Kyle arched a brow, his grin stretching wider. “That you’re what?”

I sighed, staring into my drink. “That I’m into the new doctor. Markus Webber.”

He lit up like a Christmas tree. “They’re trying to set you up Parent Trap-style? Are you serious? Tell me everything.”

“There’s nothing to tell!”

“Does Dr. Webber know about this?”

“Of course not.”

Kyle leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. “So… are you into him? I bet he’s hot.”

“No, I’m not into him,” I said quickly. Too quickly.

“Oh, but he’s hot, isn’t he?”

“He’s… alright.”

Kyle wasn’t buying it for a second. “Come on, Nicholas. Hot doctor. Small town. This is a romance novel waiting to happen.”

I groaned, letting my head fall into my hands. Somewhere in the distance, the DJ switched songs, and the bass thumped loud enough to vibrate through the table. A quick glance toward the dance floor confirmed Brianna and the others were still out there, laughing and spinning each other around like they didn’t have a care in the world.

Kyle tapped his fingers on the table, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “So, hypothetically speaking, if you were into him, what’s stopping you?”

“It’s not hypothetical. I’m not into him.”

“Uh-huh.” He propped his chin on his hand. “But if you were…”

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