Page 64 of The Secrets We Share

His lips quirk into a playful smile. “While that image is extremely tempting, I think we can figure something out. If it was a year ago before we met and all this wasn’t spinning in your orbit, what would you have done to blow off some steam?”

A time before Harkin isn’t one I tend to rekindle. Because even a year ago, before we’d officially met, he was still in my life. Thinking about his question, it dawns on me. “Live music,” I tell him.

A memory of Harkin storming into the dive bar to play protector pulls to the forefront of my mind. That night changed everything for us. If it wasn’t for a drunken call and a man who couldn’t let shit go, we might not be here today.

“With Stacey and lots of alcohol,” I finish up.

“I think I might regret this,” he says before yelling, “James” out into the apartment.

Heavy footfalls speed down the hall until James enters the living room.

“What?” he asks, ready to dive headfirst into whatever trouble has popped up in the last ten minutes since Harkin left him.

“Call Stacey. We’re taking the girls out tonight.”

TWENTY-NINE

HARKIN

In The Dark - Breaker

Gypsy’s is packed full, and the noise of the bar immediately puts my back up as soon as we step inside. James said they’d meet us here after he tried to dissuade me from the outing. But Keira was too excited, and the moment she texted Stacey, there was no way he was getting out of it.

“Do you see them anywhere?” I yell in Keira’s ear as I push her past the groups of people surrounding the few tables at the back.

“There!” She points toward the bar.

The two of them aren’t hard to miss. Stacey doesn’t fit in at the dive rock bar with her outfit that screams I should be uptown at a swanky hotel top bar. Then there’s James, with his stiff posture and crossed arms. He looks like he should be guarding the door or a princess. I suppose, in a way, he is.

Keira reaches for Stacey's shoulder, and they squeal as if they didn’t see each other yesterday. James acknowledges me withour typical greeting. They already have their drinks, so I head to the bar and flag down the bartender.

I wasn’t sure if John was still working here, but when he turns in my direction, the fucker lights up at seeing me. “Hey, man, long time.”

“Yeah, that one’s been keeping me busy.”

“Damn, is that the same girl you were here with last time I saw you?”

“Shocking, I know.”

“Fuck, you can say that again.” He laughs. “What can I make for you?”

“Jack and Coke and a bottle of water.”

He hands our drinks over quickly, and I slide my card to him, leaving a tab open for Keira. The group moved closer to the stage, but as the break between bands dragged on, the crowd started to thin out, which made it easier for me to get back. The house music played through the speakers, but it felt much quieter compared to the energy of a live performance.

“Here you go, sweetness.”

She takes a swig of the dark, bubbling liquid, and her eyes widen. “Actually letting the reins loose for the night?”

“Loose, but not completely off. Understood?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

Her body presses closer as she leans up on her toes to whisper in my ear. “Are you sure? I was hoping to reenact our last time here. I’m sure the office is free, or we could try the bathroom this time.”

I snort out a huff of laughter. “Let’s see how the night goes.”

Slinking back to Stacey’s side, she keeps her eyes on me as they return to their conversation.

“You might have been right,” James says.

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