Page 40 of Lucky Strike

After exploring the space for a while, Sawyer leaves to get drinks from the bar while I hold down a high top overlooking the city. It’s packed, but the music is good and so are the vibes. It’s a nice palate cleanser from my usual day-to-day.

“I’m glad I came out tonight,” I let Sawyer know once he’s back. “It feels good to be around people my age.”

“I bet.” He chuckles, handing me a bright pink cocktail with a loopy straw. “Lucky’s kid is pretty cute, though, huh?”

“He’s the best.” An unexpected glimmer of fondness lights up my heart as I think of Liam’s adorable grin. He lost his first tooth recently, so there’s a big gap right in front. “So smart and silly. We have a lot of fun.”

“I didn’t realize you were still so close to the Kellys,” Sawyer continues. “You haven’t been around for a while, right?”

I shake my head. “No, but Maeve and I always kept in touch.”

“That’s great. Here’s to old friends.” He leans in, clinking his glassto mine. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” Smiling, I take a sip.

His eyes dart away then back to me. “Are you and, uh, Lucky still a thing or …”

“Oh God, no.” A startled laugh bursts from my throat. “We’re just friends. I mean, he’s my boss now. I barely even see him most days.”

Sawyer nods. He takes a breath as if he’s going to say something, but then he never does. Instead, he just nods again and looks around. “If you ever need anything,” he blurts. “You can call me.”

I pause, caught off guard by the offer. “Thanks.”

“Tristan’s always been a good friend,” he says, his cheeks darkening. “I mean, you can trust me.”

“Thanks,” I say again, slowly. I’m not sure what he’s getting at, but I won’t ask. Conlan’s a private person, and I’m just not comfortable discussing him or his family. Even if it’s innocuous. “That’s sweet of you.”

“Any time.” He blinks, lowering his eyes. Sawyer’s kept it casual all evening, but I can tell he still likes me. Even after all these years.

“So, you get a pretty long summer vacation, right?” I ask. “When does school start back up?”

“First week of September.” He grins, back to his bubbly self. “I’m going down to the Bahamas with some friends next month. Can’t wait. Have you been? There’s this adventure tour where you can go snorkeling…”

Amused, I listen as he rambles excitedly about his trip’s bucket list. He’s listing the merits of swimming with pigs when I notice a beautiful brunette in a tiny black dress, perched on the arm of someone’s chair in a lounge area. Laughing, she looks down at the person and I follow her gaze, stiffening when I realize it’s Conlan. He and Tristan are with a bunch of their friends, sharing similar smiles as they listen to whoever’s talking. My breath catches. I haven’t seen Conlan smile like that in years. He looks relaxed. Happy.

I watch him lean forward and take a sip of his drink, licking his bottom lip afterward. His gaze drifts, sweeping past me, then comes back. Surprise flickers in his eyes, his smile fading into the dispassionate reserve he seems to keep just for me. And then, after an uncomfortably long moment, his eyes slide to Sawyer.

12.Bria

Now

“…the Caribbean?”

I snap back to Sawyer, who’s still going strong. “Sorry, what was that? It’s a little loud.”

“Have you been to the Caribbean?” he repeats, tossing back the rest of his drink.

“No, not yet.” I paste on a smile, wishing my heart would just calm the hell down. Why does Conlan have to be here, of all places? I didn’t even know he was going out tonight. But then again, why would I? We never talk! “Maybe one day.”

“Yeah, you should.” Sawyer points at me. “Don’t sleep on it!”

I finish my drink, too, peeking at Conlan against my better judgment. He’s leaning forward now, gaze down, his elbows resting on his knees as Tristan cuts up beside him.

“You want another one?” Sawyer asks, standing up.

“Actually, would you mind terribly if we called it a night?” Snatching up my purse, I get to my feet. “I’m a little sleepy.”

“But the night’s so young,” he protests.

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