Page 75 of Happy Endings

“I thought she was your sister.” Andre turned to Zoe.

Trixie gasped at his horrible joke. Zoe glared at him.

“You have so much in common. You’re both beautiful and will kick my ass if I hurt Trixie.” He flashed her a toothy smile.

Trixie shook her head, embarrassed for him.

“You got that right.” Zoe grabbed the hand Andre offered and pulled him to her. Andre’s smile turned into confusion. He cringed when Zoe squeezed his hand.

“You hurt Trixie and I will double knot you into a corset so tight, you won’t be able to breathe. Then I’ll kick your ass.”

“Zoe!” Trixie held back a laugh. Most people assumed Zoe was sweet because of her quiet, thoughtful demeanor. Trixie knew better.

“Yes, ma’am.” Andre looked Zoe square in the eyes. “I only have good intentions toward Trixie.”

“Not too good, I hope. That would be a waste.” Zoe released his hand. “How about a rain check on girls’ night? I think you two have some things to talk about.”

“I’ll text you on my way home.” Trixie hugged her friend and whispered, “Thank you for being you.”

“Remember what I said about earlier. Cut him loose before he falls too hard.”

Trixie nodded, worried it might be too late.

Chapter 28

I’m scared of her,” Andre mock whispered as he locked the door behind Zoe.

“You should be.” Trixie laughed. “Zoe may be quiet, but she’ll throw down for us if need be. We Boss Babes stick together.”

“Want a drink?”

“But you just cleaned the bar.”

“Why do we have to go through this every night you’re here? I don’t mind making you a drink.”

“How about a pinot grigio? Then you won’t have to dirty up anything but a wineglass.”

“I’m always happy to dirty things up for you.” He smirked and poured a very generous glass of wine. Then grabbed a beer for himself.

“What a night. I’m exhausted.” She pressed the cold wineglass against her face. “That feels so good.”

“You’re supposed to drink it.”

“Don’t worry, I will.” She took a large swallow. “So Keisha’s been trying to set us up the entire time? How come you never told me?”

“I thought she was trying to push my buttons. I didn’t know she really meant it.” He shrugged. “She wants you to come to family dinner next week.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Won’t I scandalize your neighbors?”

Right. He did imply that before they officially partnered for the pop-ups.

“I don’t care who knows we’re together. You’re talented, kind, and wicked smart. If they can’t handle what you do for a living, then they’ll have to fight me.” He hopped like a boxer and put two fists up.

“You look so dorky right now. Sexy but dorky.” She laughed, but then her laughter faded as she traced her fingers on the bar. “If I show up to your family dinner, then everyone will assume I’m your girlfriend.”

“What’s wrong with that?” He wanted to tell everyone she was his girlfriend, not just his “friend.”

“We agreed to keep things chill between us. No strings,” she reminded him.

---