Page 17 of Mine to Keep

I didn’t need to see JJ’s face to know it was lit up. “That would be the best way to celebrate!”

“Great, okay. See you Monday, JJ. Call if you have any questions or whatnot.”

“You got it.”

I had been lingering by the doorway into the living room so I quickly dipped into the kitchen under the pretense of making myself a snack.

“Don’t load up on snacks,” JJ said as he came in the room. “It’s pizza and movie night—I’m ordering all the pies, and wings, and breads.”

“All of them?” I snickered.

“Yep.”

“Noted.” I grabbed a bottle of water and leaned against the counter, watching while JJ pulled out the takeout menu. “Has Matt mentioned any more weird gifts?”

JJ fiddled with the menu. “Nope, thankfully. Probably someone who was smitten, realized it was strange, and stopped.”

I hoped JJ was right, and most likely he was, but I wasn’t sure.

“I think I might go out tonight.”

JJ’s head popped up so fast. “What? No! It’s family night. Only if there’s work to be done is anyone allowed to leave. House rules.”

Family night had been implemented by JJ and Mason after the whole Four debacle. Since JJ had been stuck inside for so long with little to do, we’d agreed to make Fridays family night. I’d only missed it that one time to go to The Alibi…and that was the same reason I’d be missing it tonight.

“It is a work thing.”

JJ pursed his lips and glared at me. “What work thing?”

“I have to go downtown. A few businesses I’ve been trying to get to sign on to let me do their tech. They don’t work normal business hours, and I keep putting it off.” I was lying, but I’d rectify it by really trying to get some clubs on board.

“That’s actually smart.” JJ was still looking at me as if he could detect the lie. “You shouldn’t go alone.”

I snorted. “I’m a big boy; I’m not going into a war zone.”

“Downtown on a Friday night is a war zone.”

“I’ll be fine. Watch that movie you wanted to see last week that I hated.”

He threw the menu at me. “Now, I’m ordering extra banana peppers on my pizza and not saving you a slice.”

“Vicious indeed.” I shook my head and left the kitchen to get dressed for my evening.

The Alibi was packed,and it was only nine. I got in, no problem, and parked myself at the bar in the corner. I was able to see a lot of the club, and I immediately began searching for Matt.

I saw the woman he was with last time ordering. I looked away when she turned in my direction. She gathered up her drinks, and I watched as she went to her table. There he was.

The bartender came up to me, asking if I wanted another.

“Actually, is your manager around?”

“I can check, what is it regarding?”

“Tell them their security is a mess, and I’d love to talk about helping him.”

He shot me a curt nod and walked away.

“What the hell are you doing?” I turned and saw an irate Matt.

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