Page 76 of The Wrong Date Deal

She hummed, not registering that the bartender had reached them until Shea started ordering for their group.

He moved away to make their drinks and Shea turned back to her. “Sorry. Weird time and place to give you that realization.”

“No. It’s good.” Piper adjusted her gaze to fully focus on Shea again. “I just… didn’t notice.”

Shea nodded, her brow puckering. “And that’s why I’d never even dream of trying anything with August. Because you met her, and you came back. It’s been so good to see that version of you again.”

Piper laughed a little breathlessly. “So, the whole time…”

“Yeah.” Shea laughed too. “I was just waiting for the moment you showed up at my place ready to face your feelings.”

“You’re such a dick.”

“Ah, but I’m a dick who loves you—and one who lets you interrupt them having sex to talk aboutyoursex life.”

“That’s just because you’re nosy and enjoy living vicariously.”

“Oh, obviously.” She winked. “I mean, gotta hear the details to get new ideas for things to try.”

Piper laughed. “As if there’s anything you’re going to learn from me that you haven’t already attempted.”

“You might be surprised. You’ve got a bit more of a—”

“I beg you, don’t finish that sentence.”

Shea laughed, the sound loud and free, before she raised her hands. “I’m not doing anything that’s going to stop you from keeping me informed.”

“I’m not telling you a single thing moving forward.”

“It’s healthy to share, Piper.”

“This does not feel healthy.”

“It will. When you get over the momentary embarrassment.”

“What makes you think it’s momentary?”

“Experience.”

Piper winced. Shea had her there. Their shared history had plenty of examples of things Piper had been mortified to say in the moment but had gotten over sooner or later. And, so long as Shea wasn’t quoting them back to her, they didn’t bother her now. So, maybe she had a point.

Shea smiled warmly at her. “I’m happy for you, though. Really. August’s great. And she is fitting in perfectly.”

Nerves poked at Piper’s insides again. “Yeah? You think Hermes likes her?”

“Well, I think he’s more taken with her brother for the minute… but, yeah. I think he’s going to love her.” Shea shotPiper a look. “You do know that, even if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be his choice whether you date her or not?”

“Yes. Yeah. Of course. I just want her to feel welcome around everyone, and you know why this can be hard for him.”

Shea nodded. “I do, but he’s working on that in therapy. And he’d be the first to tell you that you can’t build your life around his trauma.”

“I know. But he’s my friend and I don’t want to trigger it, either.”

Shea shook her head as the bartender began adding their drinks to a round tray. “You’re worrying way too much. And I don’t really think it’s about him. I think it’s because you like her so much. You finally found the spark and it’s terrifying.”

Piper scoffed. “Yeah, no kidding.”

“You don’t need to worry. She’s found it too. Do something about it.”

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