Page 72 of Third Time Lucky

‘Somewhere in the middle.’

‘Separate drink/cocktail menus or all in one?’

I rock my head back and forth. ‘Let’s separate because we’ll be offering full bottles as well as by the glass.’

‘OK… Here’s what I’m thinking…’

When she swivels her iPad my way, I am stunned.

‘I’m leaning toward shades of blue. The sections – such as Dinner, Cocktails, House Specials and Desserts – will have a more masculine font to represent you and Aaron. There won’t be any harsh lines; everything will flow seamlessly, with simple sketches to draw attention to specific dishes, particularly on the cocktail menu, which will be in a lighter shade of blue to stand out.’

I stare at the iPad, comparing her two menus side by side. Everything she has put together perfectly matches my vision – like she got into my head.

‘What do you think?’ she asks with a hopeful smile.

‘I think you nai?—’

‘Oh no, Brandon!’ Lucy hisses, panic lacing her voice as she clutches the iPad like a shield in front of her face.

Brandon? It can’t be.

I whirl around, and a cold dread grips my heart. There he is, a malevolent aura radiating from him like the toxic cloud he is as he strides purposefully toward us from the entrance. He halts at our table, his gaze piercing through me.

‘Just a friend, huh?’ he snaps at Lucy.

Well, hello there, double standards.

She lowers the iPad slowly, her jaw set with defiance against his accusation, yet she remains composed.

‘Oh,’ she retorts, feigning surprise. ‘I thought I heard the growl of a demon, but it’s just you.’

‘Funny,’ he sneers, his eyes flicking toward me with a predatory gleam. ‘Friend of yours?’ he asks, nodding his head in my direction.

‘Since you feel entitled to know to the point of asking repeatedly, yes. Asher is both my friend and a hero that saved me from the worst-behaved boy I’ve ever met,’ she replies coolly, glancing at me meaningfully.

I meet her eyes with a firm, reassuring smile, silently willing her to remain unshaken by Brandon’s venomous presence.

‘Boy?’ he snaps back.

‘Cheating bitch is more fitting, but yes, boy works,’ I respond for her, without hesitation. Their eyes snap toward me. ‘Men don’t do what you did. Boys do.’

Brandon glares. ‘Yeah? Well, she didn’t have to humiliate me in front of everyone I know. My whole family’s seen that video!’

‘Holy—!’ Lucy stands suddenly, pressing her finger against his chest, causing him to take a step back. ‘You thinkIhumiliatedyou? Are fucking you kidding me?’

The woman rarely swears, but when she does, it’s top tier.

‘That wasn’t even me in the video.’

‘Might I remind you that you’ve already admitted it was?’ she snaps.

‘I lied because I suddenly realized I’d end up in an abusive relationship if I didn’t get out when I had the chance,’ he insists, his eyes meeting hers with a blatant lie, defiance etched into every feature. He’s trying to see if he can manipulate her. That piece of shit.

Lucy gasps. ‘I’dliketo hit you right now?—’

I gently touch her hand.

‘Trust me, doucheknocker, I was unfortunate enough to catch the live show; it was you. No lie necessary.’

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