Page 45 of OneTime Lovers
The barman places three tall glasses of the bittersweet black beer in front of us. I propose a toast, “To living in Manhattan. Though I’ve no idea why I want to see your ugly mugs more than I already do.”
Laughing at my toast they happily drink to it.
Luke raises an eyebrow. “Are you really serious about moving to Manhattan?” He can’t hide his disbelief, and I don’t miss Blake’s smirk either.
“Certainly am. Not full time but I plan on spending more time here, especially as this afternoon I signed the contract on an apartment in the Village.”
“What? That was quick. Does this have anything to do with your real estate agent?” Blake asks.
“Yes, in fact it does. But only because Jasmine is good at her job and knew exactly what I wanted. The place in the Village is perfect.”
Under his breath, Blake mumbles, “I bet she knows what you want, you two spent plenty of time on the island working that out.”
The guy can be an asshole sometimes.
“Shut up. We’re just … friends now.” I wish I felt surer of my position with Jasmine. If she was willing to speak to me, I’m sure we could work it out.
“Sorry, man, I thought you and Jas were going to become a thing. My bad,” Blake says, holding his hands up.
Luke slaps me on the back. “Well, I’m glad you’ve decided to spend more time in the city. During the summer we can have surfing weekends in the Hamptons. Cass and I are looking to get a place out there near Blake’s beach house.”
“Never know, now that I’m expanding my property portfolio, I might buy out there too.”
Blake joins in, “That would be cool. Bec and I plan to spend most weekends there in the summer and it would be good having you guys around.”
“Not another dinner party please. It makes me feel like I’ve turned into my parents,” I joke.
Blake agrees, “Deal, only grilling allowed. Beach houses are dinner party free zones.”
The evening continues with jokes and our usual banter while we drink one more beer.
Chapter 23
Jasmine
One Day Later
Shit!Thesedaysitfeels like I’m always running late. I push through the doors of Benny’s Bar on Friday night and I’m not only late to meet the girls, but I’m also soaked.
It’s pouring rain outside, and my umbrella couldn’t stand up to the challenge of keeping me dry. I close the useless damn thing then run my hands down the arms of my jacket. It’s a futile attempt to remove the surface water as I can already feel it soaking through.
At least I’m here now, and there are my gal pals sitting at our usual table. The dampness of my clothes is instantly forgotten when I see my friends, Cassie, Lily, Bec, and Trudy. Great! Everyone could make it tonight.
Lily looks up and starts animatedly tossing her head in the direction of the bar. What is wrong with her? Does she want another drink? As I walk toward them, her movements become jerkier and more pronounced, so I turn to the bar … and stop dead in my tracks.
On a barstool is Scott, sitting there like he hasn’t a care in the world. And he’s staring straight at me. Then to make matters worse he tilts his beer in greeting and smiles. What the hell! Why is he sitting in my bar? My Friday night drinks bar.
Stomping up to him, I whisper fiercely, “What are you doing here?”
Scott quirks an eyebrow and says, “Having a beer. Would you like one too?”
I try to ignore how damn sexy he looks when he does his eyebrow thing.
Through gritted teeth, I growl, “No, I don’t want a beer. I’m here to meet my friends like I do every Friday night for a cocktail.”
Just then Benny walks out from the kitchen with his usual cheery greeting, delivered in his strong Italian accent, “Hello, sweet Jasmine. Would you like the same cocktail as I gave the girls?”
With enormous effort I dial back on my annoyance at seeing Scott in my bar and beam a smile at Benny.
