Page 30 of Scoop Me Up
That got another laugh from him. “No relationships of note, then?”
I shook my head and ran one hand through my hair. “Not so far. You know, a few here and there, but nothing that stuck. Nothing serious. Not like you and Jennifer.”
He started to speak but before he could get a word out, he looked past me, to the side. “Oh, I guess we’re here.”
My stomach ached for some reason I couldn’t quite identify.Don’t lie to yourself. You know why.Instead of letting myself think aboutthattoo hard, I nodded and tipped my head in the direction of the entrance. “We’re here.”
Chapter 12
Gabe
Sam opened the door to The Striped Maple and gestured to me. “After you.”
I stepped inside the pub and looked around, cool air swirling around us as we entered. The building was nondescript from the front, the same as any Maplewood building, but inside, it gave off strong Irish pub vibes. Everything was stained wood—the floor, the wall paneling, the beams on the ceilings—and the room had a soft glow to it. Behind the bar stood a man with auburn hair and green eyes, average build, and a bright smile. He leaned forward when he spotted us.
“Hi, Sam. And, Sam’s date.”
Sam’s eyes widened and they shook their head. I suppressed a laugh by pretending to clear my throat. “Just a friend.”
My stomach sank at Sam’s words, just a little. I didn’t want to think too hard about it.
“In that case…” The bartender tilted his head and looked at me. “I’m Conall. Nice to meet you.”
“Easy there,” Sam said. “He’s straight.”
My neck and chest heated and I opened my mouth to protest before shutting it quickly.Youarestraight. What are you thinking?
“Can’t win ’em all,” he said, stepping back and placing his palms on the bar top. “What can I get you two?”
Sam glanced around. “Is Cooper here yet? Or any of the others?”
“Cooper’s over there in a booth. None of the rest of the usual suspects, though.”
Their brow dipped in confusion. “Thanks. Can I get a Doctor Maple?”
“Sure. Anything for you, Sam’s friend?”
I laughed at the nickname. “I’m Gabe. Whiskey?” I pointed at a bottle on the shelf. Naturally, it advertised a maple-flavored local whiskey.
“A man with good taste. I’ll be right over with those drinks.”
We made our way to the booth that Cooper was occupying and I eased down onto the empty seat. Sam glanced between the two of us briefly before sitting next to Cooper. He must have kicked Sam under the table, because they grunted and shot a look at him before putting some space between the two of them.
“Hi there,” Cooper said with a mischievous smile.
Sam frowned and gestured to the empty space in front of Cooper. “No drink? What’s up?”
Cooper shook his head. “I can’t stay. Early morning tomorrow. You know how it is.”
Sam closed their eyes briefly before looking at Cooper again. “Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
He shrugged. “Work waits for no one.”
“Where’s everyone else?” Sam glanced around, presumably looking for their friends.
“Couldn’t get anyone else to come tonight.” There was a heavy pause before Cooper spoke again. “Well, that’s that. I have to get going. Sorry about tonight. Rain check?”
I frowned and lifted my hand in a small wave. “Rain check,” I echoed quietly.Is he… did Cooper just set us up?
