Page 10 of Official

I laugh. “You know her son is only a couple years younger than you, right? You likely went to the same high school at the same time.”

He shrugs. “She’s a cougar and knows her way around a bedroom, okay? Much better than the fresh meat you go after. Why don’t you join me in the big leagues?”

“You both know I’m still here, right?” Sam waves sarcastically and twists her lips.

Normally, she’s bubbly and quick to make teasing jabs at Teddy’s—and my—expense.

But tonight is different.

Instead of roasting on her brother and betting us she can fit more peanuts into her mouth than Teddy and me put together, she’s sulking and drowning in tequila.

Gone is her usual spark and playfulness.

And damn, I hate to see her pout.

“Yeah, yeah.” He smirks and kisses her on the cheek. “Love you, Sam, and Xander, buy my sister however many drinks she wants, and make sure she gets home safe, okay?”

“Got it.” I nod and slide onto the newly empty stool, the outside of my thigh touching hers.

She blows out a breath, and her cheeks deflate as her posture shrinks. “You don’t have to stay. I know I’m not much fun right now, so I won’t be offended if you leave.”

“On the contrary. Drinking happens to be my favorite pastime, and I have nowhere to be. You heard I got fired, right?”

“Aren’t we a pair of winners?” She laughs, but there’s no humor in it.

It’s nothing like her laugh on any other day.

And I’m determined to be a good friend and stay at this bar until I make her forget the shitty day she’s had.

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