Page 83 of Touch in the Dark

Nick: I’m not sure Nilsa is much better. Maybe lay off that for now. Does she know I’m gonna be there?

Jenna: Of course, I’m not a complete ass, I wouldn’t do that to either of you

Nick: And she is okay with it?

Jenna: Yes. Now, wear a shirt and leave it partially unbuttoned, that gets her hot

Nick: LOL. Is that so?

Jenna: Do not tell her I told you that. Table is booked for eleven thirty.

Nick: Okay, I’m getting ready. I’ll see you soon x

Jenna: I’m so happy right now. Byeee x

I head to my room to get showered and changed, then we get in Archer’s Model X Tesla and head Downtown to Perch. It’s a rooftop restaurant and fairly decent when it comes to privacy. We’ve been here a few times before.

We hear them before we see them. Brooke has a very distinctive laugh.

“Sunglasses all around,” Archer grins. “Looks like they had a good night too.”

“Or it could just be because it’s sunny and we’re all used to the drab greyness of New York?”

“I’m gonna go with my reasoning.”

We stop at the table behind the server who was starstruck when she realised who we are but remained professional. It wouldn’t be worth her losing her job by freaking out.

“You’re here!” Jenna shouts from her seat on the other side of the table.

“In the flesh,” Archer says, plopping down beside Brooke. “What are we drinking?”

“Mimosas,” Brooke side eyes him, lowering her glasses to look over them. “Late night?”

“Always.”

I glance about at the table and notice a guy I wasn’t expecting. He’s sitting beside Elsa, and he is staring right at me. Shit, the best friend. I thought he was in another country shooting a movie. Jenna jumps up and hugs Archer around the neck from behind, kissing his cheek, then she comes over and gives me a hug.

“Nice,” she whispers, discreetly flicking the shirt. “Come sit,” she drags me over and plops me down in the seat she was originally in, beside Elsa.

“Subtle,” I mutter to her.

She smiles at me then asks the server for more drinks for the table. “You remember the girls, obviously, and Remi,” Jenna points to the A list actor, he lifts his chin at me but reserves the blinding white smile he’s known for. “This is Nick and Archer.”

“Thank you for that,” Remi tells her. “They’re probably more famous than I am.”

“Aw shucks,” Archer laughs taking his drink as soon as its down on the table. “Don’t forget more handsome,” he winks.

Remi laughs and eyes Archer in a way that is a little more than friendly banter. I dip my head and laugh when Archer seems to realise, he’s flirting with a guy.

“You two would make a seriously beautiful power couple,” Brooke stirs things. “Can you imagine the envy.”

“Imagine all the crying women you mean,” Arch smirks at her.

While everyone is laughing, I take the time to turn to Elsa. “Hey,” I smile.

“Hey yourself,” she replies.

“How’ve you been? Did the end of your job with Instinct go okay?”

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