Page 40 of Beyond Friendship

The woman with salt-and-pepper hair pulled up in a messy bun and sitting next to Brian flashes me a friendly smile. “I’m Olga, the leader of this crew.”

My grin broadens. I’m instantly drawn to these ladies’ no-nonsense attitude. I can easily visualize Alisha, Emma, Bella, and me being just like them when we’re their age.

“Hey, everyone,” I greet with a wave while looking around the table.

Olga chuckles and looks at Brian. “You’ve got some fine-looking friends.”

Brian opens his mouth to speak, but his phone rings. He stands. “Sorry, I have to take this.” He looks at me. “Do you mind waiting a few minutes?”

“No problem, we’ll keep her occupied.” Olga winks.

He grins. “Won’t take too much time,” he says to me before striding away.

“Take a seat with us, sweetheart,” Olga says, gesturing to an empty seat.

When I do, Darius leans in and whispers, “Don’t let their age fool you. These gals still got it where it counts, if you know what I mean,” he says before making his way back to the bar.

Olga, who clearly has sharp hearing, gives Darius a wink before bringing her green eyes back to me and saying, “We have an issue that needs a special touch. And I think you’re just the one for the job, Amanda.”

“Oh, am I?”

Just then, the woman with short blond hair pipes up with a sultry grin, “I love Brian. If I were his age, I’d seduce him.”

Olga shakes her head in response.

“Hush, Veronique. You could be his grandmother, for crying out loud.” The group of ladies erupts in a fit of laughter as Veronique shrugs unapologetically.

“So what’s the issue?” I ask.

Olga gestures to a bundle of scarfs spread out on the table.

“These. And since you have such an impeccable sense of style”—she nods at my chic pink high-waisted flare pants and pumps—“we need your help to pick the most attractive shawl.”

I scan the plethora of winter garments in a variety of hues and designs.

“You expect me to pick one winner from all of this?” I stretch and hike over to the other side, letting my gaze roam over every item, rubbing a piece of fabric between my fingers.

Darius strides in and sets my cup of coffee on the table. “You forgot this, Amanda.”

Veronique bats her eyelashes and lays a slender hand on his arm. “Oh, you’re such a gentleman, cupcake,” she purrs.

The kind bartender flashes her an amused smile before sauntering away.

“So, Amanda, what do you do for a living?” Olga asks.

“Well, I’m the owner of a women’s boutique called Venus.”

Olga arches an eyebrow at me. “Oh, so you’re a fashionable genius. Your husband is one lucky dude.”

“Actually, I’m single,” I say, while continuing to examine the scarves.

Olga gasps and shakes her head. “Good Lord. How can such a gorgeous, young lady like yourself be without a man? You taking the time to help out a bunch of old ladies speaks volumes. What’s wrong with men nowadays, right?’

I shrug. “I’m wondering that myself.”

Brian’s deep voice rumbles from behind me. “The answer is simple. Amanda’s wasting her time dating the wrong types.”

I spin on my heels and am greeted by his two piercing blue eyes taking me in. His lips are pulled taut into a serious line and his brows are furrowed in concentration. A tense standoff ensues, as if he’s daring me to disagree with him.

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