Page 103 of Vodka and Violets (The Hamiltons)

“I know, that’s the only reason that I feel comfortable going off to meet Slade.”

Jade raised her eyebrows. “Slade? What’s he like?”

Xander laughed. “Don’t even think about it. He’s a great guy – and from what I understand, he’s a good-looking guy, too – but he is well and truly taken. He’s with Tori’s sister, Willow.”

“Oh! I knew that. Tori’s told me about them. I’m looking forward to meeting Willow, it sounds like she and Tori are kind of like me and Amber.”

“I’d say so.”

“Well, I’ll let you go, but if you have any good-looking, single friends in town, I’ll expect you to introduce me to them later.”

Xander laughed. “I would, but I think everyone who’s coming is already taken. Oh…”

“What?”

“All our friends from Napa are couples, but there’s a bunch of Tori’s friends from Nashville coming. Autumn and Matt will be here.” He grinned. “You’ve lived here for a while now, haven’t you?”

“I have, why?”

“Well, I was going to say Carson, but you must have met him already. Maybe Brock? He’s coming with Carson; you won’t have met him yet.”

Jade’s eyes grew wide. “You mean Carson, as in the country singer?”

“Yep. And Brock’s his new security guy. He was on Callie’s security team.”

Jade grinned and rubbed her hands together. “You can definitely introduce me to Carson – it seems like everyone except me has met him. And my friend, Ally, is coming in with the rest of the gang. I’ll bet that she wouldn’t mind an introduction to this Brock. Is he another former military guy? She seems to have a thing for them, but most of the military guys around here are much older, you know?”

Xander had to laugh. “Yeah, I know. I think I’ll stay out of the whole matchmaking thing if you don’t mind. I’ll leave that up to Tori. And for now, I really need to get going.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later.”

By the time he made it to the café, Slade was already sitting at a table outside, waiting for him.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“No problem,” said Slade. “I’m just glad you’re here. I kind of figured that you’d be too busy to hang out today.”

Xander had to laugh. “You’d think, right? But Tori’s happy to oversee everything at the bar for a while. She wanted to make sure that I had the time to catch up with you.” He checked his watch. “And I said that I’d see Jacob later, too.”

“I know,” said Slade. “He and Bentley are hanging out at the lodge. The girls have all gone over to the resort in town. Willow said that she’s going to come back over and drop in to the bar to see Tori later – no matter what Tori says about being too busy.”

“Good. I know Tori wants to see her; she just doesn’t like being the center of attention when everyone gets together.”

“I was wondering about that; how’s she doing with the bar?”

“She loves it.” Xander smiled as he thought about her. “I don’t mind admitting that I wasn’t sure myself how she’d handle it, but she’s an absolute star. The customers love her, and she’s thoroughly enjoying herself.”

“I’m glad. Even Willow was a little bit concerned about her.”

“I think we all were. But you guys – and everyone else – will see for yourselves tonight. She’s got it handled.”

After the server came out to take their order, Xander leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment.

“Are you okay?” Slade asked.

“Yeah, I’m great.”

“And you think that life here is going to suit you?”

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