Page 106 of Baby, Be Mine

Last night, not so much.

“He’s on the patio. I put him at table eleven.”

“Got it. Thanks, Rami.” My phone buzzed and I quickly checked it as I crossed the dining room.

Instead of a text from Emma, it was Gillian calling off for her shift.

Great.

I shot off a quick reply that we’d cover for her. Mondays were generally light anyway.

On my way to the patio, I was stopped by Patty Duncan who asked about the party.

Nosy woman always wanted the details to everything. I promised her a recap when I got a moment, then I escaped to the patio.

Two of our usual bartenders were prepping for happy hour. Now that summer was on our doorstep, even our Mondays could get a little busy. Longer days of sunshine meant when people got off work, they felt like they had more of the evening to enjoy.

The Mason Jar being on the water was a big draw.

There was a small gathering of people around a man at table eleven. He was signing something glossy for Jensen.

As I got closer, I heard him murmur in a dazed voice, “Thanks, man. I’ve been reading these since my junior year.”

“Thanks for making me feel old.” The man with shoulder-length black curls capped a silver Sharpie and tucked it back into his portfolio.

Who went around with silver Sharpies in their arsenal?

Jensen tucked the graphic novel under his arm. “Sorry to interrupt your meal.”

The man waved him off. “Not a bother. I don’t usually get recognized when I come home.”

“I can’t believe you’re Maddie’s brother. That is so fucking cool.”

“Hey, Jensen.”

He glanced over at me, his neck going red. “Hey, Mason. I’ll get out of your way. I just came by to pick up my truck. I had to Uber it home last night. That Boozie Bus was dangerous.”

I laughed. “The Ramos sisters are still cursing at me.”

“I believe it.” Jensen smiled at the dark-haired man. “Thanks, Mr. Masterson.”

“Penn,” he said and held out his hand to shake Jensen’s hand.

“Penn.” Jensen’s tone was full of awe.

Just who was this guy?

“Did he say Masterson?” I asked no one in particular. “As in Maddie?”

“Yeah, she’s my baby sister. She couldn’t stop talking about the barge. Actually, she and Christian were gushing about it at our family dinner Saturday. You know it was a good party when my mom changes family dinner from Sunday to Saturday.”

“Maddie was invaluable to us. She and Emma, our…”

Was Emma anything for us anymore? She’d run off without talking about any future events.

I’d technically only hired her for the engagement party.

“Emma and Maddie made us look good. We’ll just say that.”

---