He walks off, and I find a bench seat near the window. I perch up onto the stool and quickly text my mom.
Hi,
Everything okay with you guys?
A reply bounces straight back.
Yes love,
Kids are all in bed.
Goodnight,
xoxox
I text back.
Thanks Mom,
What would I do without you?
Love you
xox
My mom is a godsend. I don’t know what I would do without parents.
I hear a loud burst of laughter from the other side of the bar, and I glance over to see a group of men, and my eyes widen. A man has his back to me and is being animated as he tells a story. Everyone is listening and laughing as he speaks.
Fuck . . . I’d know the back of that man anywhere.
Expensive designer suit, wavy dark hair, broad shoulders, and perfect posture. Tristan Miles.
And I’m here with Gabriel.
Double fuck.
I glance over to the bar to see that Gabriel has just ordered, and the bartender is making our drinks. Oh no . . . too late to leave.
I shuffle my stool around so that my back is to Tristan. Hopefully he won’t see me.
We’ll have one quick drink, and then I’ll sneak out of here.
Eight million people live in New York City; what are the damn chances of being in the same bar as him?
I hear the loud burst of laughter again, and I peer over to see Tristan laughing out loud with the other men.
I do not need this shit tonight; can’t I just have a relaxing night with my friend without him turning up?
Gabriel returns to the table and passes my glass of wine over. “Thanks.” I take it from him a little too eagerly. I’m suddenly thirsty like a camel.
“How was your meeting?” Gabriel asks.
“Good.” I smile, grateful to take my mind off the gorgeous elephant in the room. “The advertising has picked up, and the figures this month were good. Hopefully it will continue.”
Gabriel’s eyes hold mine. “You know, I’ve been thinking.”
“Did it hurt?” I smirk into my wineglass.