“I may not agree with the hero part, but I appreciate the kind words. But no award ceremony, okay?”
“Okay, dear, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
She smiles. “I better get out of here before the crowd gets too thick. I hate the name of this place, but the food is just so good.” With a pat to my shoulder and following her husband’s guiding hand, Mrs. Marks shuffles off.
Mo and I watch her cross the room, and then Mo looks at me. She opens her mouth but doesn’t get a word out because Sarah approaches our table.
“Here’s your food, ladies,” she says, placing our plates on the table.
My mouth waters. “Tell Coop I said this looks amazing.”
“Or you could tell him yourself.”
Coop appears out of nowhere and kisses my cheek and then Mo’s before pulling a chair up to our table.
Mo gives him a funny look. “What are you doing?”
“I’m joining you. Is that okay?” Without waiting for an answer, he turns to me. “Finally decided to join the land of the living, huh?”
“Something like that.” Although I’m regretting it now.
“Just no crying, okay? That didn’t work out so well for us last time.”
“Coop.” Mo nudges him in the side. “Get out of here. I thought you had to work tonight.”
He winces, rubbing his ribs. “I said I had to work today. Tonight, I’m off.”
“Well, you need to leave. We’re having a girls’ night.”
Coop looks at me like I kicked his puppy—if he had a puppy—and I thaw just a little. “It’s okay. He can stay.”
“Thank you,” says Coop.
“Are you sure, because I won’t feel bad giving him the boot,” says Mo at the same time.
Coop shoots her a dirty look, and I smile. I didn’t realize how much I missed my friends until right now. “I’m sure. I’m not in the mood to hang out with a crowd, but one extra person doesn’t hurt.”
“So…now’s the time I should probably mention that Rhett is on his way.” Coop grimaces and waits for my reaction.
Mo looks at me apologetically, but she can’t keep from smiling.
“And Adley and Trevor,” he adds. “Oh, and Linc.”
Grabbing my purse, I yank the strap over my shoulder and stand up, food be damned. It was bad enough to let Coop hang with us, but his siblings and Rhett’s best friend? I think not. Coop’s big hand on my shoulder stops me. He pushes me back into my seat and tugs my chair close to his. He wrangles my purse off my shoulder and out of my hands, then scoots my plate to me.
“Eat,” he demands.
“I lost my appetite.”
“Bullshit. You’re practically drooling, and I slaved over a hot stove to make you that food.”
“It’s a turkey club,” I deadpan.
“And fries.” He picks up a fry and shoves it in my mouth, causing Mo to laugh.
I glare at Mo, and her mouth snaps shut.