The Encounter

She was always Reed’s, but she was my best friend. Is my best friend. Only now, I need to distance myself. Find out who I am without them.

“Is it?”

At the sound of Tess’s persistent questioning, I turn to look out the window while we cruise down the PCH. Traffic is actually moving.

“Come on, Jay. Am I going to have to find a new restaurant?” She glares at him, turning sideways to peer at him.

“Nice, Jay. Something I need to know about?” I laugh. The man is pushing fifty and probably gets more women than me.

He grunts and turns into the parking lot.

“So should we be scared about eating the food?” I can’t help it, but he stays silent and pulls into a spot.

“Okay, let’s all be normal,” Tess hisses, helping the twins out. “And hope she’s not here.”

“It’ll be fine,” he grumbles, glancing around the crowded parking lot.

“Just relax. How bad can it be?” I call over my shoulder while helping Luke hold the door open for us.

“Pretty fucking bad,” he mumbles, walking past me through the doorway.

“What was that? Couldn’t hear what you said over the noise.” I grin as I follow. Marix is happening tonight. The bar is packed; the restaurant area seems fine.

“Oh hey, Jay.” The hostess waves at him.

I look at Tess who simply smiles. Lilly waves back and says, “Five, five of us.”

“Sure thing, cutie.” She laughs. “I’ll put you in Danielle’s station.”

I’m assuming by the looks that cross Tess and Jay’s faces, Danielle is the woman Jay is fucking over. Perfect.

“Yay, a booth!” Luke starts to jump until Tess slides in and whispers in his ear. I scoot in with Lilly, leaving Jay on the end.

“I’m gonna wait in the car.” He looks at Tess. She ignores him and smiles up at the young blond-haired woman marching up to our table, her gaze focused on Jay.

“Hey, Danielle.” Tess’s voice sounds phony.

“Hi,” she snaps, barely looking at any of us. “Can I have a word with you, please?” She glares at Jay, then spins toward the back, clearly expecting him to follow.

“Shit,” Jay grumbles. “I’m gonna take the kids and I’ll be back later. Text me when you’re ready.” He stands.

“Luke, Lilly, how about Uncle Jay takes you to get a happy meal?” They scream. Fucking McDonald’s is like crack to them since Tess and Reed never let them have it.

“Jesus, man—” He cuts me off with a glare and I hold up my hands. “Sorry. You do you.”

He reaches for Lilly. Luke is already climbing over Tess.

“Well, should we all go?” Tess is not even trying to hide her disappointment.

“Stay,” Jay says, looking over to the spot where Danielle stood a moment ago. “Come on, let’s make a run for it, guys.” Luke and Lilly jump up and run toward the door. A woman maneuvers around them so as not to plow into them. She’s thin and wears a black silk dress with black-heeled boots. My eyes follow her form until it disappears into the bar area.

“Hello? What are you looking at?” Tess slaps my chest. I look over at her. The woman seems to have been swallowed up in the crowd.

“Let’s go to the bar.” I slide out as Danielle walks up, her face splotchy but her eyes huge.

“Oh my God, did he leave?” Her voice pierces the air, causing the numerous diners to look at us. I smile and look down at Tess who’s scooting out.

“Oh, Danielle, no. Luke had a bad stomach, so Jay told me to tell you that he’s sorry and wants to talk this out when you’re not working.” She gives her a sympathy smile.

“Oh.” She blinks in confusion. “Really?” She puffs out air. “I thought he was blowing me off again.” She laughs but it catches in her throat. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long week.” Her eyes fill with tears.

“Please, don’t cry. He’s going to call. Don’t worry.” Tess rubs Danielle’s arm.

I pull Tess toward the bar. I can’t even look at that poor girl since Jay isn’t going to call. He’s a loner and likes it that way.

“Wow.” Tess shimmies close to me as I weave us around the masses and up to the bar. “I warned him not to pursue her,” she yells over the crowd while I scan the area for my angel in black. “What a bummer. I like this place too.” I squeeze Tess into a spot at the bar.

“You need to find a new restaurant.” I motion for the bartender, my eyes trailing down to the girl he’s talking to.

It’s her, my goddess in black. Taking her in, one thing’s clear: she’s fucking stunning.

“God, you’re right. Jay’s ruined my favorite kid-friendly restaurant,” she huffs, then smiles at the bartender who has finally made his way to us. He leans forward to take her order.