Page 26 of Liar's Point

“Well, Danielle sells them. The gift shop has become a big revenue center.”

Cassandra walked around the counter, ready to wrap up the interview.

“Thanks for your help tonight,” Lawson said, moving to leave finally.

“No problem.”

“I’ve got your number if I have any more questions.”

Cassandra opened the door. “If there’s anything else, just, you know, give me a call.”

CHAPTER

SIX

The smell of French fries hit Nicole the minute she walked in. She ignored her grumbling stomach as she scanned the crowded bar.

“Nicole.”

She whirled around.

“Over here.”

Her sister and Siena were in a booth behind the hostess stand. Nicole walked over but didn’t sit down.

“Hey, stranger,” Siena said with a smile.

“You’re just in time,” Kate told her. “We haven’t ordered yet.”

Kate’s hair was up in a loose bun, and she wore her favorite black halter top, despite the cold weather. She took in Nicole’s sweater and jeans with a sigh. “Gee, you really dressed up for us.”

“Give me a break. I just got off work.”

“Speaking of work, Emmet is here,” Siena said. “Along with Owen Breda.”

Nicole turned around. “Where?”

“Over by the dartboard.”

“Look, they’re still doing their Valentine specials,” Kate said, sliding over a little pink menu. “What are you drinking?”

“I don’t know yet. One sec.”

Kate frowned. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be right back.”

Nicole walked over to the bar area and spotted Owen and Kyle playing darts. Emmet stood nearby beside a high-top table that had a basket of fries and a pitcher of beer in the middle. Nicole’s stomach fluttered as she looked them over. Two cops and a firefighter, all in ripped condition and brimming with masculine confidence. Emmet, Owen, and Kyle were quite a trio, and had been since high school. As usual every woman in the bar had an eye on them.

Emmet glanced up and caught her eye as she walked over, and a rush of warmth went through her.

“Hey, Nicole, perfect,” Kyle said. “You can be on my team. We’re about to start a new game.”

“Sorry, not tonight.” She turned to Emmet. “What happened with the family? I thought you drove up to Houston.”

“We’re meeting tomorrow.”

“Why?”