Page 8 of Mob Star

That makes her smile. “What do you recommend?”

“How hungry are you?”

“Actually, pretty hungry. I can’t remember back to lunch.”

“Have you ever had steak and kidney pie? It’s better than it sounds. I promise.” Another one of those stick to your ribs meals as my nana called them.

“I’ll trust you.”

Of all the people she knows, I’m probably the last person she should trust. But I want her to. And that means more to me than I can explain.

“Kate, can you put in an order for steak pie, please?”

My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I ease it out far enough to see it’s a text. Shite.

“Sorry. I have to answer this.”

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to babysit me. I’ll just sip my drink until my food comes.”

Our gazes lock before I lean over the bar. “Nothing about you makes me think you’re a child. Just the opposite.”

Her cheeks darken, and I want to see what other reactions I can get out of her. But first, this text.

Heidi

What’s the deal? Are you coming?

I’ve known Heidi since we were kids. We’ve been fuck buddies for years. She’s in an open throuple, so when we want to hook up we do. The woman she’s with joins us sometimes, and we were all supposed to get together tonight. I don’t have to look at Thea to know that’s the last thing I want right now.

Me

Sorry something happened at the bar that I had to deal with. I’m not going to make it.

Heidi

Tomorrow?

I look at that text, and I realize something that practically knocks me over.

Me

No. You and Louisa shouldn’t count on me anymore.

Heidi

What? You’ve never said that. Not even the few times you’ve gone out with someone. You always knew it would end. You always come back.

Me

I’m not trying to hurt your feelings.

Heidi

You didn’t. I’m just shocked. It’s cool, Finn. Really.

I believe her. She loves her partners, and I know she doesn’t love me. We’ve just always been sexually compatible. It’s never been romantic.

Me

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