Page 65 of Demitri

I nod but don’t say anything, biting my lip to hold back the sob I want to let loose. I look up and meet Brodie’s eyes in the window, and he turns to leave the kitchen. When he gets behind the bar, I walk away, feeling Aiden’s eyes bore into my back. I stop in the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face and taking deep breaths.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and look at the time. It’s still earlyish.

Mia: Could use some friends if you’re still up.

Grace: Be there in ten.

Nola: On my way

Sofie: Walking out the door.

I put my phone in my back pocket and sigh in relief. There are friends and then there’s my girls. All of us would drop whatever we’re doing for each other. I wash my hands and walk out from the bathroom, not looking at Aiden as I take my spot behind the bar again, thanking Brodie.

I stare at the door, willing my girls to come in, but when it opens, it’s not them. Aunt Linda walks through, finding me immediately and giving me a reassuring smile.

“How about something fun to drink tonight?” she asks, hoisting herself up onto a stool.

“I think we can probably do that. What brings you in?”

“I can’t just stop in for a drink?”

“Barlowe’s is closer.”

“Ahh, Pat’s great and all, but his ass doesn’t look as good as yours.”

I laugh, shaking my head while pulling a glass out and placing it on the bar. I grab the bottles of gin and vermouth from the display and a bottle of bitters. I fill the mixing cup with ice, add the liquid, and shake it up, pouring it into the glass and grabbing an orange twist for the garnish. I slide it across the bar to Aunt Linda with a dare in my eyes.

She narrows her eyes at me before lifting the glass and taking a sip. Her eyes widen and she licks her lips. “What the hell is that?” she asks.

“It’s called a Hanky-Panky.”

She laughs, slapping her hand on the bar. “I love it. I’ll have to remember this. I bet old Pat couldn’t make this one.”

“Who do you think told me about it?” I challenge.

“Touché, girl.”

She continues to sip her drink, and I check on the few other people in the place. On my way back to the bar, the door opens and Sofie and Nola walk through, grins on their faces.

“We’re here. The fun can begin now.” Nola smiles at me.

I roll my eyes and keep walking until I’m back behind the bar. I pull out two glasses, filling both with ice. I grab the coconut rum and a bottle of pineapple juice, mixing both and sliding them to their usual spots. Aiden stiffens at the sight of the women, and Nola almost trips before she sits down hard, holding onto the bar. Sofie looks around the room, and if I’m not mistaken, she sits down with a look of disappointment on her face.

I open my mouth to ask what’s wrong with them when the door opens, and Grace comes in with two bags in her hands. I recognize the logo immediately and can’t help my smile.

“Chips and salsa make everything better.” She grins at me.

I grab a wine glass and fill it with Moscato, placing it in front of her. “Agreed. Thanks.”

“Oh, good, all of you are here. We can get this all done in one conversation,” Aunt Linda says before taking another sip of her drink.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m here to make sure you know your boy is okay, and he’s helping an old friend. You have nothing to worry about.”

“If I have nothing to worry about, you could have just texted me.”

She smiles behind the rim of her glass. “Could have but didn’t.”

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