Page 7 of North

She’s standing a few feet away, arms crossed, watching the interaction with a faint smirk. There’s no jealousy in her expression, just amused indifference, which somehow twists the knife a little deeper.

The blond notices my distraction and follows my gaze. “Oh,” she says, stepping back. “Looks like you’ve got company.”

“Something like that,” I murmur, turning toward Farren as the woman disappears into the crowd.

Farren arches a brow, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re quite the ladies’ man tonight.”

I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “Yeah, I guess.”

She steps closer, her voice low enough so that only I can hear. “Do you even notice when someone’s throwing themselves at you? Or are you too busy signing autographs to care?”

I smirk, leaning casually against the bar. “Maybe I was too busy looking for someone else.”

Her lips curve into a knowing smile, and she tilts her head. “Smooth. I’ll give you that.”

“Where’d you go?” I ask, unable to keep the curiosity out of my voice.

“Bathroom,” she says simply. “Why? Miss me?”

“If you want to call it that,” I admit, and she snickers, the sound curling around my ribs like a tickle and I can’t help but laugh in return.

We move to the side of the bar, away from the fans and the noise. It’s still public enough to keep things casual but private enough to talk.

“So,” I say, keeping my tone light. “Spur-of-the-moment visit to see Rafferty?”

She shrugs, her gaze flicking toward the bar before settling back on me. “Needed a change of scenery. Calgary was starting to feel stifling.”

“Interesting choice of words,” I muse. “Sounds like more than just a visit.”

“I think I’m going to stay for a bit. Besides, looks like Rafferty’s got himself mixed up in some crazy stuff with this stalker woman.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Only your brother.”

“Only Rafferty,” she agrees with a grin.

“I saw you sitting with Tempe at the game. What do you think of her?”

“She’s fabulous,” Farren says, her eyes shining. “I mean, I couldn’t make up that story if I tried, but it’s going to turn into something serious. Mark my words.”

“I think you might be right,” I agree.

“Have you spent any time with her?” she asks. “Is she as good for him as I think she might be?”

“Yeah,” I say softly, rolling around in my head all I’ve come to learn about Tempe in the few times we’ve hung out. “She’s super sweet, completely genuine. And obviously, a good sport to put up with your brother’s crazy shenanigans.”

Farren’s expression goes a little dreamy. “That’s good. I want him to be happy.”

It’s funny how that comes across. It’s almost as if she needs him to be happy and I wonder if that’s just her love for him, as I know they’re tight, or is it wishful thinking on her part for something she herself wants?

No clue the answer, but I’m curious to know moreabout why Farren’s here. “So, how did the family take your move to Pittsburgh?”

She waves her hand, looking slightly annoyed. “Supportive, as always. But I finally did have to come clean about breaking up with Derek this past summer.”

“I still don’t understand why you never told them,” I say with a shake of my head. “By all accounts, you’re close to your family. Why keep that a secret?”

It’s one of the first secrets Farren shared with me, because even though I was drunk when we hooked up, I was under the impression she was dating someone back in Calgary.

At least that’s what Rafferty had told me.

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