Page 79 of The Friend Situation

“No,” I exhale, shaking my head. I expected to feel something, and even prepared myself for it. I’m shocked. “Nothing. I’m so sorry.”

“Are you Carlee?” the bartender asks as two water bottles slide toward us.

I chuckle. “Yes. Sorry, do I know you?”

“The owner has invited you to his private suite,” he replies, pushing a golden ticket toward me.

“The owner?” No one knows who owns this bar.

“Is he really a prince?” I ask, knowing the rumors surrounding this establishment. The bartender laughs, but I continue, “Some have even called him Batman because so much crime stopped once the clubs were strategically placed around the city. His identity has always stayed hidden.”

“You’re right,” the bartender explains. “And you’re being given the opportunity to meet him.”

Intrigue and caution twist in my stomach. “Is my date allowed to join me?”

“No. Onlyyou,” he responds, his tone serious. He sets a packet of paperwork in front of me. “Sign here, and you’ll be granted full access. This is ahugehonor.”

I glance down at the document. “Is this an NDA?”

“Yes,” the bartender says, handing me a pen.

I suck in a deep breath and read every page, happy I only had one drink. It’s a normal document, and I hesitate before I sign my name on the glittery line that reflects light.

Sam’s grin widens, but I can see the hurt in his eyes. “Go on. At least then tonight won’t have been a complete waste.”

“It’s not a waste. I’ve enjoyed talking to you,” I tell him, knowing his ego is bruised.

“Okay,” he says. “Maybe being friends is all that was meant for us.”

“We were always better friends than lovers,” I remind him. “I did love you though.”

“You’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” he confesses.

“I wouldn’t hesitate too much longer,” the bartender interrupts as indecision hangs in the air.

“Go,” Sam says, shooing me away.

“When I return, I’ll be your wingman, like old times,” I tell him, waggling my brows.

“Deal. You used to always tell me no regrets,” he says.

When he smiles at me like that, it stirs up a wave of nostalgia for lazy afternoons spent with him, and suddenly, I miss my family fiercely. I glance down at the golden ticket in my hand. Its embossed letters catch the dim light, as if whispering secrets meant only for me.

“No regrets,” I say, needing to know who’s on the other side of that smoky glass wall.

This could be the scoop of a lifetime for LuxLeaks. I’ll finally solve the mystery that many have wondered about for nearly twenty years.

“Don’t leave until I return, okay? Try to have fun. Meetsomeone. There are plenty of single ladies here, but please wait for me.”

“I will. You have my word,” Sam replies, sincerity etched in his features.

“That way.” The bartender points toward a private elevator at the back of the room.

My nerves take hold, but I saunter over to the two enormous bodyguards, built like professional athletes. They stand by the elevator; their imposing presence makes my heart race. As I approach, one of the guards steps forward, and I hand over my pass.

Is this a mistake?

The other nods and ushers me into the elevator.

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