Page 81 of Give Me Love

“Who in their right mind would snort a line of pepper?” Claire says, looking over at me.

“A fucking idiot,” I reply.

“He sneezed for ten minutes straight.” Austin laughs.

“You have some weird people working for you,” Claire says.

“I won’t argue with that.”

“Hey,” Shawn says, acting offended.

“You’re cool dude,” Austin says with a playful grin.

“How much did you lose on that bet?” I ask.

“Fifty bucks. But it was worth it.”

We all laugh, and Austin orders us another round of drinks when our food is placed on the table.

“So, you run a coffee and book shop?” Shawn asks me. I take a bite of my lasagna and hum, because damn, this is good. How have we never eaten here?

I nod as I chew my food. “Yeah. Been there for a long time.” The server walks back with our drinks, and I grab mine to help get my food down and because I’m getting drunk tonight. It’s my birthday after all.

“That’s cool.”

“She’s planning on buying it,” Claire says.

“Oh really? Where is it located?”

“In Little Five Points. Not too far from Austin’s shop, actually.” I set my drink back down.

“Cool.”

This guy sayscoola lot, which is whatever, but I wish he’d say something else. When my fork hits my plate, it makes a loud noise and everyone at the table looks at me.

“Slip out of your hand?” Claire asks. I dart my eyes over to her before they go back to the bar. She narrows hers and turns to look. We make eye contact when she sees what I see. Bryce has his hand over the small of some woman’s back. She’s wearing a dress that looks like her skin and her hair is in a short black bob. Jace takes a seat next to his own date.

My stomach and heart switch places.

“You all right?” Shawn asks. “You look pale.”

“I’m fine.” I look down at my plate. I can’t be upset about this. We aren’t together. I’ve got a date as well.

Still, this hurts. “I’ll be right back. Just going to the restroom.”

I look at Claire as I slide my chair out and I hear her say, “I’ve actually gotta go, too. Austin, grab another round.”

Her heels tap against the wooden floor behind me, and I avoid making eye contact at the bar with every ounce of willpower I own. It doesn’t work, and without my say, my eyes look right at the four people down at the end.

Shit.

The girl is all over him. He sits with one foot on the bar of the stool. I see he’s drinking liquor, and before he can spot me, I hurry to the bathroom. Once inside, air escapes my lungs in a rush and I press my back against the cool tile. Claire closes the door behind her.

“Shit,” I say, looking up at the ceiling.

“This isn’t a big deal,” Claire says coolly. “You’re on a date. He’s on a date with a black headed slut.”

I blink my eyes to her.

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