Page 59 of Delay of Game

“I like that plan. The sooner we get food, the better,” Olivia says with a smile.

Half an hour later,we’re showered and dressed in a variety of summer outfits. I’m wearing a strapless dress with cherries and bows printed on it, the hem of it hitting just above my knees. I’ve got a matching pink claw clip pinning my wavy hair up, and as much as I wanted to wear some strappy heels, I didn’t want to get blisters walking all over downtown, so I opted for a pair of white Birkenstocks instead.

Malia looks cute in her green romper with spaghetti straps, her tanned legs looking longer in her platform white sneakers, even if she’s only an inch taller than me. Olivia opted for a simple white dress and black sandals, her long brown hair braided down one shoulder.

“Look at us, we need to take a picture before we get to the restaurant,” I say, pulling out the phone. The three of us fit into the frame and I snap a few photos, realizing that there’s a wall of hockey pictures behind us. I spot Ash and Eli’s next to each other and open the group chat to tease them about it. That’s when I realize there’s an unread text from Jordan. And he’s sent the same exact photo.Shit, is he still here?

“You okay?” Olivia asks, her hand squeezing my shoulder gently. “Your face fell when you looked at the phone. Is everything good?”

I try to smile, but Olivia knows me too well by now and her green gaze pins me to the spot, asking me to spit it out. “Jordan is back and—” I take a deep breath and look around the hallway,making sure he won’t just appear out of nowhere. “I guess I’m struggling with the fact that I’m just supposed to accept it.”

Olivia nods thoughtfully and rolls her lips. “Maybe we need to talk through it more over some mimosas.”

“I second that,” Malia interjects, leading us back down the hallway. As we pass one of the glass-door conference rooms, I look over and see Jordan. He’s fully immersed in the game tape he’s watching, but at the last second, his head turns to look at me. I stand there and blink a few times while his gaze roams up and down my body.

I do my best not to shiver from the attention and only break out of my trance when Malia waves at the group of men.

“Good luck with training camp,” she yells at them as they wave back. I take one more peek at Jordan. His chocolate brown eyes are still pinned on me, and I hold my head high as I walk away.

The walkacross the street is a short one and we luckily get one of the last patio tables at The Arcadian. I settle next to Malia on the comfy couch while Olivia takes up a wide patio chair on the opposite side.

The summer brunch menu at my brother’s restaurant is different from what they usually serve, but my mouth waters as I read over the Monte Cristo sandwich description.

“Hey guys, long time no see,” Gen says. They are one of the regular bartenders here at The Arcadian, and they also pick up random shifts when needed, so we do in fact see them all the time.

“Gen, that French 75 you made me the other day with the lavender was divine,” Malia says, bringing her fingers to her lips in a “chef’s kiss” gesture.

“Want another one? I’ve got elderflower this time.”

“Yes, please. You can experiment your drinks on me anytime,” Malia says. “And I’ll also take the baked avocado, please.”

“Guys, I don’t know what to order. How is this possible? I always know what food I want,” Olivia says, flipping the menu back and forth.

Gen laughs and offers, “Want me to surprise you?”

Olivia gasps and smiles deviously. “Obviously, go crazy.”

“Okay, I really want the Monte Cristo sandwich with glut—” I begin, but Gen cuts me off.

“Gluten-free bread, I got you girl.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re the best? And apparently a mind reader too?” I laugh and hand over the menus as Gen tucks them under their tattooed arm.

“Multiple times, yes. I mostly hear it from you, though.”

“Good. Oh, I also want a mimosa.”

“Me too,” Olivia says.

“Actually, there’s a mimosa bar inside, you two can make them however you want. I recommend adding in the peach juice.”

“Let’s do it!” I tell Olivia, and we head over to the bar.

When I’m done garnishing my drink with a fresh slice of peach, Olivia startles me by saying, “Listen, about Jordan.”

“Oh no, can we please not ruin this day by talking about my ex?” I whine.

Olivia gives me a gentle smile. It’s her ‘mom’ smile, the exact same one she gives Val when she eats too much applesauce. “I know it’s hard to have to all of a sudden share the same buildingand even be at dinners with him again. But maybe you two need to have a conversation and find a way to move on.”

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