Page 117 of Love Thy Neighbor

“Shit. I hope so,” Maya says, pulling the door open.

We show our IDs to the guy at the entrance, then shuffle inside. It’s loud as usual, and there are bodies everywhere it seems.

Guess we aren’t the only ones running from our problems.

“I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do,” Maya complains when we reach the bar. She lifts her hand to signal the bartender. “I can’t believe they’re selling my apartment building to turn it into a damn outdoor sports equipment shop. Like we needanotherone of those.”

“You and Sam can stay with us. I know Dean wouldn’t have any issue with it.”

Maya scoffs. “You really want me and my twelve-year-old to live in your two-bedroom apartment with you, your boyfriend, your demon cat, and hisemotional support turtle?”

“First of all, Morris isnota demon. He only hates Dean. Second, it’s only temporary, and you’re my best friend. It’s my job to help take care of you.”

“And I love you for that, but we both know there’s no way that’s going to work out.” Maya sighs. “I’ll figure something out. Ihaveto figure something out.”

“You will,” I tell her, rubbing her back. “We’ll help you look. We’ll start tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” She blows out a breath. “I’m glad I have you two.”

We both send her reassuring smiles.

“Hey, sorry about that,” the bartender says, sliding up to the counter. “What can I—oh, Caroline, hey.”

I turn at the sound of my name.

“Hey, Shayla,” I say. “How are you?”

“Good, good. I was wondering if you were around here tonight.”

I lift an eyebrow, curious.

She tips her head toward the other end of the bar. “Cooper didn’t order your drink earlier.”

Cooper’s here?

Like she’s summoned his attention, I can feel his eyes on me, burning right through me, straight to my heart.

I could smack myself. I’ve been in such a haze this week, I completely forgot today is Friday. And not just any Friday.

“It’s Friday night out,” I say.

She nods. “Yep. The gang’s all here, as per usual. They’re putting everything on Eli’s tab again too. I guess this is the second time this month he’s messed up hours’ worth of work.”

He did?

There’s a twist in my gut. Shayla knows more about Cooper’s job than I do currently.

I hate it.

“Anyway,” she moves on, “want your usual?”

I nod. “Please. And whatever these two want.”

She takes River’s and Maya’s drink orders, then hurries away.

Don’t look. Don’t look. Don’t look.

I look.

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