Page 29 of The Kissing Part
Josh inclines his head toward the back of the restaurant. “Rafael and Michael are in the back room, playing pool. Stop by to say congrats to them too.”
Mackenzie smiles sweetly. “I will.”
He leaves with Jake, heading for their wives.
Mackenzie turns to me and Harper. “Do you think he was messing with me, or is Harry gay?”
“Hard to tell,” I say.
“Only one way to find out,” Harper says.
Mackenzie groans and shifts to the buffet, filling a plate with food. “Dad’s put me in an awkward position. I either have to ask the sous chef…Trey, that’s his name, if he’s in a relationship with Harry, or ask Harry if he’s single and likes women. Ugh.”
Harper and I grab plates too and work down the line with her. Ooh, asparagus and pepper salad.
“Or you could just throw yourself at Harry and see what happens,” Harper says cheerfully.
Mackenzie sighs. “It’s not easy to meet guys when you live in a small town and most of your social life revolves around family events.”
“There’s always online dating,” I say. “I’ve heard it works for some people.”
“I’m not looking for anything serious,” Mackenzie says.
“There’s an app for that too,” Harper returns, whipping out her phone to show Mackenzie.
Mackenzie crinkles her nose. “I like to meet guys in real life so I can see if there’s a good vibe there.”
“I totally get that,” I say. “They have to pass the vibe check before I’ll have any further interaction with someone for personal or professional reasons.”
They both stare at me.
“That’s a weird way to do business,” Harper says.
“You have to be open to people in the work world at least,” Mackenzie says, leading the way to a high-top table near the bar.
I take a seat. “In my work, the personal and professional often blur. People hire their friends. That’s why I have to be careful. If my gut says something’s off, I bail.”
“Where’s Frankie?” a deep voice says from behind me, startling me.
I turn to see Owen looking grim. “He’s, uh…” I look around and find Frankie talking to Jake and Josh near Claire. “With your mom. He does a good job looking after her.”
“And who’s looking after you?” he asks.
“I’m fine. I’m with people.”
“I have a blackbelt.” Mackenzie looks around. “Do you think her stalker followed her here?”
“I don’t know,” Owen snaps. “That’s the point. It’s not like the doors are locked.”
“Chill,” Harper says. “It’s not that big a place. If something’s up, we’ll yell. Until then, please leave us in peace. It’s a party, and you’re bringing everyone down.”
Owen glares daggers at Harper, who glares right back. Ah, siblings.
“At least make yourself useful and bring us drinks,” Harper says, and then snaps her fingers. “Be quick about it.”
His jaw clenches. I’d act as peacemaker, but Owen was acting like a jerk to me earlier, so I just watch.
Mackenzie smooths things over. “I’ll get us drinks and, Owen, of course you’re welcome to join us. What would everyone like?”
