Page 344 of One More Kiss

Just then, the server returns with my food, and I give her a smile of thanks.

“She’s not paying for anything tonight, Joni,” Deac tells the woman.

“You got it, boss,” Joni says.

“Wait,” I argue. “I’m not taking advantage of a friend.”

Deac just waves a hand dismissively. “As long as you still tip Joni here, you’re drinks and food are on me tonight.”

“Hey!” Anna says. “Why do I always have to pay, then?”

Deac shrugs. “You didn’t disappear for a decade and pop back up out of the blue.”

Anna sticks out her tongue at Deac, but I can tell neither of them is truly angry with the other one.

“Besides,” Deac says. “Your dates are the ones I’m charging most of the time.” He makes a show of looking around the room. “Speaking of dates, didn’t you have one of those earlier?”

Anna just shrugs. “He’s around here somewhere.”

“Trouble in paradise?” Deac mutters sarcastically.

“My dating life is none of your business, thank you,” Anna says with a falsely sweet smile.

I sip my drink and watch their byplay, realizing that though they may have grown up, not much seems to have changed between Anna and Deac. They still live to annoy one another. As Deac turns to leave, the man in the khakis and boat shoes comes up behind Anna and puts an arm around her shoulders.

“There you are,” he says, smiling down at Anna. “Thought you got lost on the way to the bathroom.”

Anna laughs, but I can tell it’s forced. “Bryce,” she says in a bubbly voice. “I was just saying hello to an old friend.” She gestures to me. “This is my best friend from high school, Julia Scott. Jules this is Bryce…um…” She trails off, looking to Bryce for help.

He smiles over at me. “Bryce Benson,” he says reaching out a hand to shake mine. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, Bryce,” I say, but he turns back to Anna before I can finish speaking.

“Babe, some friends want to meet up at The Chrome Pony later. You in?” He gives Anna a hopeful look.

Anna’s face falls in a show of disappointment. “Oh, I wish I could,” she says. “But I have to be up early tomorrow for work.”

I have no idea what the Chrome Pony is, but it sounds like a bar or club. One that Anna is clearly not interested in visiting tonight.

“On a Saturday?” Bryce asks, disdain clear in his voice. “Lame.”

Anna forces another laugh. “So lame,” she agrees. “But I have to be there.” She pats his arm. “But you should go. No need for both of us to be lame on a Friday night, right?”

I can tell that this is exactly what Bryce hoped Anna would say.

“Are you sure?” Bryce asks. “I doubt I’ll even have fun without you there.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

“I’m sure,” Anna says. “I want you to go have a good time.”

Bryce smiles. “Thanks, babe. You’re the best.”

He leans down and kisses her on the cheek before waving at me and Deac and turning to go. Anna doesn’t watch him go. Instead, she rolls her eyes and scrubs a hand over her cheek where he’d kissed her.

“So,” she says with a smile. “Looks like my night is free. What do you say we have a drink together, Jules?”

My smile widens. “I think that’s a great idea,” I say. Turning to Deac, I add, “Put Anna’s drinks on my tab, will you?”

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