Page 10 of The Little Black Book

“Do you want to talk about what’s weighing on your mind? Is it this thing with Sam?” he asks.

Of course, he knows what’s bugging me. We’re twins. But that doesn’t mean I want to talk about it. No, whatever confusing emotions I’m having over this wing-woman thing with Sam, they’re going to stay firmly locked up inside.

Because we’re friends. That’s all. And friends want friends to be happy.

“Okay, enough said,” Zeke says with a small smile when my silence tells him everything he needs to know. “Go do the count. I’ll make sure this place is clean and ready for tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Zeke,” I say, giving him a side hug as I pass by. “You’re the best little brother a girl could ask for.”

“You’re eight minutes older than me, Zoey,” he groans, making my smile grow even wider.

I’m happy with my life. I have a successful business I love with my brother, I have amazing friends, and I live in the best city in the world––Las Vegas, baby.

It doesn’t get any better than this. Like I said earlier…life is good.

Chapter4

Bitches be Crazy

Sam

Me:Change of plans. Stacey has to work late on Friday, so she’s going to meet me at the restaurant. Blazed Grille. 8 p.m.

Zoey:Blazed Grille? Couldn’t you spring for Mercacio’s? I know you have an in with Jared.

Me:I never took you for a restaurant snob, Zoey Beckett. BG’s is good, and it’s casual enough that you can seat yourself. Which means there would be no issue with you getting the table next to ours.

Zoey:I most certainly am not a restaurant snob! I love casual dining! And I love grilled meats!

Me:Okay, okay. Enough with the exclamation points. It’s not funny anymore.

Zoey:Oh yes, it is! *laughing tears emoji*

Me:I’ve created a monster.

Zoey:Okay, I’m done. Maybe. So, the plan is, I get there first and put a reserved sign with your name on the table next to mine. Is that right?

Me:Yeah. Make it big enough to be seen from the entrance so she doesn’t miss it. But just in case, you have the picture I sent you. If she sits somewhere else, you can move closer.

Zoey:I don’t understand why I can’t just get there after you. It seems much easier that way.

Me:The restaurant gets busy on Friday nights. I don’t want to take the chance.

Zoey:Okay, fine. I’ll do it.

Me:Thank you! I knew I could count on you! You’re the best!

Zoey:Ha, ha. Still funny.

* * *

The Blazed Grilleisn’t as busy as I’d imagined it would be. I spot Zoey immediately, and she lets her gaze drift over all the empty tables with an arched brow before pinning me with a smug stare. I roll my eyes as if to say, “You were right,” and her shoulders shake as she laughs.

My eyes move to the table next to hers, and I see Stacey. She still looks the same with her curly strawberry blonde hair and pixie-like features, but her lips are turned down as she pulls her sleeve up to look at the watch strapped to her wrist. Her head shakes like she’s upset, and I glance down at my own timepiece to see if I’m late.

No. It’s seven-fifty-seven. Three minutes early.

But even still, I put a little pep in my step and hurry over so Stacey doesn’t have to wait any longer than she already has. Zoey watches me as I walk by, and I shoot her a wink after making sure Stacey hasn’t noticed me, yet. Then, pasting on a bright smile, I step in front of my date.

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