I let out a nervous laugh. “I think she did.”
“Oh?” Her eyes lit up like I’d just fed her pure gossip fuel. “Tell me more.”
I rolled my eyes. “Nothing happened. He’s ten years older than me.”
“A bit of experience isn’t a bad thing,” she said with a grin. “Sam was a reformed whore—so trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”
I was about to reply when a shadow fell over our booth.
My heart kicked up a notch.
But when I looked up, it wasn’t Kade.
It was the guy from the hardware store—tall, friendly, flannel-shirted, and clearly working up the nerve to approach.
“Hi,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Juliette, right?”
I nodded, offering a polite smile.
“I thought so. I, uh… saw you come in earlier. Can I buy you a drink?”
Before I could answer, Cathryn leaned her elbow on the table and gave him a knowing look. “She’s on antibiotics.”
He blinked.
“It’s a long story,” I said quickly, embarrassed. “But thank you. That’s kind of you.”
He nodded, a little deflated—but not discouraged. “No worries. Maybe… a dance instead?”
I hesitated. Not because he wasn’t nice. He was.
“Go,” Cathryn whispered, nudging my knee under the table. “You need a win. Just one dance.”
The guy held out his hand, hopeful but not pushy.
I exhaled slowly, setting my drink down. “Okay. One dance.”
His face lit up as I slipped from the booth and took his hand, letting him lead me toward the dance floor.
Behind me, Cathryn raised her glass and mouthed,You’re welcome.
Chapter 9
Kade
I was halfway through the game highlights when my phone buzzed. I figured it was Carlton, since he always found a way to ruin Friday nights, but Grammy’s name lit up the screen.
It was past her bedtime.
I hit pause and answered.
“Good evening, Kade,” she said sweetly.
“Good evening, Grandmother,” I replied, matching her tone.
“Night off?”
“Why yes. I’m enjoying a pleasant beverage and some television. And how is your evening progressing?”
