Jesse studied me for a moment, then nodded once.“Fair.”
Ari opened his mouth to argue, then paused.“Wait—so she’s real-real, huh?”
“Very real,” I said, thinking of sharp eyes and full lips.Cinnamon lattes.Burgundy sweaters.Legs that ran for miles and would look good wrapped around my waist… or shoulders.
A woman who could dismantle me with logic alone.
Ari let out a low whistle.“Damn.Good for you, man.”
Jesse crossed his arms.“She coming to Sunset Creek this weekend?”
The question landed heavier than it should’ve.
Sunset Creek wasn’t just a weekend trip—it was tradition.Cabins, beaches, bonfires, too much alcohol, bad decisions, and my birthday rolled into one.In any normal relationship, the girlfriend came.It wasn’t even a question.
But this wasn’t a normal relationship.
A part of me wanted her there, but I knew having her there would be tempting enough.A weekend getaway was the last thing I needed with where my mind was at.Besides, she probably had exams to study for—or was too busy stepping over all the emotional landmines around us.Then there was the wedding chaos starting next week.
It would be too much to handle.
And even if I did ask, would she want to spend a weekend trapped with my friends, pretending something she was still convincing herself not to feel?
I hesitated just long enough for Ari to notice.
“She’s got exams and stuff,” I said finally.“Law school doesn’t really take weekends off.”
Jesse nodded again, accepting it without fuss.Ari looked disappointed but didn’t push.
“That sucks,” Ari said.“Would’ve been fun.”
Yeah, I thought.It would’ve been.
I pushed off the counter and headed toward my station, the hum of the shop settling around me again.
Clearing my throat, I clapped my hands once and looked at them both.“Alright.Enough interrogating my personal life.What’s everyone working on today?”
Ari perked up instantly, like I’d flipped a switch.“Funny you should ask.”
Jesse groaned, running a hand down his face.“Here we go.”
“Remember I was telling you I landed a huge client?”Ari started, jumping up on the counter, smug as hell.“Celebrity.”
I arched a brow.“What celebrity client?”
He wagged a finger at me.“I knew you weren't listening.Bro, Skai Monroe.”
“Doesn't ring a bell.”
“She’s got three million followers on TikTok,” Ari said proudly, “and her single just hit a million streams.I'm in love with her.”
Jesse didn’t even look up from sanitizing his station.“Her socials don't make her a celebrity.”
“It makes her Skai Monroe,” Ari shot back.“And she’s gonna be the next pop star.Mark my words.”
I snorted.“Pop star?Did she ask for a crown tattoo or your phone number?”
“Both,” Ari said without missing a beat.
