He shook his head. “No, I’m not staying. I just wanted to make an appearance and congratulate Kerrie and Bette. Nobody wants to hang out with the boss outside of work. Hey, Kenny, you’re looking good.”
Kenny nodded, focused on his tacos. He only managed a yep, then resumed chewing.
Reese smiled at him.
Tyler didn’t stick around. People buzzed around, coming by often to say hi to Kenny and some to Matty. She wondered how many of them were in recovery and if that was how they had met.
“I’m going to refill my drink. Does anyone else want some?”
Both Reese and Kenny handed off their cups to her. She had finished eating, so she leaned back to survey the area. There were lots of people up chatting or sitting down eating. The night was just a little brisk, but not bad, and with all of the bodies around, it was actually kind of pleasant.
A woman slid into the seat next to her. Her blonde hair reminded Reese of someone, but she wasn’t quite sure who until the woman held out her hand to shake and introduced herself.
“Hi, I’m Zoe, Bette’s daughter. You must be Reese.”
Reese shook her hand. “I am. It’s nice to meet you.”
“So, if you don’t mind me getting a little personal, how is the date going with Matty? She was so nervous when I saw her earlier.”
Reese flushed. She liked the idea of Matty being nervous about their date. “It’s actually going really well, I think. This is the first time we’ve been out like publicly.”
“I’m so glad to hear that. Matty has done so much for other people. I love that she is finally doing something for herself. She seems to light up whenever she talks about you.”
“She does?” That sent her belly into doing backflips.
Zoe nodded. “Yep. Doesn’t she, Kenny?”
Both of them turned to look at the older man who was finishing up the last of his food. Reese noticed he was a slow eater.
“Yeah, she does. She talks about Reese a lot.”
Before she could reply, Matty was back, a look of horror on her face when they all turned to her.
“Please tell me you weren’t all just talking about me.”
“Well—” Zoe started but was interrupted by Kenny.
“You talk about Reese a lot.”
The shade of red Matty’s face turned matched the smear of salsa left on Reese’s plate. It was hilarious and enthralling all at the same time.
“Did you shave your legs?” Zoe asked with a raised brow.
Matty sputtered. “Th—that’s, damn it, Zoe. My legs are my business.”
Zoe nudged Reese. “That’s a yes.”
“We’re not talking about my legs.”
Feeling emboldened, Reese smirked, folding her arms. “What if I wanted to talk about your legs?”
Reese didn’t know skin could turn that shade of nearly purple without someone holding their breath. Matty’s eyes met her own, and Reese could tell she was trying to muster up some courage. She dragged her tongue over her bottom lip before answering. “I’d rather talk about yours.”
It was Reese’s turn to blush.
Zoe let out a breath. “Oh wow, the tension is rising.”
Reese and Matty let out nervous laughs. It seemed they both forgot about their audience.
