Kat slides into the booth across from me, her boyfriend Hunter sliding in after.
“Nope, just put on the game and asked Dean for a beer,” I say by way of greeting.
“I’ll go get our drinks.” Hunter kisses Kat’s cheek, then stands back up and ambles over to the bar to talk to Dean.
“So.” I fold my hands on the table and narrow my eyes at Kat. “Is there a reason I didn’t know Jude would be coming to my clinic for therapy until he walked through the doors?” Her face falls and I instantly regret asking the way I did. “Shit, I’m sorry to sound like a bitch. Are you okay?’
Kat nods. “Yeah, I’m glad he’s here. But he didn’t tell any of us he was coming. He just showed up. I guess he rented an apartment from Ethan, and that was it. We wouldn’t have known, except his agent called Mom and Dad to make sure he arrived safely. He hadn’t even told Stefan he made it here.” Kat takes a paper napkin and starts folding it up, ripping off little pieces as she goes. “I’m worried about him. He’s been in such a dark place ever since his injury. The boys went over this morning to take him to the clinic. Beckett called me and said Jude looked awful.”
I reach over and cover her hand with mine just as Hunter returns with three beers. He sets them down before sliding back into the booth and wrapping his arm around Kat.
“You okay, Kitty Kat?”
I watch the two of them, Kat melting into his side. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous of them. After two years being neighbours, they finally found their way to each other a year ago. Now they live together in Kat’s house, and Hunter told me the other week he’s going to propose soon. We’re going to look at rings for Kat next week.
“Just filling Lily in on the Jude situation,” she says.
Just then a server arrives with a tray full of wings I never ordered. They set them down in front of us, and Kat and I both look at Hunter.
“What?” He shrugs. “You think after so many nights spent witnessing you two demolish wings twice a month, I wouldn’t know your order?”
“Our hero,” Kat says teasingly, dropping her head down onto his shoulder.
I grab a wing and lift it, saluting him in the air. “You’re a good man, Hunter Callaghan.”
For the next hour we eat wings, drink beer, and watch hockey. It’s perfect. Until my phone lights up on the table with a message from my mother.
“Ugh,” I groan, flipping the phone over without even reading it. I already know what it says.
“What does she want now?” Kat asks gently.
“Oh, nothing. Just to make sure I tell my wedding date to colour coordinate with the rest of the family. How do guys colour coordinate, anyway? Aren’t all suits basically grey, black, or navy? Those go with anything. Of course, I’d need to actuallyhavea date, first.” I drop my head into my hands. “I wish I didn’t have to go.”
“Why do you?” Hunter asks. It’s a valid question, but one only a person without prior knowledge of my toxic family would ask.
“Don’t go there,” Kat replies quickly.
I shoot her a grateful smile. I don’t really feel like revealing all my damage. I’d rather Hunter not know everything. It makes it easier if I’m just happy, crazy, bold Lily. Not Lily with a family that tries to browbeat her into submission at every chance.
“We could always ask one of the boys to escort you. They’d know how to behave and keep things simple.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I’ll find someone.” Plastering on a seductive smile, I scan the bar. “Heck, maybe I’ll find someone here tonight. I could use some company, anyway, I’m out of batteries.” I waggle my eyebrows and Kat giggles while Hunter looks confused for a second before blushing furiously.
“On that note, we need to head home. I’ve got an early lecture tomorrow.” Kat pushes on Hunter’s shoulder, and they both move to get out of the booth. I do the same, and we all put some money down on the table to cover the tab.
“Yeah, I should get to work on my date-finding mission.”
Kat gives me a look that says she sees right through my suggestive comment. And I have no doubt that she does. I might have a history of random hookups and short-term relationships, but that doesn’t mean it’s what I prefer.
And she’s the only other person who knows that.
“Be safe, Lily,” she whispers as she draws me in for a hug. I squeeze her tightly. Somehow, I hit the jackpot when Kat Donnelly became my best friend, and I never let myself forget that.
“See you kids later. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I say cheerfully, giving Hunter a brief hug as well. They leave first, and as I slowly put on my coat, I let my eyes wander back to the TV screen that’s showing the last few minutes of the hockey game.
“That’s a shitty call, ref,” I scoff, but there’s no one around to hear me.
What I wouldn’t give to have a partner to cuddle up to and watch a hockey game with, someone who can handle me yelling when the ref makes a bad call. But I’ve never had that.
