Jessica turns a murderous expression on me. “Exhibit A.”
I ignore her and say to Mable, “Give us a few minutes.”
The waitress studies us like she’s contemplating taking a seat and forgetting about the rest of her shift.
“Do you have something to say?” I urge her along.
That snaps her out of her daze. “No, no. I’ll be back.”
I glance around at the people both covertly and not so covertly watching us, give them a nod, and then return to my group.
I shrug at Ryder. “Figured it was best to rip it off like a Band-Aid.”
His expression turns downright speculative. “I guess that makes sense.”
I tilt my head at his sister. “Also figured it best to get any awkwardness out of the way so you two can start having each other’s backs again.”
His brow furrows. “Not sure I follow.”
“Yeah, what are you talking about?” Jessica chirps in next to me.
Between Jessica and Ryder, I’ve heard a lot about their family full of unconditional love. And it occurred to me last night when she told me childhood stories, many featuring her big brother as a hero, that because of our one-night stand, I’d stolen that closeness from them.
Now I intend to correct it.
“Moving to a new town and starting a new job is stressful, and because of this situation, Jessica’s been isolated from her support system. That’s not good for either of you. I want it rectified.” I splay my hands wide. “So, here we are.”
The coffee cup stalls a half inch from Ryder’s lips. “Is that so?”
“This is soooo unfair,” Jessica wails to Sophie. “How am I supposed to stay mad now? It’s impossible.”
Sophie laughs. “Oh my god, that is so sweet.”
Ryder clears his throat. “Yeah, man, that is sweet.”
I open my mouth to explain I’m simply taking care of business, but a male voice says, “You held out longer than I expected.”
I glance up to see Griffin and Darcy standing there, holding hands, wearing matching grins. “Morning, Mayor. Mrs. Mayor.”
Griffin smirks. “I told you it’d happen someday.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say.
“What would happen?” Jessica’s ears perk up.
“Don’t know.” This will all be over soon.
Darcy beams at Jessica. “So now will you tell us why you were following him?”
Beside me, Jessica’s thigh tenses. I haven’t forgotten her stress about being cast as the bad guy.
Which is why I’ve taken charge of this operation. “That’s between Jessica and me, and I want everyone to stop asking her. It was my fault for not knowing it was her. It was a simple misunderstanding. I trust the subject is closed.”
Next to me, the restless energy abates, letting me know I’ve made the right decision.
Darcy blinks at me, her smile broadening. “How interesting.”
I turn to Griff. “I’ll see you at eleven for our meeting.”
