Page 30 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“I trust Olivia.” Sam pulls out her phone, moving through her apps. “Plus, I have this.” Sam turns her phone around to show me cameras of her house on the front and back.

“I need that.” I point.

“It does make me feel safer. I got them after my divorce. I’ll send you the information, if you’d like.”

“I do like. Thank you.” I exhale. “I think Kara’s either sneaking out of the house or having someone sneak in. Maybe this would help me get answers.”

“Oh, no,” Sam says. “I didn’t realize. Olivia hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”

“Would she though?” I glance at Sam. “Tell you?”

“I think so.” Sam’s voice shifts slightly. “I mean, I hope she would. I’ve always thought we were close.”

I don’t quite believe a teenager would tell their mom everything. Especially, about her best friend sneaking around doing bad things. That would paint a bad image of Kara and that could affect their friendship. I’ve been down that road, though, I’m not going to say this to Sam.

“If you do find out anything, please let me know.”

Sam nods. “Of course.”

We pull up in front of the restaurant. I hand my keys to the valet. I rush ahead of Sam to hold the door open, half joking, but also wanting to charm her.

“You’re cute,” she whispers playfully in my ear before walking in.

“Cute?” I ask, stepping behind her as she stands in front of the empty hostess desk. I can’t help but let this play out again.

Sam turns her head slowly, looking me up and down. “Well…” She shrugs, a smile spreading across her face.

“Well played.” I nod.

“Allie!” Steven calls. I look across the room to find him, his hand raised in the air.

“There they are.” I take Sam by the waist and guide her through the restaurant, loving how it feels to be here with her as her date. Her dark skinny jeans complement her delicious body. The black boots along with the matching low-cut black top which has one shoulder sleeveless look incredibly sexy.

Luke and Steven each stand to give us a hug. I sit across from Steven.

“You both look gorgeous.” Steven fans his face. “Look at us four being fabulous together.”

Luke chuckles. “We ordered a bottle of wine for you and Steven,” he tells Sam. “Allie, you and I have a smoked old-fashioned on the way.”

My brows shoot up in delight. “Already the best night.” I make a point not to look at Sam, though she is the main reason. “You two are looking dapper.”

“You don’t lie.” Steven puts his hand on Luke’s arm, giving it a brief squeeze. I see the shyness radiate off Luke immediately.

The server arrives with a tray of drinks. He places two covered whiskey glasses in front of me and Luke. Then he opens the bottle of wine and pours Steven a small taste. Steven inhales the red liquid, swirls it, then takes a sip before giving a small nod to fill the glasses. I want to laugh, but I hold it in. He doesn’t know anything about wine.

“Would you like to start with an appetizer?” the server asks, placing the wine bottle in an ice bucket. I haven’t even opened the menu. I look at the guys who seem to have something in mind.

“Luke and I were thinking about the Thai shrimp and the baked oysters on half shell. Would you two like to share?”

Sam looks to me. “That sounds good.”

I nod in agreement.

“Perfect,” Steven says.

The server walks away. Luke glances at me before pulling his glass closer. The drink is a beautiful presentation. I’ve had this special drink here before and loved it.

“Shall we?” Luke smiles. I nod, and we both lift the tops of our whiskey glasses, letting the smoke fill the air. It smells divine. Luke wears the same expression that I know is on my face.