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Helen looked to George. “I was telling George about how the constant banter between you and Tobias is always rather entertaining. Everyone knows you really don’t hate each other.”

“Oh, I definitely do not like the man,” Tori said with emphasis. Just then, runners rushed past and both George and Helen stopped paying her any mind. Tori let out a breath.

The ending to the second race was a lot closer.

Allison hurried over and hugged Tori. “My client just left with the bridal order. I’m so bummed to have missed the relay races. Thankfully, I don’t have any clients expected to stop by tomorrow, so I shouldn’t miss anything else today.”

She stopped talking and looked up to George. “I’m sorry, here I am babbling on and on. How are you, George? Long time.” George beamed at Allison and accepted her hug. She pulled back and studied him. “What have you been up to? Married yet?”

Tori hadn’t thought to ask if he was married. Of course it made sense, most of the people she’d been to high school with were either married or divorced. There were few like her that had never married.

“I am married and have three kids. My family is still in Helena. My wife is a physician and is reluctant to relocate. So I’ll probably end up living there forever. I’m going back as soon as I get all this work done at my parents’ place.” He motioned to Tori. “Hey, Tori and I are about to have lunch and catch up. Why don’t you join us?”

Feeling like an idiot, Tori met Allison’s gaze. “Come on, Allison, let’s catch up.”

Together, they went inside. The dim interior was not only cool compared to the sunny day, but also the aroma of herbs and cheese was always welcoming.

“I can’t believe it. The smell of good cooking brings back all kinds of memories.” George walked in a circle sniffing the air.

Tori nudged Allison. “Married,” she whispered.

“Sorry,” Allison replied softly.

“Don’t be,” Tori insisted. “I didn’t have any expectations.”

“Good.” Allison nudged her back and spoke in a louder tone. “Why don’t we sit in a booth by the window so we can keep an eye on the goings-on?”

They had a perfect view of the town square where the race participants and spectators mingled. Tobias leaned on this truck, talking to the horse trainers’ team when Mimi came into view.

Allison rolled her eyes and quickly picked up her drink when George gave her a curious look. Of course, they were in the perfect position to watch the blonde wrap herself around Tobias and kiss him as if she were auditioning for a porn flick.

It took monumental effort not to gag. Instead, Tori touched her foot to Allison’s then motioned to George with her head. The man was practically drooling at the view of Mimi’s ass pointed in their direction.

“So, George, what does your wife look like?” Allison asked and Tori choked on her breadstick.

Boom. Boom.

Tori narrowed her eyes toward the front of the restaurant. She was almost done closing up. This was not the time for “one last meal” request.

“We’re closed!” she called out from behind the bar where she was finishing putting up clean glasses.

Boom. Boom.

“Damn it,” she mumbled. Since there was always the possibility it was an emergency, she went to the door and yanked the door open only to become more annoyed. Why didn’t she check before opening?

Tobias walked in. “We’ve been calling you and you didn’t answer your phone.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Who’s been calling me? I usually have my phone on silent while I’m working.”

“Allison, Taylor…we’re all at their house.”

This time, she glared at him. “So why are you the one here to fetch me? They really don’t want me to come otherwise they would have sent someone I like.”

He looked up at the ceiling and let out a breath. “Come or don’t. I really don’t give a shit.”

Dressed in lose sweats, no doubt over the running outfit, he reminded her of how he used to dress after a track meet in high school.

It was hard to keep from laughing, so Tori gave up. “Wow, you are the perfect example of a welcome party.”