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Hunter:Can you come over tonight?
The message delivers, but nothing pops up to show me she’s responding.
“What’s the occasion?” I ask.
If Barrett thinks it’s odd that I’m asking, he doesn’t let on. I’d expect for him to give me shit, but I’ve noticed a change in him since he’s been with Chloe. And now that they’re married, he’s content and far less of a grump.
Barrett shrugs. “Chloe said the dinner is a guise for Emma to set Sophie up with some guy.”
My head whips in his direction.
“What guy?” My tone is far too accusatory for someone with general interest, but Barrett’s too clouded by marital bliss to notice.
“Chloe just sent me this picture of Baxter and Betty.” He holds his phone out so I can see the picture.
Two sandy-haired dogs curled up together in a bed.
“Cute.” I acknowledge the photo before circling back to the issue at hand. “Whatguy?”
He shrugs. “Not my deal. All I have to do is remember to bring wine.” He grabs his bag. “I’ve got to get home. I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah. See you.” I watch him walk toward the elevator. A pang of jealousy grips my chest thinking about Sophie being set up with some guy.
Yeah, that’s not happening.
With my message to Sophie still unanswered, I grab my bag and head for the showers.
* * *
I’ve never crashed a dinner party before. I’ve also never been ghosted or ignored by a woman. With a bottle of wine and flowers in my hands, I’m about to come to my senses and turn around when Emma opens the door.
“Hunter?” She looks momentarily confused, but her manners and inclusive nature take over. “Come on in.”
I give her a quick kiss on the cheek, then offer her the bouquet and the bottle of wine.
“I didn’t know you were—” she pauses, likely trying to recall the invite that she never made, “—able to make it.”
Griffin appears with a beer bottle in his hand. If I wasn’t crashing their dinner party, I might not catch the look he exchanges with Emma.
Did you invite him?
No. Did you?
I’m counting on the fact that Emma is one of the sweetest women I know and she would never turn away a guest.
“Hey, man.” Griffin extends his hand. “Good to see you.”
“Thanks for having me,” I say.
There’s an awkward beat before Emma speaks. “I’ll put these in water. Hunter, what would you like to drink?”
“A beer sounds great.” I nod toward the beer in Griffin’s hand.
I glance around their apartment. It’s a mix of soft hues and warm wood tones. There’s an arrangement of framed pictures on the wall over a side table. Most are of Emma and Griffin. A few casual, a few professional ones from Chloe and Barrett’s wedding. One photo is of them with Sophie in the middle wearing a cap and gown. Her college graduation, I presume.
I know I’m taking advantage of the fact that Griffin works for me. That he’s not going to turn away his boss or even second guess the idea that neither him nor Emma invited me, but I need to see Sophie. And the fact that instead of us talking about the next step in our relationship, she’s being set up with some guy? Not fucking happening.
Griffin hands me a beer, then motions for me to follow him through the dining room. “Everyone’s out on the deck.”
