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I widen my eyes to comical proportions. “Is that how you talk to Cole? No wonder you’re preggers.”
“Quit trying to distract me. Fess up,” she prods.
“You know I saw him. He was a jerk, as usual.” And I got a thrill from verbally sparring with him.
Joy rests her cheek on an open palm. “I’m just waiting for the day he pulls his head outta his ass.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
“You could be good together.”
“Pass,” I scoff. ”I’m not interested in a repeat performance.”
“Uh-huh, that’s almost believable after you got a job at his favorite bar. We’ll see how he appreciates you serving him.”
I dry heave, strictly for her benefit and my pride. “Maybe Roosters was a bad idea.”
“Too late,” she croons. “You can’t leave my brother high and dry. He’s depending on you.”
“Nice guilt trip.” I swat at the air. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll treat Jacob like any other customer.”
“Jacob,” Joy echoes. “Good luck with that.”
A wince pinches my features. I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll need all the luck I can get. “Thanks, I think.”
I sip from my mug for a much-needed boost. The coffee is cold, similar to this unpleasant topic. A chill creeps in and pebbles my skin. Maybe the bar really was the wrong choice. But letting him scare me off is even worse. The bitter taste lingers in my mouth as determination rallies.
Joy must recognize the stress seeping from my pores. “Okay, what’s next?”
“Figured you’d find a comfy couch and take a load off.”
“It’s too early for that. How about we go shopping?”
My eyebrows fling upward. “Is that wise in your condition?”
Her scowl is humorous. “I’m pregnant, not fatally ill.”
“Heavily pregnant,” I correct.
“Whatever. I can stand for an hour at Creak & Barrel. They have a robe that’s essential for my hospital grab bag.”
The mention of my favorite boutique piques my interest. “Are you sure?”
She begins collecting her stuff from the table. “Yes, please. This might be my last opportunity to be out and about for a while.”
“Who am I to argue with that?” I stand and grab my purse.
She loops her arm through mine. “On the way, you can tell me more about your admirers.”
“Ah, there’s the catch.”
Joy’s cackle would make any B-list villain jealous. “As if you’d assume otherwise. Spill. Now.”
“Directly down your throat?”
Joy smacks her lips. “Just the way I love it.”
After a genuine laugh, I recall one or two guys that are honorable mentions. Jacob Evans gets left behind where he belongs.
