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I nod, relieved that he wasn’t alone. “You didn’t happen to see Tigs, did you?” I ask, my earlier conversation with Higgins coming to the forefront of my mind.
“He’s back at the dorm already. Hit it a little too hard after practice.”
“Shit,” I grumble, realizing perhaps there was some truth to what Higgins was saying about him struggling. “So you were at Hurley’s before here?” I don’t actually give a shit where Enzo or Buckley were. I want to know whereshewas.
“They have karaoke on Tuesday nights.” Alina speaks for the first time. Up close, it’s easy to see why Enz is so taken with her. She’s stunning, truly. But she doesn’t come close to holding my attention the way her best friend does.
“You like to sing?” I ask her directly, making myself comfortable by grabbing a nearby stool and taking a seat at the table with them.
The guys welcome me with open arms, but Rory, well, let’s just say I could feel her glare from a mile away.
“Me?” Alina snorts. “No, I’m horrible. But Rory here.”
I celebrate the opportunity to let my gaze drift back to Rory.
“You sing?”
“She’s messing with you,” she tells me flatly.
“Don’t be modest,” Buckley disagrees. “She’s pretty good.”
“I don’t sing. Can you see me getting up in front of a group of strangers and belting ‘Love is a Battlefield’?” Rory sinks further in her seat. “Enzo and Buckley, on the other hand.” She gives them a pointed look. “Are quite the duo on stage.”
“I think I might need to see this.” I snort, not being able to picture either of them as singers.
“We go at least one Tuesday a month,” Alina speaks up, drawing my attention back to her. “Maybe Enzo can let you know the next time we’re going and you can drop by. Ouch.” Alina throws Rory an annoyed look, reaching beneath the table to rub what looks like her ankle.
“Shut up.” I watch Rory mouth to her friend, who, like me, seems amused by her reaction.
“You know, I think I’d like that,” I respond as if I didn’t notice that she kicked Alina under the table.
“Great.” Alina smiles widely, turning to Enzo. “You heard that, right?”
“I did.” He nods, finishing off his beer in one gulp. “I’m going to grab another drink. Anyone need one?”
“Yes, please,” Alina chirps.
“I’ll take another.” Buckley lifts his near empty glass.
“I’m good.” Rory shakes her head softly.
“What? Why?” Alina pouts.
“I need to get back to the dorm. I have an early class tomorrow.”
“I’ll walk you,” Alina offers.
“No, I’m good. I have my pepper spray and my whistle.” She digs a keychain out of her purse that has a whistle dangling from it.
“What about you, Arch?” It takes me far too long to realize Enzo is talking to me.
“Oh, no, I’m good.” I shake my head. “Think it’s about time I head out too.”
“Perfect.” Alina clasps her hands together. “You can walk Rory home.”
“Alina.” If looks could kill, Alina would be dead on the floor with the look Rory gives her.
“What? If he’s heading in the same direction...”
