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“We’ve both been busy, but we need to not make excuses,” Aimee says with a pout as she pulls back. “I just like to blame you then you can’t call me a workaholic.” She laughs. This is why I love this woman so much.
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll do better with time management.”
“Deal. I’ve missed you. Okay, I have exciting news I’ve been dying to share with you. Do you realize where you’re standing?”
This confuses me. Aimee has worked here forever, and the two of us have frequented it even before that. “In the Surf and Sip restaurant?” It’s the same place I’ve been in a million times. “I did notice the sign changed to a new name.”
“That’s because it’s nowmyplace,” Aimee says with glee.
“You own it?” This I wasn’t expecting.
“Yep, signed all of the papers last month. And it’s already doing amazing under new ownership.” Aimee squeals again.
“That’s incredible. I can’t believe you’ve managed to not share this with me for a full month.” I’m ashamed I haven’t called her more. I’m a terrible bestie.
“I could hold it over your head, but as long as you promise not to disappear on me again, I might think about forgiving you.”
“Well, join me for dinner, and we’ll catch up.”
“Of course. It’s a busy night, but wehaveto catch up. I’ll get you a table and finish up what I’m doing, then join you. Give me about thirty minutes,” Aimee says before leading me inside the main room. This is her normal dinner break, but as she’s now the owner, things might be different for our dinner meetings.
“I love what you’ve done in here in only a month. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. I’m just a tad proud.” She then turns toward the hovering waiter. “We have a special guest tonight. Give her anything she wants.”
“Don’t be intimidated by her. I’m low maintenance,” I assure the man.
“Wine?” Aimee asks, and the waiter hands me a menu.
“If I remember correctly, the lady enjoys a nice glass of Dom Perignon,” a deep male voice says from behind us, making a shiver run down my spine. Slowly, I turn and my gaze locks with a seemingly amused Blaze. “She likes to bathe in it too,” he adds, making me want to climb beneath the table as images of Blaze pouring champagne over my breasts flash before my eyes.
Blaze brought out the champagne and we sipped it and poured it on each other a lot that summer. It had been my first taste of alcohol, and I very much enjoyed the sparkly drink that left me slightly lightheaded. I enjoyed it even more as he licked it off my body in creative ways.
“Of course, Mr. Brannigan,” the waiter says, keeping a professional mask in place before he turns to go get the expensive champagne. How does the waiter know him? I thought he hasn’t been around that much. I’m too flustered to ask.
“I don’t need champagne,” I attempt to call out, but it’s too late.
“Live a little.” Aimee smiles as she turns to look back and forth between Blaze and me. The restaurant might as well be empty as alone as I suddenly feel with the man I’m trying to avoid.
“Are you making my staff run for you?” Aimee asks before she leans in and gives Blaze a side hug. “You haven’t been here in so long I was beginning to get hurt feelings.”
“I was here three days ago,” Blaze says.
“Yeah, but you’ll disappear again soon. Before three days ago, it’s been years.”
I watch their easy banter and feel a slight stirring of jealousy. Not of Aimee, but of how easy it is for the two of them to speaktogether. I didn’t know Aimee knew Blaze beyond our summer together a decade ago. I’m going to have to make my bestie spill her guts as soon as we’re alone.
“The road eventually calls to me, but for now, I’m craving pasta,” he tells her.
“Mmm, go with the pasta primavera. The cook made a special sauce tonight that’s simply amazing,” Aimee suggests.
“As long as you hurry back to join me,” I say, a bit of desperation in my tone. I’m now avoiding looking into Blaze’s eyes. There’s a twinkle in her eyes that worries me. She keeps looking between Blaze and me, and I don’t like the calculation in her eyes. What in the heck is she up to?
“I’ll hurry back, but I’m sure Blaze will be more than happy to keep you company in the meantime.”
I want to call the woman a traitor, but hold back. Aimee turns and walks away, leaving me standing here with Blaze. I don’t want to sit. I’m trying to decide if I should turn and walk away. Feeling awkward, I finally sit, and Blaze smiles before taking the seat across from me.
“You and Aimee have been friends a long time,” Blaze points out.
