Page 77 of The Tryst List
I roll my eyes playfully, unable to suppress a smile. “Oh, come on, Merc. It feels like a lifetime ago.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Merc chuckles, nudging me with his elbow. “I’m fucking with you. But you gotta admit, it’s kind of a wild turnaround. From fury to forever love in under a year.”
My laugh echoes down the quiet street. “Well, if you put it like that, it does sound pretty dramatic. But, hey, we’ve had a hell of a time checking off items on my Tryst List. I couldn’t have planned it any better.”
“Ah, to find my own Peter. Someone who can turn my disdain into undying devotion.” He sighs dramatically, flipping his braids over one shoulder and placing his hand over his heart.
I nudge him back. “You want a bit of hate sex. Tell the truth.”
Merc grins wickedly. “Guilty as charged. But honestly, it’s great to see you so happy. You and Peter have been through a lot but have something very special.”
We reach the bar and the warm glow from inside spills out onto the street, welcoming us.
“Thanks, Merc. And don’t worry, your ‘Peter’ is out there somewhere. Just you wait.” I duck under his arm. “Are you happy to be one of the girls tonight?”
“It’s taken long enough.” He sniffs and makes a beeline for the oversized couches flanked by wingback chairs, where Zoey, Alex, Fiona, and Ronni await our arrival.
The Nook, our chosen spot for the evening, is a cozy, two-story lounge with a magnificent, handcrafted bar made from three different slabs of wood. Rustically charming, with kitschy nostalgia like an old rotary phone and a 1920s radio, I like it because it’s cozy and private. The antique lighting fixtures bathe the space in a gentle, inviting glow, while shelves of twinkling antique glasses add a touch of elegance. Soft music plays in the background, a blend of classic hits and soothing tunes, loud enough to be heard but not so loud it drowns out conversation.
“So, Jordan, spill the tea! How’s everything with Peter?” Fiona rests her hand on her protruding belly, her eyes sparkling with interest.
I smile, taking a sip of my drink. “Well, it’s been a rollercoaster, but we’re in a good place. Peter came clean about his past and while he lost a couple of jobs in Seattle, it hasn’t been catastrophic to his business. Quite the opposite. He’s got so much work he hired two new staff members.”
Merc leans in, eager to be part of the gossip. “Don’t forget the reason he’s in London.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ve heard. VA/VT was a finalist to design the new museum in London,” I practically gush, because it was such a major accomplishment to be considered let alone get down to the final two. “They weren't awarded the primary bid, but VA is handling the green energy aspect of the project and VT is doing a technology integration. Peter and his team are so passionate about zero carbon emission work, I think he realized it’s more about the legacy of global impact rather than the glory.”
“So cool.” Alex, who gave up a lucrative travel influencer career to run a horse rescue has been so supportive. “Finding what truly motivates you is key.”
Ronni taps the table. “Wait, so are you guys moving to London?”
“No. The plan is for Peter to commute for the all-hands-on-deck meetings a couple of days a month until the project’s complete. He promoted his project manager, Rose to oversee the project on a day-to-day basis.” I sigh happily. “She's doing amazing. I'd like to think I nudged him in the right direction, and he realizes how important it is to support women in such a male-dominated industry. He's confident it’s a permanent solution. She loves living in London and got engaged to her boyfriend a couple weeks ago.”
Zoey leans forward, which is logistically challenging because she also has a baby bump. “So, what does this mean for you two? Any big plans for the future?”
The question hangs in the air, and I feel everyone’s eyes on me. Inside, I’m smiling to myself because Peter and I have a surprise up our sleeve. Tonight’s not the night I’m revealing it though.
“Well, we’re taking things one step at a time.” I sip my drink. “We’re stronger than ever, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
“Code for ‘we’re still fucking like rabbits,’” Fee mock whispers to Ronni.
“Oh, please. You’re all still fucking like rabbits,” I fire back.
Everyone laughs.
Because it's true.
Merc raises his glass. “To fucking like rabbits.”
We settle into the cozy warmth of the bar and conversation flows effortlessly among us. The atmosphere is charged with laughter and shared stories as we catch up on our lives. Nobody knows it, but I’m not drinking any alcohol tonight either. Instead, I sip on a mocktail, soaking in the joy of being with my friends.
“So, ladies, isn’t it nice to have a kid-free night out?” I raise my glass in a mock toast.
Zoey pats her baby bump. “Absolutely! As much as I love being a mom, a break is always welcome. Plus, it cracks me up knowing famous rock stars are on daddy duty tonight.”
“Zane probably brought Mia over to your house and she’s taken over.” Fiona chuckles about her precocious daughter. “She’ll run them ragged, I swear she’s an eighty-year-old in a ten-year-old’s body. I should have set up the nanny cam.”
“Oh, I’ve got you, babe.” Zoey proudly holds up her phone. “Check it out.”