Page 5 of Charmed Forces

“How times have changed.”

“They got the window table,” said Lily. “That’s so romantic.”

I snapped some more shots as they took their seats opposite each other in the bay window.

“They must have booked the reservation weeks ago. This place is getting pretty tough to get into and that table is prime.”

We watched the couple converse with each other, then the server, and chat until Lily’s phone pinged to notify us that our order was ready. Since the couple clearly weren’t going anywhere, Lily hopped out and walked across the street, heading into the Japanese restaurant. A few minutes later, she came out holding a large bag and raced across the street, hurling herself into my car.

“You won’t believe who I just saw,” she said, her eyes wide. I reached for the bag, my mouth salivating, and she smacked my hand away.

“Someone we know? Or someone famous?” I asked.

“I don’t have time for this game. I’ll burst! I just saw your brother and your ex having dinner together. I think they got the mixed platter for two but it was hard to see because there was a lot of bamboo in the way. They were also deep in conversation.”

My hand hovered over the bag and I looked up. “Wait. Which brother?”

“Daniel.”

“And which ex?”

“Maddox.”

“Together?” I frowned.

“Chatting like best buddies. They were having beers too.”

“That’s weird.”

“That’s what I thought. I didn’t know they hung out. Do they do other stuff together?”

“No, although... I guess I don’t really know...” My gaze darted between the two restaurants. The couple had menus in their hands and were speaking to the waiter, then each other, laughing and smiling as they ordered. The waitress took the menus and the couple resumed holding hands, which I dutifully filmed. “What were they wearing?” I asked.

“Jeans and sweaters. Oh, my gosh! Do you think they were on a date? Like, Maddox couldn’t have you so he moved on to your brother! Such a scandal!”

“Daniel’s married. He’s been married twice. Both times to women,” I pointed out.

“I’d make a joke about that but we all hate the first wife and love the second.”

“True. And he has kids.”

“Could he still be in the closet?” Lily wondered.

“Why is that your first thought?”

“Because you never know.”

“You’re going to turn into my mom,” I said.

Lily paused, thinking. “Fun!” she said with a big smile. “Maybe they’re just being bros.”

“Sounds about right,” I said, still thinking about it. Maddox was well-acquainted with all three of my brothers for years, back when they worked together at MPD. They’d collectively given him a hard time when we were dating, and when we broke up. Although I knew things were all good with them now, I didn’t know they still socialized.

“I’m surprised they haven’t mentioned it though.”

“Where did he go?” I muttered, peering through my lens.

“The Japanese place. I just said.” Lily popped open the bag and pulled out a package. “Hey, do you want a gyoza? Should we use chopsticks in the car or have a finger picnic?”