Page 49 of Forever Mine
I joined in her laughter. “Well, I’m not some people, but he’s a great guy though.”
“He has a don't-care vibe going on with that hair and those eyes that seem like he can see through you. Anyway, as long as he sets your body and mind on fire, I’m good.”
“I hear you, but I don’t know if I want to be set on fire, as you put it.”
She scoffed and shook her head. “After Nolan, plus being single all this time, I’d say you need some excitement.”
“I agree with you, but my main concern is Angel.”
“Just like Renée would be mine if her father wasn't in the picture, but there’s nothing wrong with looking after your happiness. Angel will be fine. She likes him, so you’re good.”
“I do like him, but I think the no-strings-attached part of our arrangement is in danger of being thrown out the window.”
She pulled into the parking lot of Night Life and switched off the engine. “I don’t see any danger in that. If you guys like each other, that’s all that matters.”
“That and how we’re going to make a relationship work with us living in two different places.”
“You worry too much. Enjoy the ride. If it’s meant to be, things will work themselves out.”
“I guess they will. They always do.” I wasn’t as convinced as I sounded and hoped Rita wouldn’t call me out on my wishy-washy response.
She tapped me on the shoulder as we walked toward the arched doorway of the games lounge. A couple months had passed since I visited, but the atmosphere in the foyer was the same. Muted music, soft lights, and minimalist décor.
We made our way to the restaurant to chat a little. The comfortable booths gave the impression of privacy, scattered as they were across the restaurant.
Aside from rum punch, we placed an order for jerked meatballs and jerked chicken wings.
The waiter was putting our drinks on the table when my phone buzzed.
I got it out and opened the message app. Scott had sent me a text.
Had to make a detour. Home now.
Good. All is well?
With u in my life? Yes!
My finger hovered above the screen while I thought about how to respond. A few seconds went before I typed an answer.
Sweet.
Rita leaned across the table, trying to get a look at the phone. “Is it Scott?”
I put the mobile aside and sipped my drink, which carried a strong kick. “Man, the bartender’s free with the rum.”
She sipped her drink before agreeing with me. “Yep, same as last time.”
“Sounds like you’re hanging out here frequently.” Only half joking, I said, “I hope you’re not developing a drinking and gambling problem.”
“Nah, this is where Hugh and I came for our last two date nights. Can you tell we like it here?” She laughed and wriggled her eyebrows. “He had to work late this evening. With Renée at your place, tonight will be our at-home date night.”
Her off-the-shoulder jumpsuit clung to her generous curves. Pointing to her clothing, I said, “The way how things look, it’ll be a freaky Friday affair.”
She wriggled her eyebrows again. “We work hard, so we deserve it.”
The phone vibrated in my hand and I looked at it.
Have some work to do. Talk to u later.