Page 29 of Perfect Together

Sam shoveled a mouthful of scrambled eggs into his mouth, ignoring Cara’s question for the second time.

“You’re not getting laid? Is that it?”

“Goddamn, you’re persistent. Would you talk about something else besides me?”

“Nope. You’re so much fun to annoy.” She pushed her uneaten breakfast away. “But I hate to see you so worked up, so talk to me.”

“It’s Nicole,” Macy said, coming up from behind them and squeezing into the booth alongside Cara.

“Eavesdropping? Seriously, have you no shame?” Sam asked.

But knowing she’d met the ex last night, Sam was glad to have her here. Not that he’d give her the satisfaction of admitting as much.

Macy met Cara’s amused gaze. “No, none.” She glanced from Cara’s plate in the center of the table to Cara herself. “What’s wrong with the food?” she asked.

“Nothing. I’m just not hungry,” Cara said.

Macy frowned. “Can I get you something else?”

Cara shook her head, and even Sam wondered what was wrong. She usually outate him without worrying about calories. She had a great body and metabolism, not that Sam noticed much because she was his good friend and his brother’s wife.

“I’m fine. Talk to me about Nicole.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Her ex-fiancé is in town.”

“I didn’t know she had one of those,” Cara said, eyes widening.

“Me neither.” Sam ground his teeth.

“Same,” Macy said. “Although I met him last night and I have to say, yum yum.”

Sam shot her a nasty look.

“Not helping the cause,” Cara reminded her.

Macy blushed. “Oops. But come on. I asked who ended things, and he said Nicole did. So obviously, you have nothing to worry about where she’s concerned.”

He ignored her and took a drink of his coffee.

“He’s not speaking today. To anyone, apparently,” Cara said.

“Well, he’s listening, so I’ll just mention that I told Tyler—that’s his name—to come here this morning for breakfast. And Nicole called and asked me to save a table in the back so she could talk to him without being interrupted.”

Sam’s stomach twisted hard.

“She said she wanted to make sure he understood she was serious about breaking up.” Macy stared hard at Sam. “Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“His head’s still in the past, isn’t it?” Cara asked. “Now that you know Nicole broke her engagement once, you’re worried she’s just like Jenna. That you can’t trust her or your feelings for her. Am I right?”

Before he could react, Macy reached across the table and slapped the side of his head. “Hey! That’s ridiculous.”

“When you’re the one left stranded the morning of your wedding, then talk to me about what’s ridiculous.” He retrieved his wallet and threw money on the table, enough to cover his and Cara’s breakfast, and rose from his seat.

“You’re leaving? Before you see Nicole? Before you offer your support? Before you remind her you’re here for her?”

Sam glared at Macy, annoyed with her intrusiveness.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Go right ahead and leave the door open for Tyler Stanton since Nicole already thinks you’re disappointed in her for breaking her engagement.” She waved a hand in dismissal.