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“I knew it! I should’ve opened a betting pool at the office. We’ve all been wondering why you we’ve been on cloud nine.”

“It’s complicated. We don’t so much see each other as have sex together. She’s fresh from a breakup, so she doesn’t want anything serious.”

Trey nods and motions for me to continue.

“And now she’s here. Sitting with Roxie. And I have no idea how they know each other or why they’re here.”

“Oh, she’s the chick that looks like she might be related to my future boyfriend? Joe Larson, we might become related by marriage!”

I roll my eyes. “Getting way ahead of yourself there, Trey.”

“Seriously now,” he says. “I think you’re overthinking this. They’re clearly here for the Happy Hour as Roxie’s guests. We’ll go over there and talk to them and find out how they know Roxie. I’m sure it’s nothing nefarious.”

“Yeah, okay.” I take a deep breath. “I know you’re right.”

He pats me on the back. “All right, let’s get some beers and go introduce ourselves to Hottie and your lady friend.”

“Liz.”

“Your lady friend Liz.”

I take a few quick breaths, like I’m gearing up for a run.

“You are glad to see her, right?”

“More than you know. I’m just worried she won’t be happy to see me at all.”

“That’s nonsense,” Trey says. “You’re an absolute delight.”

“Not sure a man my size can be called something as dainty as delight.”

“Pfft.” Trey waves away that ridiculous notion. “That just means you’re a whole mountain of delight. And I bet you rock your lady friend’s world.”

I grin. “I definitely try.”

****

Beers in hand, Trey and I approach Liz’s table. Roxie is the first to notice us, and she opens her arm to the side in a welcome.

“Joseph Larson, Esquire! I haven’t seen you at one of these in forever. Literally. I’ve never seen you at Happy Hour.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” I say. “Hi, Roxie. You know Trey, right?”

“Only by reputation.” She holds out her hand to shake Trey’s and they exchange names. “Do you guys want to sit with us? I’m here with my friend Liz and her brother Bobby, who’s visiting from St. Cloud, Minnesota.” She gestures toward the pair who are seated on the opposite side of the booth.

I’ve been avoiding looking directly at Liz until now, so I slowly turn my head and meet her shocked face.

“Hi, Liz,” I say. “It’s really good to see you.”

Both Bobby’s and Roxie’s eyebrows shoot up. Their stares dart between Liz and me, clearly picking up that something’s going on.

“Do you two know each other?” Bobby is the first to speak.

“Yes, we do,” I say, my eyes not leaving Liz’s.

She just nods.

Trey breaks the awkward tension. “Okay, these two clearly have stuff to discuss. In the meantime, Bobby, I am very pleased to meet you.” The two shake hands. “My name is Trey and I think you’re smoking hot. If that doesn’t freak you out, I would love to buy you a drink once you’re done with that one.”