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"Right back at you." Samirah smiled, then nodded to the bar. "What are we drinking?"

"Frozen marguerita," said Marley, licking her lips. "I need something yummy."

"What about you, blondie?" Samirah's attention turned to Nora. "What's your drink?"

"Martinis." Nora snickered. "But we probably want me to stay clothed, so white wine for now."

"Beer for the Beast?" Samirah pointed at me and I laughed.

"You know it."

"First round's on me. Snag us a table." Sam waved Marley to the bar and she hopped over with her to grab our drinks.

I led Nora to a table within the group and half a dozen people waved at me, their sweet smiles and bright eyes landing on Nora.

"That's Owen there." I pointed to the guy with nearly white-blonde hair standing behind the bar. He took his leave to carry pitchers of sodas to the tables.

Folks clapped him on the back, and introductions followed. The crowd gathered around him, allowing Nora and I to settle in in peace.

"You okay?" I asked her when we sat.

She scooted her chair closer to me and rested her chin on my shoulder. Her sweet eyes, a mix of twinkling and nervous, peeked up at me.

"I think so. It's loud."

"Do your ears hurt?" I ran my knuckles over her cheek.

"Twofold answer. Yes, but no. They don't hurt, but I think they do. Does that make sense?" She drew in a slow breath and gathered her hands in my lap. I held them in mine, tangling our fingers together. "The bulge from your weapon is visible in that jacket, honey. I just noticed."

"It's because I'm leaning forward." I glanced to the bar where Sam and Marley still waited for the drinks, before reaching behind me to tuck it lower. "Don't let Sam see it."

"Guns really scare her, huh?"

"Terrified, but she'll never admit it. She stops speaking and turns into a raging bitch to everyone she encounters, then leaves without saying goodbye to anyone. It's kind of her thing." I hurried through my response when Samirah and Marley headed our way.

They handed us our drinks, and we both accepted with gratitude.

"So," Sam began, plucking the menu up from the table. "I'm in the mood for ribs."

"And clearly no socialization," Marley said, laughing at her. "Since none of us have said hello to anyone yet."

"They'll come to us." Sam sipped her scotch-and-soda through a slender straw. "They always do."

"Well, you're a load of fun." Marley grinned at her and Sam winked.

Nora looked on with amusement, her hand remaining in my lap and I noted her sweaty palm. I stroked the inside of her wrist, brushing my finger over her bracelet. She smiled, though kept her focus on the others. She hid her nervousness well, and I continued to caress her hand.

Owen approached us, his bright eyes and happy smile preceding him. He greeted all of us with handshakes and hugs, before turning to address Nora.

"And who's this?" he asked, extending his hand to her.

Her hand in mine tightened, but she accepted.

"This is my girlfriend, Nora," I declared, leaning over and kissing her cheek. "Nora, Owen, Owen, Nora."

"Ah." He grinned nearly from ear to ear. "Well, this is a lovely surprise. We're happy to have both of you here. Welcome, Nora." He gestured to the group gathered between the pool table and the dart board. "Join the party when you feel comfortable."

"Thank you. It's good to meet you, too." Nora's casual smile lingered.