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“Who? Mel?”

“Yeah, she’s keeping busy, but I can still see the sadness in her eyes. Do you know what I mean?”

They spot us and wave, doing the universal glass tipping up gesture to see if we want fresh drinks. We both nod encouragingly.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. From what Laura says, Alex has been miserable without her, too. But maybe they’ll come to their senses soon.” With encouragement from Cassidy and myself, Mel had a fling with Alex, Laura’s brother. He’s fifteen years younger than her, and she tied herself up in knots over the whole thing before calling it off. He took a job in Scotland for a clean break and, while I’m grateful it meant I ended up there with Laura and got my night of fun with Cam and Saff, I know it’s tearing her heart in two.Another example of why I avoid monogamous commitment.

“Do you think we should try and set her up with someone new? Maybe you can take her to one of your sex parties?” Cassidy nudges me with a smirk, despite the serious topic.

“I’ll take her if she wants to come. But I’m not convinced that’s what she needs right now.”

“No, maybe not.” We go quiet as Mel comes to sit beside us.

“Hey, ladies. First rounds on Laura. She sent me over here to see if there were plenty of snacks.”

“Sure are.” I lean over, wrapping an arm around Mel’s shoulder to hug her to my side. Her head bends to touch mine. “How are you doing, honey?”

“I’m alright. Eager to see what mischief you’ve found yourself in. And why you think you’re the arsehole in whatever situation it is.” Her smile is warm, even if it doesn’t quite chase away all the sadness from her eyes.

Laura makes her way over with the drinks. “I bought a bottle of the wine you’re drinking to share. That okay?”

“I can definitely get behind that plan,” I say, reaching over to fill the new glasses and top up my own and Cassidy’s.

“So…” Cass looks at me with a quirked brow.

“Straight into it then?” I ask, stalling without knowing why.

“You called this extra meeting of Smut Club for a reason, Abby. Let’s hear it.” Laura smiles at me as she uses the hair tie on her wrist to pull her electric blue hair up into a loose bun.

“Okay,” I pull in a deep breath. “You know the Scottish guy I met in Glasgow when I had the threesome?” They all nod. “And I sent the text about how he showed up here, doing work at The Juniper building?” More nods. “So we got together again, just the two of us this time, and had an incredible night.”

Cassidy claps her hands with glee. “I’m so happy for you.” But moderates her tone when she sees me wince. “What happened?”

“It turns out he doesn’t just work at The Juniper; he owns it.”

Realisation flashes across Cassidy’s face. “Oh, shit.” She gasps.

“What?” Mel asks, bafflement in her tone.

“He’s going to be opening a business in direct competition with The Thirst Trap.” I rub at my temple, which is sore from all the circles my thoughts have been running in since I found out.

“So, what does this mean?” Laura asks, looking as confused as Mel.

“It means I shouldn’t see him anymore.” Just like in his hotel room, a heavy weight sits in my chest at the thought of not spending more time with him.

“Pah! No, it doesn’t,” Cassidy interjects.

“Cass, his business is potentially going to have an impact on my job here. If they take our business away, Tom might not need an Assistant Manager anymore. And Cam didn’t tell me. He kept it to himself.”

“Well, that is a bit shit,” Mel agrees. “But what makes you question if you are the arsehole then?”

“I only just told him my name. And I haven’t told him I work here and why it might be a problem that he owns the building.”

“Ah,” comes Mel’s soft reply. Her face remains neutral, and I can’t tell whose side she’s falling on.

“So, he’s not the only one to hold information back, but I was just being cautious. And I like him. I liked the idea of having a fun fling while he was working on the building.”

“You can still do that, Abby.” Cassidy is using her most convincing tone. “Please don’t stress about your job. As if Tom would let you go. The place would collapse without you here.”