Page 59 of Angels & Whiskey

“What? When? How?”

“Paul and I exchanged numbers the other day just in case I needed them to help you or something and we’ve been texting. We were texting when you asked me to go out, and then I mentioned we were here when we were driving here.”

“Wait … You and Paul have been—”

“Angel,” Gabe greeted with a nod.

“Hey.” I smiled. “What are you guys doing here?”As if I didn’t know.

“Paul wanted to come have a drink.”

“Did he now?” I crossed my arms over my chest and eyed Paul and Brandi.

“What’s that look for?” Paul chuckled.

“We have to go to the ladies’ room. Excuse us.” Brandi grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the guys before I could protest.

“What the hell is going on?”

“Nothing. It’s strictly platonic.”

“You’re married.”

“So are you,” she hissed, pushing the swinging door open to the ladies’ room.

“I’m not texting Gabe,” I corrected.

“A, calm down. Paul and I are just friends.”

“Does Todd know?” I crossed my arms over my chest waiting for her reply.

“No, but nothing is going on. I swear.”

“Just like nothing’s going on with me and Gabe,” I murmured.

She grabbed both of my shoulders in her hands and looked me straight in the eyes. “Just calm down. We’re all going to have drinks. That’s it.”

“You do know that Rich is probably tracking my phone?”

She rolled her eyes. “Let him. I’d love to see those two kick his ass.”

“You’re not the one that has to go home to hell, B.”

“If he puts a hand on you again, trust me, those two will be with me on your doorstep in a heartbeat.”

I sighed. Rich knew I was going out, but I didn’t think he’d show up. I was certain I would get in trouble when I got home for leaving the house, but I was hopeful I was wrong and my plan would work.

We walked back to the guys. Gabe smiled again when he saw us walking back to them and I noticed both guys had a drink in their hand when we got closer.

“You couldn’t get us one?” Brandi teased.

“Come on, firecracker. I’ll buy you ladies a drink.” Paul swung his arm across Brandi’s shoulders with his free arm and they both laughed while walking toward the bar.

Just friends …

“Did Paul tell you we were going to be here?” I asked Gabe, stuffing my hands in the back pocket of my jeans.

He nodded. “He did.”