Blake the Boy Scout wasn’t just a sexy paramedic who she never had to worry about seeing again. He was her brother’s friend. Friend and former roommate.
She shook her head and took a swig of soda. God, he’d even mentioned last night about being in a frat once. It hadn’t even occurred to her that James might have been in the same one.
“Hey, Kris. Good to see you again.”
“Hey, Dale.” She flashed a smile at one of her brother’s friends that she was familiar with.
She grabbed her phone and sent Tori a text.
I need you to get your butt over here and ASAP.
A second went by before Tori replied with just a question mark.
“Really?” Kristen sighed and typed a more detailed response.
Need friend backup. Now. Shit hit the fan.
Another second passed.
Sounds fun. Be over in thirty minutes or so.
A half hour? Really? Kristen slid her phone back into her purse. In a half hour, she’d be ready to bail on this thing anyway.
The sound of another woman’s voice carried throughout the house, and Kristen glanced up to find her brother’s girlfriend stepping inside.
The tension that had been gripping her eased slightly at the sight of the pretty Korean woman. At least she had another ally.
Hannah and James had been together since middle school. They were inseparable and sickeningly in love. Kristen had always liked her.
Hannah spotted her immediately and squealed. “Kris, how are you?”
Kristen smiled and welcomed the other woman into her arms for a big hug. “I’m good. Just up for a vacation.”
“It’s been at least two years since I’ve seen you.” Hannah pulled away and leaned back. “You look really good. Love this new makeup you’re doing.”
“Thanks.” With a grimace, Kristen accepted the compliment.
She wasn’t a big makeup person, and everyone knew it. Her brother had even made a comment earlier. But since she and Tori were hitting a club after this, she’d decided to get her hair and makeup ready. She planned to change into the slightly trashy dress she’d bought, right before they left. It wasn’t exactly the kind of thing you wore to your brother’s barbecue.
“You need to get up to Seattle more.”
Kristen nodded. “I know, it’s just been hard with money and finishing up school.”
Hannah nodded, her gaze full of understanding. She tucked a black strand of hair behind her ear. “You think you’ll like being a social worker?”
“I think I will.” Though those she’d talked to in the field had loved to point out it was because she wasn’t jaded yet.
“Good for you. That’s amazing.”
“How are things with you? Are you loving teaching second grade?”
“So much more than I thought I would.” Hannah’s eyes were bright with joy.
“And you and James are good?” Kristen dropped her gaze to Hannah’s hands, checking for any sign of an engagement ring.
Nothing. They’d been together over a decade, though, so Kristen figured it’d be any day now.
“We’re good.” Hannah nodded, maybe a little too quickly, and her gaze slipped away. “Speaking of, I should go find him. Great to see you again. Let’s get together before you head home, okay?”