AUSTIN
“These new cocktailsare going to revitalize you,” Seb promises, the morning after the party. We’re at the spa, in the expansive kitchen space, finalizing the special drinks list he’s curated. “ReVitalize, get it?”
I groan, and only a little because of my hangover. “You think I haven’t already heard that pun a million times?”
“Hey, you’re the one who ignored my excellent name suggestions,” Seb grins.
“Yeah, I don’t think we’ll have a line around the block for a spa called, ‘Swank Bastard,’” I say dryly.
Seb laughs, assembling another cocktail to try.
“How the hell are you so perky?” I grumble. “You drank more last night than anyone.”
“My secret Bloody Mary refresher,” he replies, shaking up a cocktail holder. “But you look like you need a wake-up call.Voila, spiked cucumber fizz with hydrating algae.”
“Hydrating what now?” I sniff the glass of green liquid, dubious.
Seb grins. “Sounds healthy, right? I found a great new gin distillery, out in the South of France. You’ve got an exclusive on US sales for the first few months.”
I shake my head, impressed—by the cocktail, and Seb’s wheeling and dealing. The man has the gift of the gab, and a magical ability to make every partnership sound new and exclusive. “I’ll take your word for it,” I tell him, taking another gulp—and an aspirin.
Seb arches an eyebrow. “Not like you to go so hard. What happened to your body as a temple?”
I chuckle. “I didn’t go hard, I’m just getting old. Although, it was a late night…”
He frowns. “I thought you and Jenn left early.”
“We did.” I grin, and he laughs.
“Good for you. Told you she was a keeper?”
I snort. “When?”
“It was implied.” Seb grins. “But seriously, man. Good for you. And good for me, too, with less competition around.”
“You were never my competition,” I can’t help razzing him, as we head out to the lobby. There’s a chill couch area for conversation and waiting, set off to one side with massive olive trees and concrete planters. We take a seat, and Seb kicks back.
“I’ll let that one slide,” he smirks. “Since you’re so clearly smitten with Jenn.”
I take a deep breath. “I am,” I admit, smiling. There’s no point in playing it down. “I don’t think I’ve never felt this way with a woman before. So… Certain. Like we fit together. No games, no secrets. It’s easy with her, you know?”
“Nope,” Seb jokes. “I like my women like I like my wine: complex, with spicy undertones.”
I shake my head. “One day, you’ll see.”
Seb makes a dismissive sound. “You sound like Charlie and Dash,” he complains.
I laugh. “Watch your back, buddy. True love might be right around the corner. Trust me, I didn’t see Jenn coming.”
Seb regards me, thoughtful. “So, that’s it, mate?” he asks. “Hook, line, and sinker. This is the girl? The elusive One?”
I pause. “Maybe,” I reply, knowing it’s crazy to claim otherwise when we’ve barely been officially dating a couple of weeks, but in my gut, I know the answer is really, ‘yes’.
“What is it?” Seb notices my hesitation and sets down his drink. “Out with it. I know I give you shit, but I’m actually quite happy for you.”
“Thanks,” I say, with a sigh. “I just get this sense that she’s… holding back. Maybe because we work together? But Ilikeworking together. She’s perfect for Vital, and we collaborate so great. I really think we can handle sharing a workplace and a relationship.”
“Maybe it’s not work, then,” Seb reasons. “She probably has an ex or two who made her gun-shy, same as you.”