Bryce: Not until this weekend. Everyone is being respectable and looking for summer jobs.
Caroline: Okay. Thank you broski.
Bryce: Have a fun kid free night.
Bryce: And don't ever call me that again. Lame.
Laughing, I put my phone back in my pocket. He may act like he hates the nickname, but I think he secretly loves it. Once Reaf and Tonya got married, he and I became closer than I ever thought. I'm honestly not sure how I would have handled being home with only mom all the time. I mean, she's been amazing since the divorce, but nothing says spinster like hanging out with your mom on Friday nights.
"Please tell me whoever you're texting isn't related to you." Emily comes around the high-top table and gives me a hug.
"I was arranging for my brother to pick me up when we're done here. Thank you very much." I push her away. "It's about time you showed up."
"Sorry," she grimaces. "My mom called and you know how she can be. Always meddling and trying to set me up with one of her friends' sons. It's annoying."
I shudder at the thought. My mom tried that once and after my reaction, never did it again. I don't want anything long term. Or well, even short term. Taking care of a kid and working full time has me busy enough. Nights like this are my one indulgence.
"So, any cute guys from out of town come in?" Emily sets her wallet on the table and waves at Sam. "Please tell me she went up there for a refill. I need a drink after all that nonsense."
"Yep," Kate laughs. "You can have mine since I'm sure she already ordered our drinks. I'll go grab my own. You need to catch up."
"It's not like we didn't see each other earlier today." I shake my head. "I mean we do work together."
"True," Emily taps the table. "The only difference is, that was work time.Thisis our playtime."
"You make it sound so dirty." Kate takes the final drink from her glass before heading to the bar to help Sam and get another drink.
"So, are you going to find some trouble tonight?"
I hate the fact this question gets brought up every week. We all went to school together. We lost touch after Nathan and I got married. Even back then, when he and I were high school sweethearts, they never liked him.
Once they found out we were heading for divorce and I needed a job, they didn't hesitate to hire me on at the floral business they had recently started together. It took a while to take off, but with small town weddings becoming popular, we occasionally have to turn people away now.
"Are we really going to do this again?"
"You never know. You could find "Mister Right" in this very bar. But you'll never know because you don't put yourself out there."
"Honestly, who in their right mind would want to date a woman that comes with baggage."
"Your brother did."
"He's an exception to the rule. Reaf has always been wise beyond his years."
Sam and Kate are back at the table, efficiently putting an end to the conversation. "What did we miss?" Sam sets a drink in front of me and another one in front of Emily.
"Oh, nothing." Emily takes a sip of her drink before making a face. "Why does this taste like tequila?"
"Oh shit," Sam covers her mouth. "That was for Caroline."
"Oh no. I didnotask for tequila."
"You told me to surprise you." She holds her hands in the air and wiggles her fingers. "Surprise!"
"How about I go grab another beer, and you take this one?"
"You're no fun," Sam pouts.
"Yes, I am," I laugh as I turn from the table. "I just don't need tequila to make me that way."