Chloe Carter was something else and part of me was almost disappointed we wouldn’t be around next year to watch her kick senior year’s ass.
“One spinach and cheese.” Brianne slid a container toward Kye. “What about you guys?” she asked me and Zane.
“I’ll have whatever he’s having,” he said, and she turned her full attention on me.
“Okay, I’ll have a banana and hazelnut spread, please.”
“Oooh, good choice.”
Brianne set about making our crêpes. The doorbell chimed and I glanced back at the sound of laughter.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” Marc Denby stepped forward. “You know this is DA territory, right?”
“Don’t be an asshole, Denby,” Kye said. “This place has always been neutral.”
“Bull. Shit. It’s ours and everyone—
“No fighting in the store,” Brianne said. “Or you’ll be banned.”
“Says who?”
“Says me.” An older man appeared from out back and leveled Denby with a hard look. “This is my store and I make the rules, son. Now you can either stay and eat, or you can leave. Choice is all yours.”
Marc ran his eyes over the three of us, scowling. But surprisingly, he conceded. “We’re not here to cause trouble.”
“Good. If you need me, Brianne, I’ll be in my office.”
“Sure thing, Uncle Decker.”
Uncle.
“Well shit,” I whispered. “I never realized Brianne’s uncle owned this place.”
She handed me and Zane our desserts and Chloe ordered, the two of them chatting about Chloe’s date last night.
“I’m going to sit. I don’t want to listen to this shit.” Kye headed for one of the empty booths.
“Here.” I dug out my wallet and threw a twenty down on the counter. “For all four of us.”
“You got it.” Brianne smiled, but there was no heat there.
We slid into the booth, and I watched Denby and his friends goof around in the line.
“Who’s the new guy?” I asked no one in particular.
“Nate Miller.” Chloe joined us, sliding in next to her brother. “His dad is good friends with Michael Rowe.”
I went rigid. A bolt of anger darting through me.
“I don’t know whether to be impressed or freaked the fuck out that you know all of this.”
“I spend a lot of time here with Brianne. I hear things.” She went still, her eyes glazing over slightly.
“Clo?” Kye whispered.
But I heard him then. Denby running his big fucking mouth.
“A little birdie tells me you’re making a play for Maguire?”