Page 15 of Blush

“Sorry,” Frankie says. “We didn’t know what you’d want.”

“Don’t worry about that,” the man with her says. “I’ll get you something from the bar. What would you like?”

“What are you drinking?” Gigi bats her eyes.

“Jack on the rocks.”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ll have the same.”

The man exits quickly and heads to the bar.

“Gigi,” Isabella says, still in the robot tone. “You hate hard liquor.”

“I’ll suffer through. Isn’t he luscious? He works for Braden Black.”

I perk to attention. Jackson works for Braden Black.

“What’s his name?” I ask.

“Dylan something or other. Andrews or Anderson or something like that. He’s meeting someone here. A coworker. But he’s not here yet. All the better for me.”

I take a sip of my sidecar. It’s my drink of choice. Lemon juice and cognac with a sugared rim to add just a touch of sweetness.

Dylan returns with his and Gigi’s drinks.

“Why don’t you pull up a chair?” Gigi says.

Dylan looks around. “I don’t see a spare one anywhere. But there are two seats at the bar if you’d like to join me.”

“You don’t mind, do you?” Gigi glances around our table.

“Of course not,” I say.

Isabella and Frankie don’t look as thrilled.

Really, Frank? You’re engaged, for God’s sake. Let Gigi have her fun.

Frankie, Isabella, and Gigi have been in a perpetual competition for men since I can remember.

“What’s up with her?” Isabella says after Gigi leaves. “This is your night, Frank.”

“Oh, it’s okay.”

Right. Frankie wants to sulk, but she’s engaged. She’s supposed to be happy. Penn Berry better make my sister happy or he’ll answer to me.

“Why don’t we toast?” I hold up my sidecar. “To Frankie and Penn.”

That brings a smile to Frankie’s face.

“Yes,” Isabella says monotonously. “To Frankie and Penn. And to many happy years.”

We clink glasses, and I take another sip of my sidecar when—

“Hey, Mandy.”

My heart jolts. I’d know that whiskey-toned voice anywhere.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Jackson sits down in the empty chair at our table.