Mixed Emotions - Mia Heintzelman Page 0,3

way it sounded so surreal on her tongue. “She gave me twelve weeks to get this book ready. She wants me to find my niche and come up with a new title to go along with the pictures, recipes, and personal stories. I really don’t need a man right now.”

Well, maybe for a few things that didn’t require her to buy batteries in bulk at Costco, but, no, really, she didn’t want a man at the moment. Especially, if it isn’t Mike.

Oli turned and grabbed Zora’s hands, squeezing as she deepened her gaze. “Fine. Whatever, but just for tonight, let’s lose ourselves.”

Oh, just…lose ourselves. No big deal. Nothing to write home about.

Except that it was for Zora.

Ever since she was four, her singular goal in life had been to avoid losing herself and to stay true to the woman her grandmother raised her to be—strong against the odds. It was exhausting but worth it when she knew what being weak did to a woman. Mom. Every day that she looked in the mirror, she was reminded.

For one night and for the friends who were coming to celebrate with her, though, she could afford to let loose. Heck, she was already dressed the part.

Zora put on her game face. “Fine.”

Oli did a bouncy, happy dance and stepped forward as they reached the door. She opened her purse for the beefy doorman, then stopped to give him a sultry, batted lash look before she turned back and waggled her eyebrows at Zora.

“Work and play don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” she purred.

Zora was pretty sure that last bit wasn’t meant solely for her benefit, considering the fine specimen of man her friend was flirting with.

Zora opened her small clutch, smiling awkwardly at the bouncer. “Thanks. Anyway,” she said to Oli. “Mike and I are friends. That’s it. I’m fine by myself. Plus, he’s with Kate, and, he’s not here.”

Oli snickered. “I’m just going to mind my own business, sit back, and watch what happens.”

Chapter Two

Mike

Michael Kennedy sat on the edge of a wooden stool with his elbows propped on the long, sleek black bar and his chin resting on his clasped hands. While he knew he should be looking around the silent disco for Olivia and Zora, he wasn’t exactly in any hurry to find them, considering Kate’s prickly mood.

“Do you see them yet?” she asked for about the fifth time since they’d arrived.

“Relax.”

He wrapped his hand around Kate’s and flashed her a reassuring smile. Within a few minutes, a young bartender with a full beard and two sleeves of tattoos nodded in his direction.

“I’ll have a jack and Coke and a vodka cranberry for the lady,” Mike called out over the hum of the crowd.

“You’d think they’d be here before anyone else.”

The impatience in Kates’s voice ripped through Mike’s thoughts. It irritated the shit out of him, but at the moment, he was picking his battles. Really, he didn’t know what to expect.

Would Kate and Zora resort to that female tendency to hate, then judge, before looking closer to see if they liked one another?

Mike blew out a breath to try to take the edge off. It wasn’t Zora he was worried about. He’d known her since she was a kid. The girl was laid-back, even-tempered, and fun-loving. But Kate was territorial and unpredictable—always on defense. This meant he was going to have to spend the rest of the night convincing Kate she had nothing to worry about.

He and Zora were friends.

How many times do I have to say it?

Mike scanned the sea of faces and swaying bodies. The silence was baiting his nerves. Maybe if he saw Zora first, he’d have a small advantage. Be able to gauge the situation and see where her head was at…warn her. But, still no sign of them.

Kate released an audible sighed.

“Chill. We just got here, too. They’ll be here soon.”

She whipped her head around to face and scrutinize him as if there was more to this night out. “I’m just a little confused. Tell me again why you have to be here?” Her tone was laced with accusation. “You’re Everett’s friend, not Zora’s.”

In a divine act, the bartender placed their order on the edge of the bar, saving him. Mike made a mental note to leave a generous tip.

“Thanks, man.”

For a few seconds, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Then he grabbed both of their drinks. At this point, Kate seemed to sense his annoyance and shimmied between his legs, appealing to