Perfect Night (Mason Creek #4) - Terri E. Laine Page 0,18

expected.

“Not everyone,” Leni said. “I’ve sworn off men.” She looked at Sadie and Justine. “But I’m excited for you two.”

Laken spoke up next, “The only guy I’ve ever wanted, I can’t have.”

I could have said something similar. Though Aiden was back, he’d only ever treated me like a friend.

“How about I get you a round of cocktails and virgin one’s for you too?”

They all nodded, and I left them. Was it wrong to feel envious? I’d thought I had it all until I didn’t. Still the encounter with the girls helped make my decision.

The next day after spending a long time cooking, I took matters into my own hands. I gave hours to the waitresses I’d sent home earlier yesterday, which left the bar covered with Jack there.

It was probably a bad idea to show up at Aiden’s unannounced, especially when I could have called him any day this week to express my gratitude. I hadn’t. I’d also been avoiding Evan’s repeated calls and texts.

What had I done instead? I made a pot of chili and drove the long way to Aiden’s hoping the nosy folks in town wouldn’t know where I was headed.

I sat in my car for a second before I got out. I lugged the pot to the door. The closer I got, I heard giggles. Female laughter. I bypassed the door to take a quick peek inside. I didn’t want to bother Aiden if he had company.

There, leaning against the counter was Aiden with his arms folded. Darcy Williams had her hands braced on his chest as she moved in for the obvious kiss. I pulled back before they saw me. I only noticed then Darcy’s car was parked a little way down. It wasn’t in front of his house as if she didn’t want people making the assumptions I was standing on the porch.

I backed away and left silently. I didn’t want to be caught for reasons unknown. I had a fiancé. Aiden was single and free to do whatever he wanted with whomever he wanted.

Just because it felt like he was sending me signals, clearly my addled brain had read more into it than there really was. For the millionth time, I thought I might cry. I sucked it up and used anger to stop that foolishness.

If Aiden wanted to hook up with the former homecoming queen, his ex, that was totally up to him. Just because he didn’t know what she’d been up to since he left town didn’t make it my business to tell him.

I drove to Java Jitters hoping to convince Jessie to commiserate with me. Only Miles was there sitting at a booth likely waiting for her to finish her shift.

I waited in line.

“Is everything okay?” Jessie asked when I reached the counter.

“Yeah. Just need my coffee fix.” I kept the rest to myself. If I’d told her, she would have come with me. But the good doc looked like he’d waited all day just to spend some time with her.

“To go?” she asked.

“Yes, please.” Coffee for one, I thought miserably.

When I stepped to the side so the next person could place their order, I caught sight of Alana. I moved in her direction.

“Taking a break?” I asked. Like me, she was taking online classes.

“Yeah. I need the caffeine to keep my eyes open.”

I gave her a conspiratorial smile because I had an exam coming up in my accounting class I should be studying for. “Me too. How about some chili to go with it?”

“You made chili?”

“I did and I need someone to share it with.”

“Sounds like heaven and I won’t have to cook. I can’t stay all night. I’ve got a paper due.”

After we got our coffees, I asked, “Your place or mine?”

“A break means a change of scenery. Besides, you cooked.”

“It’s in the car. I’ll explain.”

I waited until we were back at my place before I did. I got the pot from the backseat where I’d placed it to give Alana room. She followed me into the house. “Sit here,” I said, waving toward the sofa. I needed a change of scene too. I wasn’t ready to eat at the table or the kitchen island like I’d done with Dad. I set the pot down and went to grab us bowls.

“So who’s the unlucky person who didn’t get your chili? Jessie?”

I walked back in with bowls, spoons, and a couple of beers. The coffee had been an excuse. “Not exactly. Don’t get mad, but I made it for