The Rivals by Keeland Vi

Author:Keeland, Vi [Keeland, Vi]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Vi Keeland
Published: 2020-07-10T16:00:00+00:00

***

Remember the first time you walked into your house after you’d been out drinking with your friends at age fifteen and you found your parents in the living room, still awake? You weren’t sure whether you should do a quick wave and attempt to escape to your room or if that in itself might raise suspicion. But if you went and sat down on the couch, there was a distinct chance your parents would either smell the alcohol on you or you’d slur your speech.

Well, I might’ve been twenty-nine now, and Scarlett might’ve been my best friend instead of my parents, but that was exactly how I felt walking back into the restaurant from the laundry room.

I’d been gone for over an hour, so I wasn’t even sure if Scarlett would still be at the bar. She was, though I was relieved to find her alone now.

Her back was to me as I approached, so I smoothed down my hair and did my best to act normal.

“I’m so sorry. That took way longer than I expected.”

Scarlett waved me off. “No problem. Our friends just left five minutes ago anyway. So I had good company.”

I settled into the empty seat next to her and relaxed a little. Okay, maybe Mom and Dad won’t suspect a thing. “You must be starving by now,” I said.

“I had a…” Scarlett trailed off and her eyes roamed my face. They suddenly widened. “Oh my God. You just shagged that tall glass of testosterone!”

I debated denying it, but felt my skin starting to flush, even as I went over my options.

Scarlett clapped her hands. “I almost went looking for you. That gorgeous man’s face was murderous. Now I’m relieved I didn’t, or I would’ve walked in on him putting that anger to good use.”

I covered my face with both hands and shook my head. “I think I’ve lost my mind.”

“Well, I wouldn’t mind losing mine, too. Any chance your man has a pissed-off friend for me?” She smiled.

The bartender came over. “Can I get you another vodka and diet cranberry, Ms. Sterling?”

I was about to say yes. Alcohol sounded exactly like what I needed at the moment. But Scarlett responded before I could.

She leaned in and lowered her voice. “Sean, my love, any chance we could persuade you to slip us a bottle of the wine I’m drinking, a bottle of vodka, and one of those diet cranberries? I haven’t seen my best friend in a while, and I think we could both use a change into our pjs and some room service.”

Sean smiled and nodded. “I’ll do you one better. Why don’t you ladies head upstairs, and I’ll send the bottles along?”

Scarlett leaned across the bar and planted a kiss on Sean’s cheek, leaving behind a smear of her trademark red lipstick. “I love America. Thank you, darling.”

I thanked him and dug a fifty out of my purse. “Please put everything on my room.”

“Not necessary.” He shrugged. “The gentlemen left their tab open for you ladies.

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