“Yeah, maybe I should stay away from matchmaking. You seem like you still want to play before settling down.”
“I love to play so much that I may never settle down.” I grin.
She chuckles before going all Dr. Phil. “Oh, you just watch, Miss Kate Bryant. One day some man is gonna come rock your world so hard you won’t even know what hit you. You’ll join the club of happily ever afters one day, mark my words!”
“Well when you say come and hard in the same sentence it doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Kate!” We laugh and I smile so big it hurts my face. I love this girl and the joy we share together.
“Okay. Your turn to spill. How is it really going with Jon? Are you going to survive living together without committing murder? I won’t have my bestie in lock up on my future wedding day. Please tell me you haven’t committed any crimes as of yet.”
“Err… does destroying public property count?” I bite my lip and tap my chin, “Well, technically I got off with a citation so I guess it doesn’t.”
“Kate!” Evie’s brows shoot up. I nonchalantly sip my tea, shrugging my shoulders.
“What can I say? I didn’t mean to, and Jon asked me to cause a distraction. He should know better than to make a request without specific instructions.”
“Hold up. Jon was there? Please start at the beginning.”
I fill her in on my day yesterday and about the band I’m working with. She Googles them while we talk and is impressed.
“Wow. Kate, this is a big account for you and the studio. How will you get around all week without a car, though? Damn, this is like the worst timing to not be living at your own apartment.”
“You’re preaching to the choir. I know, I’m having a bit of bad luck, but it’s sprinkled with good, too. Jon said he’ll drive me this week since he owes me for saving his ass.” Evie’s brows lift in surprise.
“It’s nice to hear you two are getting along better. Not gonna lie, I was a little worried that this temporary living arrangement would be a disaster.”
I wave my hand across my face. “Pssh. We’re both grown adults. We’ll manage. Oh, and best news ever, I have free VIP tickets to Three Ugly Guys this Tuesday night at Goat Head. Please tell me you can make it.”
“Uh, yeah! I’m so there. How many tickets do you have? We should make it an impromptu girls’ night out.”
“As many as I need. I’ll text Melissa now. Do you think Carly would want to come too? If she could get someone to watch the boys?”
“Let me text her. I think Tate is off this Tuesday night. He’ll stay with the boys.”
A few minutes later we’re all set with plans for an epic girls’ night. We split the bill and walk outside to where Evie’s parked.
“Now I know why you wanted me to pick you up!” She laughs and opens her car doors with a click. I walk around the front to the passenger seat.
“Ha ha! Get your laughs in while you can.” I smile and buckle up.
“I’m sorry, I won’t laugh anymore. Oh, hey, is Jon’s friend staying the week?”
“Jon has friends?” I turn my chin to study Evie as she talks.
“Apparently, yes. Some Army buddy, Alex I think, is coming into town and Jon asked if he could stay at the apartment. I said yes. I’m sorry, I hope that’s okay. I should have asked you or had Jon ask you.” Evie glances sideways, a worried frown pulling at the corners of her lips.
“It’s fine. It’s your apartment, I’m just visiting. Besides, you’re concerned I won’t be okay rooming with not one, but two, hot ex-military guys? Hello! I’m not sure we’ve met. I’m Kate Bryant and I love men.” Evie giggles, focus back on the road.
“You’re right, what was I thinking? I can always count on you to come through for your country.”
“It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” We continue to joke until she pulls up to the apartment.
“Thanks for the ride, hooker!” I lean over the console and give her a squeeze before I open the door and walk to the apartment. I’m happy and carefree, the same way I always feel after time with my best friend. She brings out the best in me, and I swear the laughter we share should be bottled up and sold, it’s that contagious.
I slide my key into the lock and open the door, surprised when I walk in to find Jon’s not alone. In fact, he’s smiling as a gorgeous woman with pixie blonde hair and big blue eyes sits next to him on the couch. She’s talking animatedly and I feel as though I’ve intruded upon a private moment. Neither notices my arrival.
I drop my purse loudly on the kitchen counter, paste on my most charming smile, and walk toward the living area.
“Kate! You’re back!” Jon waves and then nods to the woman sitting beside him. She studies me with a curious smile. “This is my friend Alex. We served together in Iraq. Alex, meet Kate.”
“You’re a woman.” I blurt out. My eyes widen and I slap my hand over my mouth. Jon scowls and Alex laughs at my verbal diarrhea.
“Yeah, I’ve always been a woman. We’re you expecting someone else?”
“Oh, my god! I’m so sorry. I just—When Evie told me your Army buddy was named Alex, I just assumed. Well, you know what they say when you assume... I’ll shut up now.” I cringe and rub my temple.
“I like your friend, Jon.” Alex laughs and moves to stand, gripping the edge of the couch before pulling herself up.
“You’re missing a leg.” It falls from my lips before I can zip my mouth shut. Oh, my god. Seriously, Kate. Sensitive much?
Alex bursts into laughter and Jon sends me a glare so fierce I have to look away.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be allowed to speak in public. That was horribly insensitive. I just didn’t notice at first. Stupid excuse. I swear I’m not usually an asshole.”
“It’s okay, I know my leg is missing. Damn IED tried to take me out. It’s easier to address the elephant in the room. The worst is when people just stare. It’s nice to meet you, Kate.” She walks forward and offers her hand with a grin. I return her smile with one of my own and shake her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Alex. And I’m glad to see Jon has friends. We worry about him sometimes.” I pause to wink at Jon, who looks slightly less irritated. “Anything you need while you are staying here you just let me know. Mi casa, su casa.”
We release hands and I step back. I feel better now that Alex seems like a cool chick. “Well, I’ll let you guys catch up. I’m going to head to my room for a little bit.” I grab my bag from the kitchen, fill a glass of water, and head down the hall. Just as I’m about to close my door I overhear a piece of their conversation.
“—can I say, that’s Kate.”
“Well, I like her.”
“Yeah, I do too.”
“HAVE A GOOD DAY AT school, little girl.” I shout out the window as I drop Kate off outside the studio. She flips her middle finger over her shoulder without a look back and struts to the door, ass swinging from side to side in the black leather and lace rocker chick outfit she’s wearing.
Trouble.
I shake my head to clear my thoughts and drive to Matt’s Big Breakfast over on Seventh Avenue, where Evie and I are meeting Susie McAllister. I figure the best way to break bad news to a pregnant lady is over good food. I still can’t believe the evidence I was able to scrounge up on Saturday.
My phone rings and I click the button on my steering wheel to pick up.
“Hello.”
“Ah, yes. Is this Jonathan Beltran?” A woman’s soft voice comes through my speakers.
“Speaking. What can I do for you?”
“I would like to hire you. I’m concerned about my husband and I hear you’re the one to call.”
“Sure thing. If I can just get your name and number, we can set up a time to meet. My partner Evelyn Harper and I are free most mornings for new client consults. So, you let me know what day works best for you.”