“I will,” I promised.

  Kate hugged her, and Mrs. Donovan patted Kate’s shoulder.

  After Mrs. Donovan left, Kate closed the door and leaned against it, releasing a long breath. “That went better than I expected.”

  “I like her,” I said.

  “She’s the best candidate we could hope for.” Kate moved toward me, slipping her arms around my waist. “And I think she almost approves of you.”

  “Not sure about that.”

  Kate laughed, then grew more serious. “We’ll have to see who the candidates on the other side are.”

  “I’m sure they’re going to pick some tough candidates.”

  “You know Amber’s been working with them? Helping to find pro-development candidates?”

  I nodded, scratching my eyebrow. “Yeah, no surprise there.”

  “She’s pretty much heading up their candidate search,” Kate said, giving me a probing look. “You sure you want to go to her birthday party on Friday?”

  I smiled. “Why not? I love a challenge.”

  Chapter four

  “Explain to me again why we’re doing this?” Kate asked from the back seat. She wore dark jeans and a fitted blazer—her version of party attire.

  “Because it’s Amber’s birthday,” Caroline said, touching up her lipstick in the passenger mirror.

  “And we were invited, remember?” I added, keeping my eyes on the road.

  The evening had turned foggy, streetlights glowing in soft halos. Amber’s party was in a pub just outside of town, off the highway.

  Sofia was busy working at the restaurant, but she said she’d be joining us a bit later.

  Kate sighed. “You realize she only invited us because her friend blurted it out. Amber can barely look us in the eye.”

  “That’s not true,” Caroline said, snapping on the lid of her lipstick. “She definitely invited Ryan with her eyes. Several times.”

  “I still think it’s a little weird,” Kate muttered, though I could see her smiling in the rearview mirror. “Going to the birthday party of the enemy.”

  I gave Kate a skeptical squint in the mirror. “Come on Kate.”

  She frowned. “Come on what?”

  “Cut the BS. Seducing a stubborn opponent? Making her willingly submit? That’s right up your alley.”

  She looked away, smirking. “Yeah, maybe.”

  “Anyway, people change,” Caroline said.

  “They do,” I agreed. “Especially when they’re turning twenty-five and having a quarter-life crisis.”

  Caroline straightened in her seat. “Exactly! Her ovaries are forcing her to reevaluate her life choices.”

  “And that means she’s going to set a course for Ryan’s bed?” Kate asked, scrunching her eyebrows with skepticism.

  I shook my head. “You’re just playing devil’s advocate.”

  “Our bed, actually,” Caroline added. “And yes. Eventually, she will end up there. You’ll see.”

  I smiled despite myself. “You, my dear, are incorrigible. Maybe we should just let Amber enjoy her birthday without us scheming to seduce her.”

  Kate suddenly leaned forward between the seats, her mouth lewd. “Come on, Ryan. You’ve already been thinking about her like this for a while, haven’t you?”

  I kept my eyes on the road, but couldn’t deny it. “She’s a bit of a brat, but… Yeah. She’s cute.”

  Caroline’s hand found my thigh. “And she feels the same about you. The way she looked at you at breakfast… She was barely even hiding it.”

  “And you’re okay with that?” I asked, glancing at Caroline. “Both of you?”

  “I told you before,” Caroline said. “I think she’d be perfect. Young, beautiful... fertile.”

  “Jeez, Caroline,” Kate laughed. “You make it sound like we’re shopping for breeding stock.”

  “Well, someone’s got to give this man babies,” Caroline said, her voice cracking slightly. “And it’s not going to be me.”

  “Not at your age,” Kate agreed.

  Caroline made a face. “Thanks for the reminder.”

  “You know what I mean.” Kate squeezed Caroline’s shoulder. “I’m pretty much right there with you.”

  I turned onto the main street where Riverside Bar’s neon sign glowed through the mist. “But none of this matters if Amber isn’t interested in joining... whatever this is.”

  “Oh, she’s interested,” Caroline said confidently. “Even if she hasn’t admitted it yet.”

  As I pulled into a parking space, I caught sight of the bar’s windows, decorated with paper autumn leaves and Oktoberfest banners.

  “Look,” I said, turning to face them both. “Let’s just go in, wish her happy birthday, have a few drinks, and see what happens. No pressure.”

  Caroline smiled innocently. “Of course not.”

  “Just an enemy birthday party,” Kate agreed.

  Chapter five

  Along table near the back of the bar was piled with half-eaten food—platters of nachos, picked-over pizza, and a chocolate cake with several slices missing.

  A handwritten banner reading “Happy 25th Amber!” hung above it.

  The birthday girl herself stood laughing with her friends Jessica and Tanya, holding a pink cocktail with a little umbrella in it.

  She wore a short, tight skirt that showed off her toned legs, paired with a silky top that clung to her curves.

  Her blonde hair fell loose around her shoulders instead of its usual ponytail, and her heels made her legs look even longer than usual.

  Just like at Sofia’s grand opening, she seemed more relaxed than her usual uptight, professional persona allowed.

  Caroline spotted her first. “There she is. And she’s not wearing her hair in that bossy ponytail for once.” She nudged me. “She looks good.”

  “That she does,” I agreed.

  Amber turned, catching sight of us by the door. Her eyes lit up briefly before she composed herself. She raised her glass in greeting and made her way over.

  “You guys came,” she said, a slight flush on her cheeks that might have been from the drink in her hand. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”

  “Wouldn't miss it,” Caroline said, leaning in to give Amber a quick hug. “Happy birthday!”

  Amber seemed bemused by the contact but returned the hug after a moment’s pause. “Thanks.”

  “Happy birthday,” Kate echoed, offering a smile that was small but genuine.

  I stepped forward and pulled Amber into a hug. “Happy birthday,” I said, catching the scent of her peach moisturizer.

  She hesitated for just a second before relaxing into the embrace. “Thanks for coming,” she said as we separated, her eyes meeting mine briefly.

  “Here—a present.” I handed her the paper bag with the fancy soaps that Caroline had picked out.

  Amber’s mouth fell open. “Ohhh! Thank you so much—you didn’t have to! You guys are sweet,” Amber said, hugging the bag to her chest and acknowledging each of us.

  “Sofia will be here later,” Caroline said. “After she closes the restaurant.”

  “Great,” Amber said, sounding like she actually meant it. “Tanya and Jessica are over there. Some people from my office too. Help yourselves to whatever.”

  Jessica appeared at Amber’s side, grinning broadly and offering her extension-tipped fingers. “Hey, you made it! Amber was hoping you would.”

  “Jessica!” Amber nudged her friend, but she was smiling.

  “What? You were,” Jessica laughed. She turned to us. “She’s been checking the door for the last half hour.”

  “No, you’re being silly,” she said quickly, the umbrella falling from her drink. “I was just making sure all my guests arrived safely.” She lifted her chin with exaggerated dignity.

  “Of course,” Caroline said smoothly, playing along. “How responsible of you.”

  “Always the hostess,” Jessica agreed with a wink. “Anyway, come get drinks. We’re just getting started.”

  As Jessica led Caroline and Kate toward the bar, Amber hung back, looking up at me with a hint of self-consciousness. “Sorry about Jessica. She gets a little... enthusiastic.”

  “No worries,” I said. “It’s your birthday. Everyone's excited for you.”

  She took a sip of her drink, her eyes meeting mine over the rim of her glass. “I’m glad you came,” she said, her voice softer than usual.

  “Me too,” I said, slightly surprised.

  Her cheeks flushed, and she seemed embarrassed that she’d said too much. She took a sip, still returning my gaze but wilting slightly.

  She spoke rapidly, her hand gesticulating. “Well, thanks for coming. I’m gonna get back to my snacks.” Her hand grabbed my arm, squeezing. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

  I nodded slowly, calm amidst her nervous energy.

  I watched as she walked away, the sway of her hips in that tight skirt drawing more than a few glances from around the bar.

  I found a tall table for us not far from the food, with two high chairs for Kate and Caroline.

  Grabbing a paper plate, I loaded it with nachos, then took up a standing position at the table.

  Caroline snagged the last piece of chocolate cake while Kate went for a pretzel and spinach dip. The ladies settled onto their chairs and observed the scene.

  Jessica appeared with a tray of shots, setting it down with a flourish. “House special! It’s got cinnamon schnapps and some other German thing.”

  “Perfect for Oktoberfest,” Caroline said pleasantly, though she didn’t reach for one.

  Kate took a shot, knocking it back decisively. I followed suit, the cinnamon burning pleasantly down my throat.

  Gradually, the bar filled up, and the party was in full swing. People gathered around the dance floor where the DJ had turned up the music.

  The food table had been decimated, and Amber's cheeks had taken on a permanent flush as she moved between groups, drink in hand, acknowledging all her guests.

  We’d lost Kate — she had been pulled into a conversation about the adventure park by some locals. But Caroline remained beside me sipping a ginger ale.

  “Not drinking?” I asked.

  “Designated driver,” she said with a shrug, though, by the look on her face, she had no taste for alcohol tonight.

  Amber skipped up to us and rested her elbows on the high table, grinning. The flush in her cheeks had deepened.

  “You guys having fun?” she asked, her gaze lingering on my chin.

  “Great party,” I said, trying not to notice how she was leaning forward, giving me a view of her cleavage she wouldn’t normally offer so freely.

  “It’s about to get better,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Karaoke starts in twenty minutes.”

  “Please tell me you’re singing,” Caroline said.

  Amber laughed, the sound lighter than usual. “Not unless someone gets me a lot drunker. I only sing in my car.”

  Caroline’s hand fell lightly on her shoulder. “By the way, how’s that little baby we saw at Sof’s grand opening? Still cute as ever?”

  Amber lit up. “My nephew! Oh, he’s great, thanks for asking!”

  Caroline gave me a crafty look.

  Amber’s face crumpled, her eyes filled with love. “Oh my god, he’s so perfect. Ryan, do you have any idea?”

  She touched my forearm, holding up a pinkie finger. “He wraps his tiny little fist around just this one finger. You should see it.”

  “You seem really good with him,” I said.

  Caroline smiled, jumping in, “Think you’ll have kids someday?”

  Amber glanced at me with anxiety in her eyes, probably suspecting me of betraying her secrets.

  Then she looked at the table, frowning thoughtfully. “I’ve thought about it, and… I do want kids. But… I can’t now. The time isn’t right.”

  “How will you know when the time is right?” Caroline pressed gently. Look at me. I waited forever, and now… It’s too late for me.”

  Amber’s mouth fell open. She looked at Caroline, almost in shock. Then she quickly looked away, recovering with a laugh. “This is getting way too serious. We should be having fun.”

  She grabbed a shot from a passing tray and downed it in one go, then grinned at us with renewed party spirit.

  In the same instant, a loud “WHOO!” cut through our conversation as some guy barreled past, nearly knocking into me from behind.

  He was tall, wearing a dress shirt. Still dancing erratically, he swung his arm within inches of my head, as he sang very loudly and very out-of-key, “SWEET CAROLINE, bah bah bah!”

  “Who’s that?” I asked, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

  “Oh, that’s Doug. My co-worker,” Amber said.

  Doug spotted us and changed course, weaving his way back to our table. He had a pointy chin and a beaky nose, and I felt an instant visceral dislike.

  Though that may have had something to do with his obnoxious behavior.

  “Birthday girl!” He shouted, stretching his lips back to show his teeth. “Need a drink?”

  “No, thanks, Doug. I’ve had enough for now.” Amber’s voice took on a patient tone I suspected she used often with him. “These are my friends, Caroline and Ryan.”

  Doug gave me a once-over, his smile never reaching his eyes. “Oh yeah, the guy who stirred up all that trouble with the council. Nice work, bro.” He clapped my shoulder.

  I was about to inform Doug that I wasn’t his “bro,” but Amber quickly jumped in, trying to break the tension. “Doug’s been pretty involved with our political committee,” she blurted out.

  Doug puffed up visibly. “Hell yeah! We’re making things happen. Gotta shake up this sleepy little town."

  “Oh, yeah? Like how?” Caroline said.

  “We’re gonna be the number one spring break destination in the Carolinas!” Doug exclaimed, raising his beer.

  With one final idiotic shout, he lurched back into a spasmodic dance, leaving us alone.

  Amber cringed as she watched him stumble back toward the dance floor.

  Chapter six

  Beyonce was pounding on the speakers, and the volume went up. The night was heating up.

  The crowd had shifted. Amber’s more sober business associates had gone home, replaced by her friends who were in the mood to party.

  Jessica danced towards our table and grabbed Amber’s hand. “Come on, babe!”

  They moved towards the dance floor, stumbling in their heels, and joined a group of Amber’s friends.

  Amber glanced back once before her girlfriends formed a wall around her, presumably to shield her from Doug.

  The douche bag was lurking around them like a dancing vulture.

  The party continued to ramp up as more people arrived. Sofia finally made it, bringing a fresh energy to our little group.

  She stood by our table, a colorful cocktail in her hand as she swayed her hips. The bar was growing hotter, louder, more chaotic.

  Through it all, we kept an eye on Amber.

  She’d moved from tipsy to drunk, accepting drinks from various well-wishers, dancing with different groups.

  But it was Doug I noticed most—how he kept finding reasons to be near her, plying her with drinks, touching her arm or waist whenever possible.

  “I don't like that guy,” I said to Caroline after Doug handed Amber what had to be her fifth or sixth drink.

  “Yeah, I can tell,” she said, nudging me towards the floor. “Go dance with her.”

  I made a face. Caroline knew I wasn’t a fan of drunken bar dancing. Noisy, crowded environments always made me cranky.

  But when Sofia tugged on my hand, I relented. Caroline followed, and I realized it wasn’t hard to have fun dancing with two hot women.

  I got into it, laughing at my own dance moves, enjoying the sight of Caroline and Sofia having fun.

  Then, a hand squeezed my arm, drawing me out of it.

  It was Kate. “You might want to check on the blonde.” Her voice had a sharp edge.

  My eyes scanned the bar. I spotted Doug forcefully guiding Amber to a corner, his hand low on her back.

  She tried to resist, but his arm kept sweeping her along, and she seemed to need his support to keep her balance.

  Jessica and Tanya were distracted, drunk-dancing with a group of girls.

  I weaved my way through the crowd. I’d only had two beers over a few hours. My head was clear.

  By the time I reached them, Doug had Amber backed against the wall, one hand beside her head, the other on her hip. He was leaning in close, speaking into her ear.

  Amber was trying to push him away. Though her words were slurred, the meaning was clear. “Doug, fuck off! I’m serious. I told you I don’t think of you like that. I wanna go back to my friends.”

  She was swaying, eyes unfocused.

  “Hey, Amber,” I said moving in decisively, my eyes burning with menace.

  After a delay, Doug straightened at the sound of my voice, then unsteadily stepped towards me. His blurry eyes took a moment to focus on me.

  “We’re kind of in the middle of something, man,” he said testily.

  “Ryan! Oh my god, hi!” Amber exclaimed as if I was a long lost friend. Her eyes were misted over. She was more drunk than I thought.

  She reached her arms for me, trying to move past Doug. But he shifted, blocking her path. “Where are you going?”

  “Get out of her way,” I said, trying to keep my anger from exploding.

  Doug turned to me fully now, swaying on his long legs. “What are you, her bodyguard?”

  “Yeah, I am,” I said, and Amber’s eyes widened. “And her friend,” I added.

  “My bodyguard!” Amber exclaimed, shoving past Doug and stumbling into me, throwing her arms around me. I supported her waist with one arm, the sweet scent of her skin making me feel even more protective.

  Doug’s eyes burned with jealousy. “She was fine until you came and cock-blocked,” he said bitterly.

  Amber suddenly released me, spinning around towards Doug. “You know what…” She stumbled, her finger pointing in the air as if she was about to tell him off.

  But she paused, and I noticed the color drain from her face as her lips closed tight.