Page 49 of Fire and Rain
“Why are you still trying to meet men online?” Maria dabbed her lips with a napkin. “The good ones don’t hang out there.”
Anya rolled her eyes. “I know.”
Eden had never used dating apps, and she wasn’t sorry. “What did you message back?”
“I told him what I was really missing was decent men without big egos. He called me a bitch and blocked me.”
It was then Eden saw him.
Sean walked in with Trey, his gaze missing her. He wore a dark blue button-down shirt with faded denim jeans, his gaze moving to the stage where the Outriggers were getting ready for their set. He and the others took a table in the back, close to the pool tables where he and Justin used to play each other.
“Eden?”
“Oh, sorry.”
“I asked how you’re doing.” Natasha looked worried. “Any more trouble with dear, beloved Cousin Mila?”
Eden had kept her sisters up to date on Mila’s nonsense via group texts. “Thankfully, not. Not since Crab Fest.”
Maria had finished her clam chowder and was perusing the dessert menu. “Mom told me you and Maverick were sick with scarlet fever.”
“Scarlet fever?” This was apparently news to Natasha and Anya.
“We’re better. Sean, Justin’s best friend, stayed with us. He took us to the doctor and then watched over Mavie so I could sleep. He gave him his medicine and even changed his diaper. I can’t remember when I’ve been that sick.”
“Sean?” Maria’s eyebrows rose. “I remember him from your wedding. He was the best man. Isn’t he the hot guy you were staring at just now?”
“Was I staring?”
“Yes,” her sisters said together.
Eden couldn’t help it, her gaze drawn to him once more.
Four heads turned.
Katie’s voice took on a husky tone. “Oh, my.”
“Will you excuse me for a moment? I just want to say hi.”
“This is my birthday party, and I say go for it,” said Maria.
Natasha seemed to find the whole thing funny. “Why are you wasting time with us?”
Then it was Anya’s turn. “Run, girl.”
Eden was already out of her chair and on her way.
* * *
Sean perusedthe menu even though he knew it by heart. He and Justin had hung out here during their off hours, playing pool, throwing darts, shooting the shit with other Coasties. He’d come here a lot less often since Justin’s death.
Trey nudged him. “Incoming. Eleven o’clock.”
Sean looked up—and stared.
Damn.
Eden was walking straight toward him, looking good enough to eat.
