Page 26 of Good Time Boyfriend
I didn’t say anything, I just stared between Paisley and Heath who both looked as if they had seen ghosts.
“I didn’t know you lived here,” Paisley said, her voice cool.
“Yeah. We moved here a year ago.”
Paisley stiffened again. “We?”
Heath gave me an apologetic look before he cleared his throat.
“Yeah, Paisley. All of us. The whole Cassidy family.”
And then it clicked, Paisley’s middle name.
PaisleyCassidyRenee.
“So, you two know each other?” I asked after a moment. Heath looked at Paisley before coming around the bar towards me. Paisley stiffened and tried to get out of her seat, but it was difficult in her pencil skirt. It felt as if it took forever for Heath to get there.
“Yeah, from back in Portland.”
Paisley laughed and downed the rest of her drink.
“He’s my ex-brother-in-law. I used to be married to his twin.”
Relief and an odd sense of foreboding slammed into me. Paisley was not Heath’s ex, but she was connected. Well, damn it. It really was a small world.
“So August lives here now?” Paisley added, shaking her head.
“Yes. We all do. We didn’t know you were living here, Paisley. Greer moved here first, so we came after her.”
Something sad crossed over Paisley’s face before she smiled. “Good. Good to know that you guys are getting closer to Greer after all this time. I didn’t know this was your bar, Heath. I wouldn’t have come. I don’t want to make things awkward. Especially because from the way you two are looking at each other, there seems to be a connection between you and my head of PR.”
“Oh, well, yes,” I said, my voice trailing off, as Heath cleared his throat.
“Devney and I are seeing each other. She hasn’t met the rest of the family. Though she does know Greer.”
“Well, that makes one of us,” she mumbled, and I wondered what had gone on between August and Paisley, but it wasn’t my business.
Paisley sighed before she smiled brightly. It almost reached her eyes. “Everything’s fine. August and I didn’t break each other’s hearts. I promise. Right?” She looked at Heath, who stood there expressionless.
“Anyway, since everyone around here knows I was just stood up, and now with a blast from my past, I’m heading home. Don’t worry, I’m going to rideshare. Have fun and I’ll see you at work.” She noticed Addison for the first time. “You must be Addison, Devney’s best friend. It’s wonderful to meet you. I wish it could be longer and under better circumstances, but I’m literally going to run out of here if that’s okay with you.” And she finally scooted off the bar stool and made her way out, leaving a wake of confusion.
“Wow. I love your boss, but this is like a freaking soap opera. Are you okay?” she asked, and I looked to see that she was asking Heath. I loved my best friend for that.
“Yeah. I just didn’t expect her to be living in Denver. Fuck. I’m going to have to tell August.”
“Was it actually a good breakup?” I asked, not sure if it was my business.
“I have no idea. One day he was married, the next day he wasn’t. I didn’t ask what happened because he wouldn’t let me. We might be twins, but that doesn’t mean I’m allowed to pry. August is more closed off than the other siblings.” He sighed and shook his head. “I have to get back to work, but how about I make sure you get what food you want, and I’ll visit in a bit, if you’re still up for it? It’s good to see you here by the way.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine.
Addison sighed sweetly and murmured, “Well, hello.”
Heath cleared his throat. “Oh, sorry. Hi, I’m Heath. It’s nice to officially meet you rather than the twenty seconds we had at the coffee place.”
Addison reached out to shake his hand. “Hi, I’m Addison, Devney’s best friend. And I know all the background information so you don’t have to worry that I’m like her siblings. Who I love, but wow. Anyway, we’re going to go back to our booth before the waitress thinks we’ve run off. We’ll see you later. Promise.”
“What she said,” I said with a laugh, feeling far more confused than ever.
Heath grinned and pushed my hair back from my face. “You look amazing, by the way.”
