“This is fine. I’m not a big drinker.”
All serious now, Hayden leaned in, holding my gaze. “Then get a soda or a virgin mocktail. You deserve a drink you enjoy.”
I tried not to fidget, unsure how to respond honestly without revealing too much or killing the mood. “I really don’t mind. It’s not that I don’t like drinking. Just not while I’m out.”
Fire burned in Hayden’s eyes. “If you don’t like to drink while you’re out, don’t get a drink while you’re out. Drink what makes you comfortable and happy. Nothing is more important than that. Now, tell me what the hell you want to drink.”
“Um…water?”
“You want water?”
“Yeah. I’m thirsty and I’d love some water.”
“Then drink your damn water!” Hayden jabbed her finger toward my glass of water, sitting right next to my margarita.
Juliette broke down first, and the rest of us followed, cracking up in full belly laughs. When the waitress came with our food, we barely pulled ourselves together enough to thankher, then we lost it again when Hayden asked for refills on our water.
“How’s Dylan’s first day going?” I asked Juliette between bites of my tamale.
She rolled her eyes. “Fantastic. They responded to a fire first thing this morning, and he said it feltsogood to be back.”
A chill ran down my spine. Liam hadn’t mentioned a fire, which wasn’t surprising because every time we talked, he was too preoccupied worrying about me. We’d spoken a lot, though, so he was obviously okay, or he would have told me by now, right?
“They’re fine,” Hayden said firmly, obviously reading our worry. “It’s what they’re trained to do, and they’re great at it.”
“I know, it’s just…it’s hard after seeing him so badly hurt,” Juliette said.
“It’s okay to be a little worried. If he’s anything like me, he loves knowing you care enough to worry. But he needs to know you have confidence in him too,” Hayden said.
“I do. I know he’s amazing at what he does.” Juliette’s voice cracked as she admitted it was where he belonged, even if it terrified her. “I just want him to be happy and safe.”
“Knowing you’re home waiting for him will help him be both,” Hayden said. “Same for Liam, too,” she said to me, then she turned to Nicky. “What about you? Interested in any of the firefighters or law enforcement guys?”
“No,” Nicky said quickly, and Juliette and I laughed.
“What?” Hayden asked.
“Nicky!” I mocked. “The truth!”
Nicky narrowed her eyes at me. “That is the truth. I am not interested inbeingwith anyone.”
“But…” I coaxed.
“But nothing! He’s a moody, broody asshole, and that’s the last thing I need or want in my life.”
“Ryan?” Hayden guessed.
“Ding ding ding! We have a winner!” I said.
Even Nicky cracked a smile. “Not hard when he’s obviously the biggest asshole around,” she grumped.
“Yeah, but he’s a nice asshole. I’ve been on some calls with him, and he really cares. We were at a DV call once, and I was worried we’d have to restrainhimso he wouldn’t kill the guy,” Hayden said.
Nicky frowned. “Don’t make him sound likeable.”
We laughed again, and the rest of the night flew by. By the time we were done, my heart felt as full as my belly. I was so grateful that Liam had thought to ask Hayden to go with us and that she was so awesome. This was exactly what I needed. A perfect night of normalcy, undeterred by all the crap going on. It was even better than normal, though, because with Hayden here to keep an eye on things and make sure I got home safely, I was free to let my mind wander to Liam and what I’d say to him later—the cherry on top of a perfect night.
“One more toast before we go,” I said, raising my nearly empty water glass. “To friends, old and new.”