I held up the red halter dress that had just come in. It was just a matter of time before the sorority girls from Cranmore U swarmed my store in need of dresses for their formals. “I could totally see you in it.”
Shay laughed. “You do realize you’ve seen me in more dresses than I’ve worn in my entire life.”
“Honored,” I said, knowing Shay had only begun to come out of her shell after she started dating my brother. The version of her I’d met when Kason first introduced us was completely different—distant, sad, alone. “Any idea how Thayer’s date went the other night?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the dresses I was placing onto a rack.
“You heard about that?”
“I saw him before he went to pick her up. I was just curious how it went.”
“It must’ve went well. He told Kason he’s gonna see her again.”
“Oh. That’s good,” I said, jamming the dresses onto the rack with a little more aggression than necessary.
“Is it?” she asked.
“Of course,” I said, hating that I’d ever brought it up.
“Are you going to Blades tonight?” Shay asked, kindly changing the subject.
I glanced to her. “What’s happening at Blades?”
“Jesse’s having a band and food trucks. He’s trying to cater to new customers, especially with all the tourists visiting. Kason’s signing autographs.”
“He didn’t mention it,” I said.
“Well, I’m mentioning it. So, you should totally come.”
I cocked my head. “You’re using me because Kason’s gonna be busy all night.”
“Would you hate me if I were?”
I laughed. “No.” I considered her invite. I was used to working long hours and being too tired to do anything but go home afterward.
“Even if you just stop by for a little while, Kason would be happy you showed.”
“Oh, you’re laying the guilt on thick.”
She smiled. “Seriously, though. He’s in a great mood since he got his cast off today.”
“Oh, that’s right. Was everything okay?”
“The doctor said the X-ray looked good and told him to take it easy. But, you know your brother.”
I laughed to myself. Did I ever. “You know what? I’ll go.”
Her brows shot up. “Yeah?”
“Did you expect me to say I wouldn’t?”
She winced. “Kinda.”
I didn’t blame her for expecting that response. I normally would say no. I was just beginning to forget why.
When I arrived at Blades, there were tons of cars lining the road. I found a spot a couple of blocks down and parked while speaking to Gino on the phone.
“I’m just pulling up now,” I said.
“Say hi to your brother for me.”