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Simon and Bobbi have an interesting relationship. We thought they got along fine, but it became apparent that they’re like oil and water and don’t mix. I suppose they tolerate each other’s presence for our sake.
“Please don’t fight, children,” I say. “There’s enough Keanu and Leigh for both of you.”
“You’re hilarious, Key.” Simon makes a face.
“What exactly do you need our help with?” Bobbi asks.
I pull the small velvet box from my pocket and show them the ring I picked. “Do you think Leigh will like it?”
Simon whistles. “Yes, Key, I’ll marry you.”
I snort. “Never pegged you for a princess-cut type of guy.”
“I’d be any type of guy with bling of that size.”
“So… Simon approves. What about you, Bobbi? You know Leigh best.”
“It’s a very pretty ring. But honestly, I think she’d love any ring as long as you’re the one giving it to her.”
I let out a relieved sigh. “Okay, that’s good. I really didn’t want to screw up.”
Bobbi looks over my shoulder and sees something that makes him sit straighter in his chair. “Shit.”
“What?” I turn around and spot Leigh walking to our table with Flora, the makeup artist who I’m 99 percent sure was responsible for last year’s switcheroo. Leigh is wearing big sunglasses and a baseball hat that keeps most of her features concealed. Unfortunately, it’s a precaution these days.
Quickly, I close the ring box and shove it back into my pocket, barely hiding it in time. “Babe, what are you doing here?” I ask, unable to hide the nervousness from my tone.
Settle down, Keanu. She didn’t see anything.
“Flora invited me to lunch. What are you guys up to?”
“Nothing. Just catching up. Join us.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt your bros’ lunch.”
“You’re not interrupting, Leigh,” Simon adds, grinning from ear to ear. The fucker is too amused at my expense, and I want to wipe the smugness off his face with my fist. He’d better believe he’s going to get payback on the ice.
Bobbi stands up. “I’ll get the waiter to bring an extra chair.”
“Or we could just move to a bigger table,” Simon chimes in, earning a glower from Bobbi.
Leigh greets me with a quick peck on the lips and sits next to me, while Flora takes the chair Bobbi just vacated. The restaurant is busy, and no other table big enough for our group is available, so we just make do by squeezing in another chair at the table we have.
Simon leans forward and whispers after Leigh removes her sunglasses, “How long until someone recognizes you?”
“Hopefully, we can make it through half our lunch at least.” She smiles.
He shakes his head. “I don’t know how you don’t go crazy.”
“It’s all right. I’ve had years of practice.”
“No one is going to bother Leigh today,” Flora declares with certainty.
“So you know stuff, right? Like, you can predict the future and such,” Simon asks.
“I’m in tune with the energy around us, if that’s what you mean.”
“Can you tell us if we’re making the playoffs this year?”
