Gales returns in time to catch the end of her comment and hands me my glass. We toast, and he looks my way as we drink, brows low over his bright blue eyes.

“Philip asked us to feel things out while we’re here,” he says, mentioning Jane’s older brother, Gales’s college roommate. They’re how Jane and I were introduced. “This isn’t like with Marcus, is it?”

“No. It’s not great.” I’m fighting a smile. “But I think it’s on its way to being remedied.”

“Explain,” my cousin demands.

I frown. “You were so much better with vagueness before him.” Directness is Gales’s only approach to communication. He grins, bringing an arm around the back of Chloe’s bar stool. She leans into him, unruffled by my complaint.

I summarize the past few weeks, including Andrea’s unsavory commentary, which Jane glossed over in his Charles-centric gush-fest with Chloe. When I get to Darcy’s involvement in the breakup, Chloe’s hackles rise.

“Ugh. Dickhead,” Chloe complains.

“He said he was going to make it right,” I say, defensive. “For me.”

Chloe’s hostility tapers to intrigue. “Wait, Darcy’s the handsy dress guy, right?”

“Yes.”

“So, we like this?” she asks.

“It is . . .”

“Complicated?” Gales offers.

“Understatement. With him, it’s been intense since day one. The pull is relentless.”

Gales elbows Chloe. She rolls her eyes but leans against him.

“Yes,” she says. “I know something about that feeling.” Gales sits a little taller, if that’s even possible.

“The two of you,” I grumble. “Anyway, everything is on hold until Darcy gets things straightened out with Charles and Jane.”

“Oof.” Chloe winces. “The anticipation has to be killing you.”

“It’s excruciating.”

“I hate to interrupt,” says Gales, “but I’m pretty sure the two of you are getting into a subject you’d enjoy more without my participation.”

I hold a hand to my chest. “You don’t want to hear about the hottie I made out with in the coat check?”

“I’m sure he’s dreamy.” Gales finishes the last of his beer. “However, there’s a Japanese knife shop in Tribeca I’d like to check out.” He rubs his palms together in excitement. “They have a sharpening demo in about thirty, so I’m going to take off. Unless you want to go, too?” He eyes us skeptically.

Chloe pats his forearm. “I think you’ll get more out of it without us, babe.”

“Fair enough. It’s only an hour long, so gimme a ring if you get into something.” He rises from the stool, leaning in to give Chloe a kiss on the temple. He brings two fingers to his brow, then tosses me a casual salute. “Lizard.”

Chloe’s eyes follow Gales to the lobby, then she meets my gaze. “You good with your drink? We can go to the lounge area, if you want. Better chairs.”