“We’re not going to a club. Gray shot that idea down, surprisingly. Just some pub on Pleasant.”

“I don’t want to intrude—”

“You’re not. I’m inviting you.”

I have a feeling Gray might feel different, but I can’t come up with an excuse Noah’s pleading eyes will accept.

“Okay,” I relent.

Ten minutes later, we’re on our way. Noah talks about work the whole drive to the pub. And he says I’m too focused on my job. I mmhmm and uh-huh along, not really paying attention.

“Gray’s leaving tomorrow.” Noah stating that fact made it sink in more.

The fist around my heart is tightening. He’s leaving, and it makes me want to cry and scream and panic. But I just nod instead.

The pub we walk into is cozy. I’ve never thought of that adjective to describe a drinking establishment before, but it fits this place. I don’t feel the excitement of walking into a club or the exhaustion at making small talk until I can face-plant into bed. It feels comfortable. There’s a group of older men seated at the bar, laughing and joking. A few middle-aged couples. And one booth containing two familiar guys and one green-eyed gaze that immediately erases any ease I’m experiencing.

Gray is good at hiding his emotions, but I’m getting better at seeking them out. There’s a flicker of surprise that tells me Noah didn’t mention me tagging along.

Will he think I’m infringing? Needy? I knew he’d be here.

“Hey, guys.” Noah plops down in the booth, the picture of ease.

Of course he’s relaxed. I would be too. Before. I know these guys. I grew up with them. Despite my crush on Gray, I was never affected by his presence the way I am now.

Consumed.

Engulfed.

The dynamic has changed, and we’re the only two who are aware.

“Hey, Collins. Evie.” Emmett greets us both with an easy smile. Expected.

So is Harrison’s grin. “Not too cool to hang out with us, Evie?”

“Noah called me lame. Apparently, I work too much.” I sit down and give my brother a pointed look. “Pot.”

“Not to mention, you’re saving lives while Noah is…what do you do again, Collins? Draw houses?” Emmett teases.

Noah flips his friend off.

My phone begins buzzing in my pocket. I pull it out to see Sloane is calling. “Hey,” I answer.

“Hey. Sorry to call. I’m driving, so I thought it would be easier.”

“No worries,” I reply. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’m headed out, and I realized I forgot my house key. You’ll be home in the morning to let me in, right?”

“Yeah. I’m off tomorrow.”

“Okay, perfect. Bye!”

“Bye,” I echo, then end the call and set my phone on the table.

“Sloane?” Noah asks.

“Yeah. She forgot her house key.”