From their brief conversation, she’d gleaned that Hunt was invited often to the bar, but had never gone. Why he was going tonight for the first time … Maybe she was driving him nuts. She hadn’t sensed that, but maybe he just needed a night off.

“I’ve been doing all right, I guess,” Juniper admitted.

Bryce clicked her tongue. “You’re so full of shit with that ‘all right’ crap.”

“I was thinking, B,” Juniper said carefully. “My instructor mentioned that she’s starting a dance class that’s open to the general public. You could go.”

“Your instructor is the most in-demand teacher in this city. No way I’d get in,” Bryce deflected, watching the cars and pedestrians stream past below her window.

“I know,” Juniper said. “That’s why I asked her to save you a spot.”

Bryce stilled. “I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

“It’s a two-hour class, twice a week. After work hours.”

“Thanks, but I’m good.”

“You were, Bryce. You were good.”

Bryce clenched her teeth. “Not fucking good enough.”

“It didn’t matter to you before Danika died. Just go to the class. It’s not an audition—it’s literally just a class for people who love to dance. Which you do.”

“Which I did.”

Juniper’s breath rattled the phone. “Danika would be heartbroken to hear you don’t dance anymore. Even for fun.”

Bryce made a show of humming with consideration. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” Juniper said. “I’m sending you the details.”

Bryce changed the subject. “You wanna come over and watch some trashy TV? Beach House Hookup is on tonight at nine.”

Juniper asked slyly, “Is the angel there?”

“He’s out for beers with his little cabal of killers.”

“They’re called the triarii, Bryce.”

“Yeah, just ask them.” Bryce turned from the window and aimed for the kitchen. Syrinx still waited at his food bowl, lion’s tail waggling. “Would it make a difference if Hunt was here?”

“I’d be over a Hel of a lot faster.”

Bryce laughed. “Shameless.” She scooped Syrinx’s food into his bowl. His claws clicked as he pranced in place, counting each kibble piece. “Unfortunately for you, I think he’s hung up on someone.”

“Unfortunately for you.”

“Please.” She opened the fridge and pulled out an assortment of food. A grazer’s dinner it was. “I met a mer the other day who was so hot you could have fried an egg on his ten billion abs.”

“None of what you said makes any sort of sense, but I think I get the point.”

Bryce laughed again. “Should I get a veggie burger warmed up for you, or what?”

“I wish I could, but—”

“But you have to practice.”

Juniper sighed. “I’m not going to be made principal by lounging on a couch all night.”