Katie stuck out her tongue. “You know you love me. Besides, you’re too pent up. You need a breather. The beer with me is great, but maybe some magic Xavier time would help.”

“Yeah, maybe.” And that, right there, was her other problem. “Katie, I…”

She meant to admit how much Xavier was coming to mean to her when Dr. Mitchell Ascot, her annoying ex, walked into the pub with a gorgeous brunette on his arm. Justine intended to pretend she hadn’t seen him and hoped he’d do the same.

Unfortunately, he saw her and redirected his course, his gorgeous date in tow. As he approached, his smile widened.

Katie gave a soft groan. “Man, with you, when it rains, it pours. Is Dr. Dickhead coming closer?”

“Yep.” And now my day is complete.

CHAPTER 27

Justine met Mitch’s smile with a bright one of her own. “Hey, Mitch. How are you?”

“Great, thanks.” His enthusiasm died a little when he looked across the table. “And Katie. Hi.”

“Hey, there, Dr. Feet.”

He frowned.

Justine did her best not to giggle. The beer—make that beers—seemed to be going to her head.

“Dr. Feet?” His date asked. “Oh, because he’s a podiatrist? Funny.” She smirked at Katie and gripped Mitch’s arm with more than little possession.

“Don’t mind Katie.” Justine forced herself to remain pleasant, aware Mitch seemed eager to stand around and rub his date in her face. “I’m Justine.”

“Mikayla. It’s nice to meet you. Mitch, I’ll go grab us a table.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and walked away. More like flounced away with an ass that could bounce quarters, but whatever. Mitch liked his women fit, as she recalled.

“What are you up to?” Mitch asked.

She saw Katie texting like a fiend and realized she’d get no help there. Instead, Justine did her best to act as if seeing Mitch wasn’t beyond irritating after the day she’d had. Not that she harbored him any ill feeling, but he’d always acted as if his needs were more important than her own. Kind of like standing around, using all her oxygen when she was busy bitching to Katie and reveling in friend-time.

“Not much, actually. I’m still working for Mayze Creative and enjoying my aunt’s place. It’s terrific and right near downtown Fremont.”

“Nice.” He paused. “Seeing anyone?”

“How is that your business?” Katie asked without looking up from the phone or stopping her fingers from flying.

He sneered. “Was I talking to you?”

“She’s seeing someone else, yeah. Someone who values her opinions and doesn’t treat her like she’s beneath him.” Katie gave him a wide smile. “Now why don’t you skedaddle back to your date before her boobs deflate.”

“They’re real,” he denied then flushed. “And that’s a real nice way to talk about another woman.”

Personally, Justine didn’t care. “Mitch, it’s been a long day. I’m glad you found someone to date. She looks lovely.” Though those boobs do look a little too perfect, came the catty thought, causing her to grin.