“What the hell is so funny?” he asked, looking livid.

Your stupid face. No, not what she should say, no matter how much she wanted to. She wondered how Xavier would calmly and maturely handle the situation. “Look, I’ve had a bad day and a little too much to drink. I’m sorry if Katie offended you.”

“I’m not,” Katie muttered.

“Please accept our apologies and enjoy your evening. Mikayla seems really nice.”

“She is.” He seemed like he had more to say, then shook his head. “I just wanted to say hello.” He ignored Katie. “And to let you know I’ll be at the wedding this weekend. Mikayla is friends with Ted through his sister. I’ll be her plus one.”

Katie looked up.

Justine blinked. “Huh?”

“It’s lucky we ran into you tonight. It doesn’t sound like your sister told you I’ll be there.” He paused. “I don’t have to go, if that would be easier.” Mitch seemed to be sincere about not wanting to make her feel bad. Despite being a little selfish, he was a nice guy.

“Thanks, Mitch.” She gave him what she hoped was a sincere smile. “That’s not a problem. I hope you enjoy the wedding. I’ll look forward to seeing you there.”

He didn’t seem to know what to make of her response. Honestly, she didn’t either. She felt like she was channeling Xavier, acting all mature.

After a moment, Mitch gave a hesitant nod. “Sounds good. See you.” Still ignoring Katie, he turned and left to join his date several tables away, his back to their booth.

“What an ass.” Katie ordered another round of beers. “I never liked that guy.”

Justine snickered. “Dr. Feet.”

They burst into laughter, and Justine felt much better as the night progressed.

To her surprise, the next time a handsome man stood at the side of their table, it wasn’t their server but Xavier looking sexy as usual.

He looked them over, focusing on Justine. “Well, well, what do we have here?”

“Hey, man. Take a seat.” Katie scooted over and patted the spot next to her. “Sit by me so you can moon properly over your cutie.”

He snorted. “How many have beers have you had, Katie?” He shook his head at Justine. “And you. I’m surprised. It’s a work night.”

“Screw work.” She drank some more. “I hate Frank.”

“And Mitch,” Katie added, toasting bottles.

“I’ll drink to that.” Xavier grabbed a glass of water neither of them had claimed.

It took Justine a moment to process. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

“Katie texted. Said my girlfriend needed me. So here I am.”

“Wait. Girlfriend?” She turned to Katie, who didn’t look nearly as innocent as she pretended to be, even after several beers. Justine asked in a hushed voice, “Uh-oh. I told you about the fake boyfriend thing, didn’t I?”

“You did,” Katie whispered loudly back. Then she laughed. “I texted him and here he is. A superhero with a big package.”

Xavier blinked. “What?”