“You haven’t been an ass, but things are just really awkward now,” I replied, honestly. “I’ve missed our shifts being light and having someone to shoot the shit with.”

“I know, I just really liked you and you know the dating pool in a small town is awful. I hate to say it, but you’re like the new shiny toy.” He took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, that was an awful way to say that.”

I smiled. “I get it. Do you think there is any way we can just be friends?”

“Of course, I have missed having a relaxed shift with you, and you're one of the best nurses we have.”

“Great! I’m so glad we cleared the air.” I smiled at him as Aiden brought me back a beer.

We clinked glasses, and he went back to his friends. I felt so much better that we finally cleared the air.

“Who the fuck is Darcy talking to?” Evan's voice was laced with anger.

I looked at the bar again, seeing Darcy getting really cozy with a cute guy. “You’ve passed up that chance, man.” It surprised me it was Callum who spoke.

Evan glared at Callum. “Still doesn’t hurt any less.”

“Don’t be an ass. Just tell her how you feel,” I said, hoping to knock some sense into him.

“She knows I haven’t stopped feeling anything for her.” His anger slowly morphed into sadness. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret what I did, but I’m also grateful I’ve kept her safe for so long.”

I wanted to say something else, but I was at a loss for words.

“Kelsey, what are you doing here?” My attention snapped to Callum with his sister right in front of him.

“Don’t start. Maybelle is giving me an hour, and I heard it was Darcy’s birthday, and I just needed to get out of the house.” She glared at Callum, and I laughed.

“Come on, girl, let’s make sure it’s a good hour.” She walked toward me, and I caught Dev staring at her, a little surprised.

I smirked, thinking that maybe she needed someone to let loose with for an hour, but that’s probably what got her pregnant. Darcy joined us, bringing the cute guy, and I think Evan was about to blow a gasket. We spent the next hour playing pool, dancing, and shooting the shit.

Darcy, Kelsey, and I had just finished dancing to Lizzo when I glanced at Callum and saw that he was looking uncomfortable. The pill I gave him earlier looked like it was wearing off.

“Alright, I need to go,” Kelsey said, pulling out her phone and checking the time.

“Let me walk you out.” Callum got off the barstool, looking stiff.

“I can walk her out.” Dev’s raspy voice broke through the noise.