Kincaid laughed. “Hope you had surveillance video. You could win money on America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

“Oh, there was video,” Shaw said with a grin. “Not sure he’ll sign a release waiver for that one, though.” He nodded toward her. “So, who’s your friend?”

Ash released her hand and stepped up next to her.

“Guys,” Kincaid said, “this is Ashton Isaacs. Old friend. Long Acre alum. Writer extraordinaire. And currently a New Yorker visiting our fair city for a few months for inspiration.”

Rebecca’s eyes lit with recognition. “Hey, Ash. I remember you. AP English. You beat me out for the lit award.”

Ash smirked. “Good memory. Hi, Rebecca.”

“Bec never forgets someone who beat her out for an academic award,” Liv teased.

Rebecca stuck out her tongue at her.

Liv pointed to her chest. “Liv.” She pointed upward. “Finn.”

Finn reached out his hand. “You’re Coach Isaacs’s son, right? I played for your dad.”

Ash shook his hand, his expression revealing nothing. “Yeah, I remember. Nice to see you.”

“How’s your dad doing?” Finn asked. “I haven’t seen him around lately.”

Ash gave a tight smile. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve been traveling a lot.”

Finn, ever observant, nodded in understanding. “Gotcha.”

Ash made his way through the rest of the introductions and shook hands, but Kincaid didn’t miss Liv’s evaluating look. As soon as Ash turned his back to Kincaid to grab another chair, Liv looked at her with knowing eyes and mouthed holy shit.

“Girl, preach,” Kincaid said, keeping her voice low and sliding into her seat. “Hence the emergency call.”

Rebecca bit her lip, apparently previously informed of the situation, and looked as though she was trying not to laugh.

Ash tucked in a chair next to Kincaid at the table but didn’t sit down. “So, what’s everyone drinking? I can grab the next round.” The others replied with their orders. Wes and Rebecca had soda, everyone else beer. Ash leaned down close to Kincaid. “What’s your poison, KC?”

KC. She’d given him a death glare the first time he’d used that nickname, but only because it hurt to remember. This time, it hit her in a place that made her want to close her eyes and transport back to a time when things had been so much simpler in her life, when Ash was just the best friend she’d ever had and the world was waiting for them. She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. “Margarita on the rocks, please.”

“You sure about that?” Liv asked, giving her a look. “You know the margaritas here are…not the best.”

That was a lie. They were strong and delicious. Liv was trying to do her job. But Kincaid needed a little something to take the edge off this night. Too many things were whirling around her head. “Yeah, I’m craving one.”

“On it,” Ash said and headed toward the bar.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Liv leaned forward, elbows on the table. “One margarita. That’s all I’m giving you.”