“Ah!” Stuart smiled. “That makes more sense. For a second there, I thought you two knew each other, and I couldn’t figure out how. I don’t know why you didn’t call me when you were there, Ryann. I would have come and gotten you.”

She didn’t know how to explain herself without coming across as pathetic, so she sipped her beer, hoping the topic would change. She was strangely unsettled by the woman and the situation, and she was still pissed at Stuart. Her hand was shaking slightly, and she had to concentrate to bring her glass to her lips without spilling it.

“Is that the Valentine’s beer?” Maddie asked.

“Yes,” Ryann said. “It’s delicious. They’re calling it Cupid’s Kiss.”

“Can I try it?”

Ryann was surprised, but after a moment’s hesitation she held it out to her. Maddie took a long swallow, her eyes closed, and Ryann’s breath caught in her throat at the sight. Maddie opened her eyes and handed back her glass, smiling.

“That’s so good. Erin’s really outdone herself.” She stood up. “I’m going to go get one. Do you need a refill?”

She hesitated, wanting another, but shook her head. Maddie gave her a quick wink, and Ryann watched the woman walk away, weaving through the crowd. She and Jai ran into each other in the crowd, and they embraced, Jai enveloping her.

“See something you like?” Stuart asked, startling her.

She jumped. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on,” he said, laughing. “You can hardly tear your eyes off her.”

Her anger was returning, and she leaned toward him, lowering her voice. “Stuart—I’m warning you. Don’t start this shit.”

He held his hands up. “Okay, okay! I’ll drop it. You two can work it out for yourselves. You’ll be spending enough time together the next two, well, almost two, weeks. I’m sure things will develop on their own.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re an asshole. You know that?”

He winked, and then his attention moved away to Jai and Maddie, who were coming back, both holding two beers.

“I got you one anyway,” Maddie said, sitting down next to her again. “You looked like you wanted another. But I’ll drink it if you really don’t.”

She was surprised again. Maddie was right.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I actually lucked out with you being here. The beer hasn’t been released to the public, so Erin wasn’t going to give me one until I told her this one was for you. She gave us both of these for free. You charmed her, I think.”