We finish our food and cuddle on the couch with Sassy on the floor next to us. I never thought this would be my life—being serious with a man who lives with me, casually sharing meals together, and watching TV until bedtime.

I didn’t know I wanted or needed this until Archer. Maybe it took meeting the right guy—one who’d take a bullet for me without thinking twice.

“Hey, ladies. Whatcha having tonight?” Damien asks as the three of us approach the bar.

“Vodka soda, two Jack and Cokes, and three tequila shots,” I respond, setting my card on the counter. “Start us a tab, please.”

He smiles wide as he grabs it, then makes our drinks. Lexie, Heidi, and I find a high top table near the back of the bar and wait for them to be delivered.

“So I told Heidi what Dana said and how weird she’s been acting. She has a theory,” Lexie says.

“Ooh, tell me,” I blurt out. While I shouldn’t be gossiping about one of my employees, I’m making an exception this time. Considering what’s happened to me, I’d rather be in the know.

“Last week, she mentioned driving her roommate to the airport and then picking her up the next day. She stumbled to come up with a reason when I asked about the quick trip, which made me think she was lying. She said her roommate had to meet a lawyer and only wanted to stay one night.”

“Couldn’t she just have met with him on FaceTime or over the phone? That seems excessive to have to fly back and forth?” Lexie states.

“Yeah, unless she had to sign papers or make a cash payment. Plausible if her intentions are to stay on the down low,” I suggest.

“Maybe she’s in the witness protection program,” Heidi says. “And maybe Dana’s hosting her until she goes to her final destination.”

“Oh my God, we’ve all been watching too much Crime TV.” I burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Damien asks with our drinks in hand.

“You don’t even wanna know,” Lexie tells him, grabbing her vodka soda.

“Thanks,” I say, reaching for the shots and handing them out.

Once Damien leaves, we hold up our glasses. “Alright, what should we drink to?”

“To Dana’s roommate,” Lexie cheers.

Heidi giggles and adds, “To Blair, then.”

Lexie and I snap our gazes to Heidi. “Her name is Blair?” I ask.

“Yeah, that’s what she told me anyway.” Heidi shrugs.

“Now I’m convinced she’s a witch,” Lexie says.

The three of us laugh, clink our glasses, and shoot back the tequila.

For the next few hours, we talk about the boutique, creative display ideas, and upcoming launches. I love adding jewelry and accessories from other small businesses too. I’d much rather buy from them than a corporation.