She added a “hot” emoji with a red face and tongue hanging out. Mike pulled his phone out, and...scowled at it? It was only for an instant, then gone, but that had definitely been a scowl. He must be having a bad night. He looked up and smiled, but it felt artificial. She typed again.

Z: You okay?

M: Busy. I’ll get it to you.

No jokes. No emojis. Something was definitely not right with her friend tonight.

Z: Want to stop by my place later to talk?

M: Won’t that be a little crowded?

It took her a moment to realize what he was saying. She looked up at him and mouthed Seriously? Her fingers beat out her reply.

Z: Okay, Tinker Bell.

He looked at her in surprise, his expression telling her he had no clue what she was talking about. So she filled him in.

Z: Short-tempered and jealous?

She meant it to be teasing. It wasn’t until after she’d sent the text that she realized she might have nailed the reason for his hot-cold behavior tonight. Except...why would Mike be all pouty and jealous about her having dinner with Mason? Was it because she’d told him she wasn’t ready? Well, now she was. Besides, Vickie said he’d been on a date in Rochester, so what was the big deal?

“Is there a problem?” Mason’s questions made her jump. Her face went hot—how rude of her to ignore him for Mike. She shook her head quickly.

“No, sorry. An old friend’s giving me an attitude.” She shrugged. “He must be having a bad day.”

The sudden thunk of glasses hitting the table made them both jump. Mike stood at the end of the booth, a big toothy grin on his face as if he’d just plucked the drinks out of a magician’s hat.

“Gee, thanks,” she said sarcastically. His weird mood was getting under her skin. “Such prompt and friendly service.”

Mike’s gaze met hers, and a jolt of electricity shot through her. Her lips parted as she sucked in a gasp of air. She and Mike had argued in the years they’d been friends. A little spat here and there. But it wasn’t the annoyance in his eyes that shocked her. It was the...intensity. She saw a blend of anger and caring and what looked way too much like longing. From Mike. She must be seeing things. She blinked. Sure enough, the look vanished from his eyes and he was Mike McKinnon again. Her friend.

“Sorry.” Mike shook his head, chewing on his lip the way he did whenever he felt bad about something. “It really has been busy tonight. Tim and I are scrambling behind the bar and... I worked myself into a mood.” He extended a hand to Mason. “Mike McKinnon.”

Mason introduced himself and they chatted briefly about the pub before Mike stepped back.