Chapter 9

Elena’s POV

Based on the way he smiles, he knows it too. He lifts his drink to his mouth, still staring at me expectantly like I’m going to spill my guts with just one glance. Not a chance.

“Gosh, I feel so much better. I had to pee throughout all those speeches. Yours was great, by the way.” Alisha plops down on the stool next to me. “Oh, good, you ordered me wine.”

Except I didn’t order her wine. I forgot about it the moment I sat down and realized Wayne was here.

I glance around, trying to figure out who it came from, and I don’t miss the way the older guy at the other end of the bar is staring intently this way, his eyes firmly on Alisha. When he finally peels his eyes from hers and realizes I’m looking at him, he flicks his gaze away.

Alisha notices none of this. She just picks up her glass, downing half of it in one go before nodding toward mine. “They have chocolate milk here?”

“I made sure they got her some,” Wayne says.

“Oh, hey, Wa