“Tough loss,” she said after the game.

“It was a close one. If any of us had managed to get just one run, we could have tied the game up. I think we could have won this one.”

She wanted to lean into him, to offer him comfort. But that would be too personal, and she’d already crossed that boundary. “I’m sorry. You all gave it your best.”

A lousy platitude, but it was all she could offer without outright hugging him.

They got into Trevor’s car.

“Where’s your brother?”

“He has to drop the other guys off back at their places. He’s meeting us at a bar.”

“Sounds good.”

They ended up at a vodka bar in what Trevor referred to as the Central West End. It was a great area, perfect for the younger crowd, especially the university set. Trevor found a parking spot and they walked the short distance to the bar.

Inside, the bar was loaded with atmosphere—and people. The place had a wide expanse of windows, so those seated nearby could watch people walking by. Closer in was an incredible bar that touted it served more than five hundred different types of vodka. There was also an attached restaurant that served burgers, chicken, and fish.

Trevor took her hand, then said, “It’s crowded in here. I don’t want anyone to carry you off.”

She smiled at that, and didn’t mind him holding her hand as he zigzagged his way through the throngs of people milling about. He waved at a guy sitting at a table, a very handsome young man in his early twenties, who looked like a younger version of Trevor. Tall, with dark hair cut shorter than Trevor’s, he stood when they approached.

Definitely no mistaking this was Trevor’s brother. And they hugged each other. For some reason, Haven liked the sign of affection between the two of them. It showed they were close. It also made her wish she’d had a brother. Or a sister. That would have been nice.

Especially now, when she needed someone to lean on.

“If you’re going to invite me to a game, you could at least win.”

Trevor cracked a smile. “Smartass. Maybe you were bad luck.”

“Not me. I’m always good luck. You just sucked tonight.”

“That we did.” He turned to Haven. “Haven, this is Zane Mellon, my brother. Zane, this is Haven Briscoe.”

With a wide smile, Zane shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Haven.”

“You too, Zane.”

They pulled up chairs, and Zane signaled for a waitress who looked to be buzzing the place at a thousand miles an hour. “What’s up, Zane?”

Zane held up his beer. “Hey, Rachel. I need a refill.” He looked at Trevor and Haven.

“I’ll have something fun and vodka oriented,” Haven said to Rachel. “What do you recommend?”

“How about a vodka martini?” Rachel suggested. “Pick a country and we’ll bring you a fantastic drink.”

Haven looked at the menu, aghast at the selections. She closed her eyes and landed on Iceland.

Rachel grinned. “Perfect.” She looked to Trevor.

“I’ll have what my brother’s having,” Trevor said.

“Two beers and a vodka martini, coming up.”

“Thanks, Rach,” Zane said.

“I suppose you’ve dated her,” Trevor said.

Zane took a swallow of his beer. “Nah, she’s a friend. She takes classes at Wash U.”

“I don’t know. You two seemed awfully friendly.”

“She has a boyfriend, and unlike you, I don’t sleep with every female I meet.” Zane looked at Haven. “No insult intended.”

“None taken. And we’re not sleeping together.”

Zane looked at Haven like he didn’t believe her. “So you’re doing an interview, huh?”

“Yes. And you’re premed? I had thought about premed, but oh, all the science and math classes.”

Zane laughed. “Yeah, they’re pretty brutal. But I’ve gotten through it and there’s almost a light at the end of the tunnel. At least until medical school starts.”

“You’re going to make a great doctor,” Trevor said.

“Spoken like a true brother. But thanks for the vote of confidence. And hey, have you spoken to Mom lately?”

“Last week. Why?”

“She got a new job at that salon she always wanted to work at.”

Trevor turned to Haven. “My mom is a hairstylist.”

“And a damn good one,” Zane added. “She’s always wanted to work at this trendy salon in Springfield, but according to her, none of the stylists ever leave. They had an opening, and they asked her to come in and interview.”