Chapter 33 #2
“Yep. We independent women aren’t afraid to ask a guy to buy us a drink. We’re not really into men who just assume they have a shot.” I smile at Slade. “Besides, I like a man who knows how to hold a baby and isn’t afraid of bodily fluids.”
Slade’s mouth twitches.
Junior stares at me as the bartender stops in front of us.
“I need a bucket of beer and . . .” Slade says, as his hand slides around my waist to guide me in front of him and away from Junior.
Well, ok then .
I smile up at him. “Just water. Thank you.” I always seem to get myself into a mess, but at least Slade is going along with it.
I turn back to Junior. “You should take notes. Maybe try being a little less,” I weigh my head from side to side, “‘every woman’s gift’ and more ‘I hope someone will give my arrogant ass a shot.’”
He huffs a laugh, his amusement falling away. He eyes Slade, who he clearly thinks is far beneath him. “I hope this works out for you.”
I force a smile. “No, Junior. I hope things work out for you. Merry Christmas.”
Junior rolls his shoulders back and returns to the party.
“He’s a dick,” Slade says, keeping an arm on the bar and around me.
“Yep, but a small one.” I smile.
The corner of his mouth curls upward, and it’s like the tiniest glimmer of hope. “Do you know him?”
“Not really. He’s Griffin Macavoy’s son. He’s come into the office a few times.”
Slade’s eyes move over my head, his face falling into a deep scowl.
“So, I. . .just wanted to say Merry Christmas. You know, in case I don’t see you.”
His eyes remain over my head. “Are you going somewhere?”
I’d like to ask him the same thing, but more like if he’s already gone. “My mom is begging for us to come home next weekend.”
“You don’t want to?”
I inhale and let it out, frustration building with the small talk, as if I’ve once again trusted someone with something I shouldn’t have.
“I miss my mom, but the whole town will be made aware. I’m not sure I have the energy to deal with whispers and stares and questions.
I’d had enough of that before I moved.” I shrug.
“The trailer park community is having a big party, though.” I glance at my heels.
“They’re like my family, so I don’t know. ”
“Your mom still lives there?”
I stare at him, wondering what’s with all of the questions. “Yeah. All the neighbors would get together and stream my pageants. The irony, huh?” I laugh. “My mom made sure it was the highlight of the community. Now, it’s just The Bachelor and potlucks.”
The bartender sets a bucket of beer and my water on the bar. I lift the glass. “Thanks for this.”
His eyes finally drop to mine. “Thanks for hitting on me.”
I stare at him, wanting to know everything that goes on inside his ruggedly gorgeous head.
“It’s not every day I get to buy a drink for Miss USA.”
Those lips curl up underneath his trim beard.
I roll my eyes, needing his smile to mean everything is ok between us.
I turn toward the party so I can go home. “Don’t feel too special, Tomcat. That is a former title that’s long dried up.”
I think I hear what might be a soft chuckle as I leave him with his bucket.
I spend an hour talking to Kat as she slowly drinks herself into a positive outlook while we watch Junior’s ego inflate with Marcie and Robyn’s flirty attention.
Cory lurks in the corner, talking with Griffin and his wife, whom I met when they arrived.
We spent a few minutes talking about Ollie and Frankie before they headed to the bar for drinks.
That was just about the time I glanced over to see Slade bear-hugging a beautiful blonde, who I believe is his best friend. I wonder if he actually talks to her and tells her all of the things he’s thinking and feeling.
I slump on my stool, sipping my water and wishing it had a splash of whatever Kat is drinking. All I want is for him to tell me one thing. Just something about why he’s so closed off and guarded. I want to know what he’s protecting himself from.
“That’s Seth’s ex-fiancé,” Kat whispers, but it’s a bit slurred. “She’s really beautiful and s-smart.”
I peek in that direction. Slade laughs with the rest of the guys and Krissy at something she said .
Marcie slides up to our table with Robyn right beside her. “Did you see Alex is here?” She says it like it’s breaking news.
“ That will be super awkward if Seth runs into her.” Kat stirs her drink with her tiny straw.
Marcie leans closer to me. “She ran off and married an NFL quarterback after breaking it off with Seth.” She glances over her shoulder at Seth and Junior. “It’s his birthday. We should get him out of here.”
“Good idea.” Kat lifts her glass. “Tell him I’m drunk and need a ride home.”
“Perfect. Ok.” Marcie turns, but Kat grabs her arm.
“Tell him if Junior follows us, I will be forced to retaliate.”
Marcie laughs.
“Don’t worry. I’ll distract him.” Robyn winks.
They leave on their mission.
I, on the other hand, have to figure out how I’m going to get home.
Marcie relays the information, and Seth’s gaze crosses to Kat. He heads over as if he has just received a get-out-of-jail-free card.
“Seth, I’m just a teensy bit drunk.” Kat slides off her stool, wobbling a little, and he takes her arm.
“I can see that.”
“But I’m saving you, so don’t forget it.” She pokes him in the chest.
“This feels like old times,” he mumbles as she grabs her purse.
“You ok?” he asks me.
“Wait, we rode together,” Kat says, leaning on the table.
“It’s ok. You should go home.”
Her lips turn downward. “Seth can take you home, too.”
“No, it’s really ok,” I say, even though this feels like one more time life is laughing in my face.
“Ok. I’ve gotta go before I fall asleep and Seth has to carry me out.” Kat sways just a little.
“Yeah. Let’s go. I’m not doing that again.”
She swats him. “It was one time. My boyfriend just broke up with me. ”
Seth ushers her forward, looking like he’s about to run for the door, and I can’t blame him. I’d be right behind him.
I glance at my coworkers and know there’s no way in hell I’m asking them for a ride or going anywhere with Junior.
I head to the bathroom, pulling up the Uber app I haven’t used in ages. What’s one more thing on the emergency credit card?