“I am now,” Logan grumbles.
Sean rests his hand on my thigh. “Fifteen minutes my ass. What took you so long?” His breath smells of stale beer, and it looks like he’s already had a lot to drink.
“If you’d have answered your phone earlier, you wouldn’t have to ask,” I snap back. Glancing at him sideways, I add, “I’ll fill you in soon enough. Let me order my wine first.”
He pulls his phone out of his pocket and squints, struggling to read my messages. “Shit! My ringer was off. Are you pissed?”
“No. I’m hungry. And are you seriously drunk already?” I guess I can’t blame him, though, given the situation he’s in.
“We’ve been here an hour. What did you expect?”
“Had her bring you a water,” Luke points, stealing my attention.
I find it odd that he’s the one who ordered it, but I thank him and take a sip. A half grin appears on his face. I look away ‘cause it makes me warm and tingly.
“Where the fuck’s your friend, Luke? We’re hungry.” Logan scans the restaurant. I wasn’t aware that Luke invited someone.
“Would you use some manners for once?” Gia glares.
“What?”
“Get your panties out of a wad. She’ll be here,” Luke answers, flipping his hat around.
There’s an ache in my chest. I hadn’t thought of the fact that he might already be dating someone. When he catches me watching him, it’s too late to hide my confusion.
Sean clears his throat. “Here she comes, guys.”
A beautiful blonde comes bouncing toward our table. She slides a beer into Sean’s hand then glances at the rest of us. “So everyone finally decided to join you guys, huh?” Her breasts are so far out of her dress, I’m surprised I don’t see nipples.
Luke’s friend is our waitress?
“Yep. And we’re ready to order,” Sean answers, using a tone much lighter than with me earlier. I notice his eyes appraise her and want to cover them with my hands.
“How ‘bout I start with you?” she says to me. “My name is Brandi, by the way. I’m your waitress, obviously.”
“Obviously,” I say back. She doesn’t deserve my rudeness, but I’m jealous, and I’m speaking before I can stop myself. I don’t know what bothers me more—Sean’s gawking or the thought of Luke engaged in sweaty sex with her, but I can feel Luke watching me. So I give her my order without looking up … not proud of my insecurity. When she’s finished making her rounds, Sean orders another beer.
I lean over and whisper, “Maybe you should slow it down a bit.”
“You worry about yourself. Pretty sure I’ve been doing this longer than you.” He takes out his phone and starts messing with it.
“Don’t expect me to help if you get sick.” I don’t appreciate the attitude
he’s throwing. He’s had more to drink than everybody else, which you can tell just by looking at him.
“Yeah, because that happens all the time,” he says, sending someone a message.
“There’s a first time for everything.”
Brandi drops off my glass of cabernet while we’re bickering. I take two sips before digging my own phone out of my purse. It’s been buzzing for the last five minutes, and the rest of our party seems to be preoccupied with something else. I hold it in my lap and read my first missed text … from Luke.
I don’t see it.
I glance to my right, then type a quick reply before setting my phone on silent.
Don’t see what?
What you see in this guy.
My hands are shaking when I reply.
He doesn’t normally drink like this.
That’s what they all say.
Stop texting me, or you’ll get me in trouble.
I’m tired of going by the rules.
My eyes flick up to his amused ones, then I see him typing out another text.
You look gorgeous by the way.
Turning my phone face down in my lap, I do my best to fight the smile taking over my face. I feel him watching me, and nearly jump out of my chair when Sean’s phone rings. He stands up and presses it to his ear. “I need to take this,” he says before scurrying out of the bar.
I read the very last text.
I miss you.
Putting my phone away, I swallow the lump in my throat as Gia says something.
“Sorry, what?”
She leans forward. “I said: it’s a good thing you two drove separately. He’s on his way to alcohol poisoning.” She watches me over her martini. “What’s up with him?”
“I think he’s stressed about work or something.”
“He’s a pussy,” Logan retorts.
Gia makes a face at him. “Real mature.”