"You said friends as in plural," Camden says. "Who else is coming?"
"Some friends I went to school with. A girl from our old dorm; her name is Tiny. And a guy we know named Jagger."
Roman frowns.
"Hi y'all." Sloan waves as the three of them make their way up the staircase. She looks amazing as usual in a simple ribbed white tank top, skinny jeans, thin gold hoops and heels. I give her and Tiny a quick hug and offer a smile to Jagger.
"Damn! Your legs go on for days." Cutter exclaims.
Sloan grins.
"And you are?" She asks amused.
"Your future."
She giggles. I roll my eyes (to myself). I thought I was his future just a minute ago.
"I'm Sloan, this is my old college roommate Tiny, and our friend Jagger."
Tiny and Jagger say what's up to everyone and then they step back to let Sloan do her social butterfly thing. Sloan is a bit of an attention hog, and so we kind of just let her go and do her thing when we're all out. It's much easier that way.
Jagger leans back on the banister with a grin and his eyes trained on me. If I didn't know better, I would say that he is looking at me with interest, but that would probably just be wishful thinking on my part. He mouths the words for me to come over and talk to him. My first reaction is to smile and get up, but I feel kind of slutty about it when I do, because Roman is watching me like a hawk with a scowl on his face, and well you know, he did just have his face between my legs not that long ago.
"Hey Elizabeth. How are you? Long time no see."
We're both facing each other, casually leaning on the railing, and I can still feel Roman's heated glare. It's difficult to concentrate with him staring like that, but this is Jagger Reed we're talking about. I need to get it together.
"I recently moved out of my place. So I live with family over in the Historic District."
"Sweet."
"You getting ready for the Olympic trials?"
"Yep, they're next June."
"Oh ... so you have plenty of time."
"Yeah, I'll be training all winter at the club and then probably head over to Nebraska in the spring to continue training."
"Nebraska?"
"That's where the trials are this year."
I can tell that Jagger is a little surprised that I don't know diddly squat about the Olympic trials, but when I was with Ethan that was kind of the point. He didn't want to talk about swimming with me. He talked about it enough with his coach, his parents and his friends. He would often tell me that I was his very much needed distraction from all of that pressure. I've learned the hard way that his words weren't even remotely truthful. Drugs proved to be the real escape he was searching for. I can't believe how clueless I was. It still stings.
"I'm sure you'll do well and get a spot on the team Jagger." Especially because Ethan is no longer competition for him, but I'd never say that. The two of them were always battling each other for the number one and number two spots in competitions.
"Thanks. So how's your–"
"Excuse me." Roman walks up directly between us and interrupts.
"Yes." I say with annoyance in my voice. He's been a jerk since we left the house, and I'm certainly not trying to talk to him now.
"I brought you your shot."
"Thanks but I thought I said I didn't want one."
"It's lemon flavored. You'll like it."
He stands close to me holding the shot. "Take it."
Jagger starts shifting his weight between both of his feet uncomfortably. I can tell he is itching to say something in my defense. That's just the kind of guy Jagger is, but knowing a little about him, I also figure that he is sizing Roman up first. Trying to decide the best way to handle him. Jagger is smart. I've seen him handle some of the drunkest guys on campus quite diplomatically.
"Will you leave if I drink it?" I ask already knowing that the question is probably going to piss Roman off.
"Why?" He looks like he wants to rip my head off right now.
"Because the lady and I are going to dance," Jagger interjects with a smile as he grabs my hand. "She's a great dancer."
I'm surprised that Jagger makes a comment about my dancing abilities, because I had no idea that he's ever paid attention to me when we were partying. Although it may not have been the biggest secret in my circle that I love to dance, I'm just shocked that he was watching.
I throw the shot back, grit my teeth from the sour lemon taste, then grab Jagger's arm and we head down the stairs to the dance floor. Sloan cackles something from her seat on top of Cutter's armrest like, "have fun kiddos," and when I turn around to smile at her, all I see is the deepening scowl on Roman's face.