“Get whatever the hell she wants, Deuce. I’m buyin’.” A rough familiar voice orders.
Both Roni and I turn our heads to see Tank approaching us. With his big tank sized body clad in a pair of dirty work jeans and a black t-shirt, his long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. I turn back to Roni and shoot her a raised brow, and whisper. “Gage is going to be mad if we hang with him. After what happened last weekend, this isn’t a good idea.”
“I know, but they’re all friends. I won’t let him cross a line.”
Touching her hand that’s on the bar, I reply. “Okay, promise? Gage will kill him if he does.”
“I know, and I promise.”
Tank drops into the open stool next to mine and bumps his shoulder into me, a little too hard. “Hey there sexy, Lex.”
“Hey, Tank.” I feign a smile, trying to be polite. “Where’s the boys?”
Please say the men are here. Maybe they can keep him at bay. He reeks of beer and I didn’t come here to play babysitter. I’ve worked hard this week; I just wanted a night out with my friend to let off some steam.
“Naw, Bob is working late with Auto at the shop. Gage is I dunno. By the looks of it, he should be here.” He stares none too discreetly at my cleavage.
“He’s with Emma tonight. We have a date tomorrow. I miss him.” Please let this convince him to stop ogling me. I realize drinking is like feeding someone a truth serum. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Roni slides me over a glass of red wine. I forgot to order, guess she took the liberty to do it for me. Thank God for Roni, my attention is a little too preoccupied at the moment.
“Thanks.” I wink at her and she returns the gesture.
Fumbling with the wine, I sip it and run my finger around the edge, trying not to pay attention to the man eye banging me.
Roni’s the first to break the foggy silence. “So Bob and I have some news.”
“Really? What?”
“Well…. I found out on Monday that well…. I’m…”
“You’re pregnant!!!” I scream, finishing her sentence for her.
Turning bright red, she takes a sip of her drink. Which I hadn’t noticed is just pop.
“You are!?” I grab her thigh to make her look at me.
She slowly bobs her head, “Yes, I don’t know how. We used protection and I’m on the pill. But those little buggers of his are so potent. I don’t know what to do. He seems okay with it. I’m not. I don’t know the first thing about being a mom. I wanted to tell you sooner. But with the Emma thing and then work, I couldn’t find the right time.”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pull her into an uncomfortable hug. “I’m very happy for you both. Just pray you have a boy.” I tease and she punches me in the side.
“Don’t remind me. I’m scared enough as it is and if I have a girl, I will be screwed. If I have a girl, will you keep her? You’re so good with Emma. I wouldn’t know the first thing to do with a girl.”
“You will, I promise. I’ll help if you have a girl. I’m the best girl I know.” I tease and she barks an awkward laugh.
“You got the right.”
“And the hottest.” Tank chimes in.
I momentarily forgot he was sitting with us. That moment was a great one.
Ignoring his comment, I unlock my hold on Roni and politely ask. “Can I tell Gage? Do you mind?”
“No. I don’t hide anything from Bob; I wouldn’t expect you do hide anything from your boyfriend.”
I look at her and she smiles. “He’s your boyfriend isn’t he?”
“Yes, nosy Veronica Phoenix he is my boy-friend.” I enunciate and give her the squished up icky face like I’m back in elementary as if my boyfriend has cooties. Which makes her laugh.
Taking my phone with me, I excuse myself and head outside where it’s quieter and I call Gage to tell him the exciting news. I can’t wait to tell him I’m going to be an aunt!
“Hello?” A female voice answers and my stomach drops fifty stories.
“Um… Is this Gage’s phone?” Hesitantly I ask, praying that I have the wrong number.
“Yes, he can’t come to the phone right now, may I ask who’s calling?”
Why is a female I’ve never heard before, answering his personal cell phone? Especially since he’s supposed to be at home with Emma. This has bad news flashing on a bright neon sign. What is Gage doing behind my back!?
“Hello… who’s calling?” The overly feminine voice pleasantly asks again.
“Oh sorry, it’s Lex. Lex Keagan. Can you please have him return my call?”