And then Ronnie burst out laughing, and Cole grinned, and they threw their arms around each other, hugging. The room resumed talking as they laughed and embraced.
“You piece of shit,” Cole said. “Jealous motherfucker.”
“Jealous? Fuck yes I’m jealous. You got to train with fucking Skad.”
“Alex,” Cole said, looking at me, “this is Ronnie. He’s my old training partner.”
“Well hello there,” Ronnie said, turning to me.
“Nice to meet you.” I was so relieved that I could hardly form words.
“I think we scared the lady,” Ronnie said to Cole. “Listen, Alex, how about I buy you a drink?”
“Careful,” Cole said to him.
Ronnie raised an eyebrow at him. “What? She yours?”
“I’m not anybody’s,” I said.
“That’s my stepsister.”
“Stepsister?” Ronnie burst out laughing again. It was an infectious sound, and I found myself giggling with him. “Can’t believe there’s finally a girl you can’t actually fuck.”
Cole gave me a grin as Ronnie calmed down and sat with us. He ordered new drinks for everyone, and then Ronnie and Cole began to talk shop. I got lost in their back and forth banter about the different fighters. Ronnie caught Cole up on what had happened since he had been gone, which apparently was a lot.
I kept glancing over at Lacey. She seemed okay, though she was awfully close to that one dangerous boy, and I was pretty sure she was hammered. I didn’t care if she wanted to go home with him or whatever; I just wanted her to be safe. Cole noticed me glancing at her and gave me a look, like he was reassuring me or something.
An hour and more passed that way, and the night was getting late. We finished off our third round, and Ronnie leaned back in his chair, checking his watch.
“Shit,” he said. “Time to get the fuck out.”
“Why? Got an early date tomorrow?”
“Nah,” Ronnie said, looking nervous. “I’m just beat. That’s all.”
“Come on, man. One more round.”
“Look, we should go.”
“What’s your problem?”
Ronnie took a deep breath and sighed. “Look, man, Trent is going to be here soon.”
Cole got serious. “So the fuck what?”
“Who’s Trent?” I asked.
“Some mindless goon,” Cole said.
Ronnie gave him a look. “The last time Cole and Trent saw each other, Cole was smashing Trent’s face into a wall.”
“We don’t get along,” Cole grunted.
“Why?”
“Cole got that training gig and Trent wanted it, so Trent thought he’d fuck Cole up.”
“He’s an idiot.” Cole paused and sighed. “There’s more to it than just that.”
“He is an idiot,” Ronnie agreed, “but he’s undefeated since you left.”
“Who cares? He fights nobodies.”
“Actually,” Ronnie said, “he has some good names under his belt. Come on, man, let’s get out of here.”
“Fuck that,” Cole growled. “Trent can fuck off.”
Just as Cole was beginning to get annoyed, I heard something from over toward Lacey’s table. I looked over and saw the guys getting up, looks of horror on their faces. There was a slight commotion. I quickly got out of my chair and ran over.
“What’s happened?” I asked.
“She’s puking!”
I looked over and, sure enough, there was Lacey on her hands and knees, puking all her drinks out.
“Oh shit,” I said, running to her side.
“I’m pukinggggg,” Lacey groaned.
“I know. I know.”
She finished and looked up at me, still clearly wasted. The guys were all yelling as Cole and Ronnie waded through the crowd.
“Now we can go,” Cole grunted.
“Sorry, girl,” Lacey slurred. “I ruined your date.”
“Wasn’t a date,” I said.
Cole swooped down and grabbed Lacey, slinging her over his shoulder. “Come on.”
The bartender was yelling, but we ignored him as Ronnie and Cole made a path through the crowd. Lacey’s ass was hanging out from her short dress, and I did my best to keep it covered as we went out into the night.
“Holy shit, did you see her hurl?” Ronnie cackled.
“She was like a dragon,” Cole said.
“Shuddup,” Lacey groaned.
I stood out in the street and flagged a cab.
“I’ll leave you here, man,” Ronnie said.
“Good seeing you, brother.”
“Same to you.” Ronnie grinned at me. “Be good to your stepbrother, Alex.”
“Bye, Ronnie.”