The evening was wrapping up, and everyone was gathering their things.
Someone grabbed my arm from behind. “Faith! Hey!” I turned around to see Jessica. She was all smiles but had fire in her eyes. My mouth went dry.
“Hey.” I did my best not to look at the ground. I’d done nothing wrong.
“What are you doing later?” Jessica asked me, but stared up at Adam.
“Um, not sure.” I shrugged. “Probably a Christmas movie or maybe reading?”
Jessica laughed high and nasally. “What are you, fifty?”
I studied my feet.
Rude.
Why does it matter what I was doing?
It wasn’t like we had ever hung out before.
“Come with us.” Jessica reached over and pulled me near her. I instantly missed the warmth of Adam near my side. “We are doing drinks and karaoke at the sports bar.”
“Oh… Um…”
Karaoke. Yikes. As if everyone staring at you wasn’t bad enough, let’s add a microphone and singing into the mix. Kill me now.
Jessica looked over my shoulder to Adam. “You should both come.” She grinned.
Ah, that was why she was inviting me. It wasn’t about me at all; it was about Adam.
Jessica squeezed my hand in hers. “I won’t take no for an answer.” Her eyes held a firm challenge, and so did her grip.
I stepped back, yanking my hand from her grip.
“Um, maybe.” I raised my right shoulder.
Maybe when hell freezes over.
She pivoted toward Adam, closing me out of the conversation. “What about you? Are you finally going to come hang out? The first round of drinks is on me?” She reached up and left her hand placed on his shoulder.
By the volume in her voice, I wondered if she’d already had her first round.
Adam held a tight smile in place. “Thanks, Jessica. But I’ll probably head home and see Danny.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Come on! Live a little.” She smacked him on his massive chest and then left her hand there. “I’m sure your mom can watch him. You never hang out with me anymore.” She stuck out her lips in a pout.
“I’m good. Thanks for the offer.” Adam grabbed her hand, released it, and stepped back.
“You’re no fun.” Jessica scoffed and her eyes shot to me.
I took a sharp breath and stepped farther away. I felt the ice in her stare. Around the room, all eyes were on the group of us.
Nervous energy pulsed through my veins. I took a deep breath and held it as my eyes searched for the nearest exit.
Ugh, this was so awkward.
Do I go start a conversation with someone else?
That would be weird. Right?
