Though depending how I feel later as midnight approaches, I might change my mind on that.
They eventually separate, and Sean turns to introduce us.
But before he can get any words out, Jerry’s focus switches to me, and for one glorious moment, I forget everything else as the warmth in his expression draws me in.
“You must be Reed, right?” His eyes sparkle with amusement. “I’ve heard all about you.” And I know at that moment that Sean has told him everything about our little trip to the hospital.
It’s his best friend, Reed. Of course he fucking has.
“Yep.” I rub the back of my neck, suddenly self-conscious. I blurted out my story in the spur of the moment, but now the thought of everyone knowing is making me squirm, and not in a good way.
Perceptive as usual, Sean’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Sorry, but I had to tell Jerry all about Deb trying to set us up and you desperately trying to persuade Vic that you had no idea she was planning it.” His fingers tighten, andoh. He hasn’t mentioned my monologue in the car then.
And hopefully no one else has either.
Thank fuck for that.
My smile comes easier after that realisation, and I give a half shrug. “I’m a nice guy. The last thing I wanted to do was give your boyfriend the wrong impression. Especially just before Christmas.”
Jerry smirks. “So you weren’t interested in Sean then?”
I shake my head quickly. “Nope. No way. Only as a friend.” Either it’s my imagination or something like relief flickers in Jerry’s eyes. Yeah, not touching that. If my last dating disaster is anything to go by, I’m not the best judge of situations. Or people, for that matter. And I’m so not in the right frame of mind for flirting, let alone anything else.
Before either Hailey or Jerry can quiz me on why I’m here and not out with my other friends and family at home, I rub my hands together and smile. “Right. Now we’ve got that out of the way, does anyone need a drink?”
It has the desired effect and the three of them laugh. Hopefully that’s the end of the inquisition and I can work on forgetting about everything.
Hailey leads the way to the bar. “Follow me,” she says in a sing-song voice, waving her glass in the air. “I know the staff!” Grabbing Jerry’s hand, she drags him with her, and I’m treated to a very pleasant view of his backside in snug black jeans.
I snap my gaze up quickly when Sean leans in close to whisper, “I think she’s had a head start on us.”
She and the rest of the pub by the looks and sounds of it. But it’s a lively festive atmosphere, and instead of feeling like anoutsider, I feel welcomed by all the happy, genuine smiles sent my way as we head to the far end of the bar. By the time we get there, my mood has lightened considerably, and I know I made the right decision to come here.
Two hours later,I’m loving life.
Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I’m definitely in my happy place when Sean leans against the bar next to me. He cocks an eyebrow, giving me a very pointed look and it takes me a minute to get what he’s referring to.
I’m sat on a bar stool, with Jerry standing next to me. I may or may not be ever so slightly leaning against his arm. It’s firm and thick, and he smells nice.
And okay, fine, that might be the alcohol talking.
But whatever, I’m happy and have no wish to move.
I frown back at Sean though, because I know what he’s implying and yeah, just no. “Not happening,” I mouth at him, glancing at Jerry, but he’s deep in conversation with Hailey.
“You sure? You’re looking awfully comfy there.” He nods at where my head is now resting on Jerry’s shoulder.
When did that happen?
Reluctantly I straighten and lean against the bar instead. It’s not half as comfy, and I scowl at Sean because that’s obviously all his fault. “It’s just nice,” I whisper to him, and it comes out more vulnerable than I intended, but it’s the truth. I miss the human contact that comes with having my own someone, and I wonder if Jerry gets that because he glances my way, shooting me a soft smile before turning back to Hailey.
I don’t miss the way he subtly shifts closer until we’re touching again.
Maybe I was wrong before. Sean might not have told him everything, but maybe he told him enough.
Sean grips my shoulder, that familiar squeeze of his hand as comforting as ever. “He’s a good guy,” he whispers.
I’m sure he is, but I’m not ready to go down that road again. Not yet. It all feels a bit raw after seeing Karl and Harrison again. And I’ve never been all that into one-nighters.
