I turn to look for Alex and Ainsley and realize Alex is sitting in the booth by himself. I can’t help myself and let my gaze wander to Ashley’s table. I can’t decipher much as Ashley is standing with her back to us. So I focus on letting my hot date grind all over me to “Lil Bit” by Nelly & Florida Georgia Line.
As the song merges into an older techno number, I grab Addy’s hand to make our way back to the table. “Jesus, sassy. You got my dick all worked up back there. I’m going to the men’s room to splash some water on my face and get another beer. You want anything?”
“Could you bring Ava and me another water?”
“Sure.” I pull her in for a kiss before heading to the men’s room. As I pass by the line of females waiting their turn, I dart into the bathroom to take care of business and wash my hands. Looking into the dingy mirror above the sink, I take stock of the guy looking back at me. A year ago, seeing Ashley and Martin would’ve ruined my night. Hell, it would’ve ruined my month. Still angry and dejected, I never imagined life could be this good. If I’d stayed with her, I would’ve been miserable. Instead, I found the love of my life.
I head to the bar to collect a couple of beers and a few glasses of water before heading back to my table but slow my roll when I see Ashley standing next to Addison. Steam starts to build in my ears until I remember they once modeled together. Cautiously I walk up behind Ashley and can’t help but overhear their conversation.
“So, how long have you and Trev been an item?”
“About three or four months.” Addison’s tone sounds clipped, but I don’t want to come any closer and give Ashley the satisfaction of knowing I’m here. Hell, if my arms weren’t full of drinks, I’d probably head back to the bar.
“I’m surprised, Addison. You don’t strike me as someone who’d have to settle for my leftovers.”
I take a step forward, my mouth open and ready to respond when Addy beats me to the punch.
“Oh, I didn’t get anyone’s leftovers, honey. He saved all the prime meat for me. If anyone should worry about getting sloppy seconds, it’s you.”
“What is that supposed to mean? Martin’s divorce has been official for months,” she snaps.
“I wasn’t talking about his divorce,” Addy adds with a menacing grin.What’s she talking about?
About that time, I see Alex trying to suppress a grin, Mick chuckling, and Ava covering her mouth as they look past me. Peering over my shoulder, I notice a cocktail server bent over Martin’s table. His hand is clearly visible, perched on her ass under the back of her skirt.
Ashley must catch on as she storms past me in his direction, completely oblivious that I’m standing there. If that isn’t a metaphor for how our relationship would’ve been had I still been dating her, I don’t know what is.
Sliding the drinks onto the table, I take a seat next to my girl and bring her in for a kiss. “You’re so naughty.” Kiss. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being you.”
Epilogue
Four Months Later
Trevor
“Addy?” I drop my keys on the counter and head to the bedroom, wondering if Addison’s already gone to bed. The poker game with the guys ran late tonight. I normally like to be home before ten, given how we both have to be at work early in the morning. But I had my first winning streak in ages.
“Oh, my god. You’re so funny.”
“No, you are. I nearly peed in my pants with that last one.” An unmistakable cackle drifts down the hall, and I stop momentarily to wrap my head around the situation. Who is she talking to? The voice is female, but it doesn’t sound like Cece.
“You two are both ridicu-”
“Ha!” Addison squeals in laughter. “Did you hiccup or burp?”
“I think it was both. It made my nose burn.” More laughter lilts from the bedroom, but that wasn’t Addy’s voice this time.
“Oh, Mylanta. The next time I get invited to a Zoom cocktail party with the two of you, I’m going to have to wear one of those Depends.”
Oh, for shit’s sake.When did my girlfriend start drinking and Zooming with my mother? And was the other voice my sister-in-law?
“Now, don’t forget to send me pictures of what you come up with from that treasure box I sent you.”
“Oh, me too.”
