“Me too.” He leaned against me and I kissed his head. We sat for a few minutes, remembering.
Charlie stood up and pulled my hand. “Are we going to Mackie’s house?”
“I need to get dressed.” I went to the closet, and took out Cassie’s black dress.
He groaned. “I’ll be in my fort.”
∞
I tugged nervously at my dress. I didn’t remember it being so short.
“Stop fidgeting,” Annie said under her breath. “Play it cool, Emmy!”
We were sitting on barstools overlooking the water, cocktails planted in front of each of us. Annie looked absolutely beautiful. Every man in the place had done a double take when she walked in.
“Ladies,” a man said, and I swiveled to look at him. “Can I get you something?” This was the third one already!
Annie threw him a dazzling smile. Lordy, those perfect Whitaker teeth. “We’re all set here, but thanks!” She turned and gave him her back, so I did the same.
“Too short,” she said to me. “You need someone taller.”
“Annie, I’m not looking for anyone right now. And he was after you, not me. Guys aren’t interested in me like that.”
“Are you out of your mind, Emmy? You could have anyone here!”
I scoffed.“Whatever.”
“Have you ever looked in the mirror?” She rolled her eyes. “You’ve had lots of boyfriends, right?”
“Um, not really,” I said.
“But you’ve had plenty of people ask you out,” she stated.
I thought back. Had I? “Well, I think a lot of guys wanted me to help them study, or talk about classes. But not a lot of romantic interest.”
She stared at me. “How did Luke get your number?”
I thought back again. “He needed it to get in touch with me, because he had fixed my bike tire and didn’t have a way to tell me.”
“Smooth,” Annie nodded.
“Really? That was just to get my number?”
She patted my cheek. “Emmy, you have a lot to learn! And I’m sure all the guys before him just wanted your help with their math homework.” Her eyes strayed past me. “Oh look, there’s Neil Gassman! From the team!” She waved him over. “Neil!” He came over and stood talking with us for a while, and then a table opened up, so we all moved there. I was on my second gin and tonic and I was feeling unusual. As if my head was floating, a little. But Neil was super charming, and Annie and I laughed like crazy. This had been a great idea!
Then Luke walked in. Of all the gin joints…
Annie raised her hand and waved at him. She didn’t seem at all surprised that he was there.
Luke saw us, and saw Neil. A ferocious scowl spread across his face and he stalked over.
“Annie, did you tell him we were here?” I demanded. “What the heck?”
“I did, and I’m not sorry! So there.” She stuck out her tongue. “Go talk to him, please?”
I stood up, and held onto the table for a little support. Wow, liquor was really strong, and went down really easy. Luke reached our table.
“Annie, Emily.” He glared at Neil. “Sorry, I’m not sure who the hell you are.”
