“You offer unsolicited information.” But now that I think about it, he hasn’t been telling me anything about any hookups since November. “Have you even been hooking up lately?”
“Of course I have.”
“Then why haven’t you been blabbing about them?”
“I don’t have much to tell.”
Before I can pry, my phone pings with a text at the same time Slater’s does. A string of numbers and a few photos light up my screen as I swipe it open. I’m expecting one of those scams about a package not being delivered, but that’s not what I find.
It takes me a few seconds for my brain to comprehend I’m looking atMikey. She’s on a bed, lying on her stomach, her feetkicked up behind her as her back arches, while she gives the camera a sultry, pouty look. I swipe to the next one, this one of Mikey standing in a mirror with no bra on, one arm banded across her breasts, teasing me, while the other is mussing up her hair.
The next picture is another sultry pose, showcasing her ass in those goddamned lace panties. I’m hanging on by a thread, contemplating skipping the dance in favor of getting Mikey alone when a text comes through.
UNKNOWN: See you soon, big guy. I can’t wait to dance with you.
I quickly type a reply.
SAINT: Shit, sweetheart, I can’t think properly when all the blood from my brain is rushing south. Those pictures… you look fucking incredible. I’m so damn lucky. I can’t wait to see you soon.
I finally findthe strength to put my phone down so I can calm myself, and when I look over at Slater, his jaw is slack as he stares at his phone screen.
“What’s got you gaping like a fish?” I ask, trying to see his screen.
Slater quickly makes the screen go dark and clears his throat, shoving the phone back in his pocket. “None of your business,” he snaps.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “Woah, hey. No need to get snappy with me. You’re the one who’s all about sharing.”
“Sorry, man.” Slater pinches his eyes shut and takes a giant swig of his beer.
“It’s all good. Are you… seeing someone?”
“No,” he says too quickly.
“Then what are you?—”
“It’s complicated, okay?” he interrupts. “She doesn't want anyone to know about us. I think she might be gearing up to break it off soon, so it’s not like it matters.”
“Why wouldn’t she want anyone to know?”
“Take your pick. We met on an app, I have a reputation, it was supposed to be a one-time thing. It was only supposed to be sex, but I can’t stay away from her.”
“Then tell her how you feel. Is she here? I can help?—”
Slater shakes his head before I can finish my sentence. “No, Cupid won’t work for this. I’ll get over it when she ends things. I haven’t had any problem moving on before, and this won’t be any different.” He sounds like he’s trying to convince himself as much as me.
I clap him on the shoulder. “Good news is there’s a plethora of available women here tonight if you need someone to take your mind off her.”
“Yeah, sure,” he grumbles, finishing off his beer. “I’ll catch you later, man.”
Claire comes by as he leaves, grabbing his empty bottle. “What’s up with him?”
I shake my head. “He’s down bad over some girl, I guess. I had no idea he was even seeing anyone.”
“I didn’t either, and you know how he likes to brag.” She pauses for a second, contemplating. “You think this girl is different?”
“I don’t know, but it seems like it.”
“He’ll be okay.”
