Because thinking about something else was calming.
Not to mention his salad dressing is pretty good. And he, well, he’s no longer with us, but his company still gives away much of their profits to important organizations. And I do my best to support companies who are trying to do good in this world. Especially companies who are working to help our environment. It’s one of the reasons I chose my major in alternative energy. The earth needs our help.
“Hello?” Carley waved her hand in front of my face. “Yoo-hoo. Earth to Emma.”
She made me laugh. “Sorry.”
“Off on one of your brain tangents again?”
That’s what she calls it when I space off. “Yeah. This one was about Paul Newman.”
Carley looked over toward the guy. “Ooh, he does look like a young Paul Newman. In that movie…” She snapped her fingers together like she’s trying to remember the name.
I said, “The Long, Hot Summer.”
“Yessss.” Carley slapped my arm. “That one.” She glanced at the guy again. “Definitely. Newman was sexy as fuck in that one.”
“He was.” I nodded, all while trying to think of something else to distract my friend because my thought was, if I got her drunk and talking, she’d forget all about me doing this… this stupid, embarrassing, and self-destructive act.
She drank the last of her cocktail, clapped her hands together, and said, “Right. Let’s do this.”
Crap.
“Paul Newman is the one.” She nodded in his direction.
“Yeah.” She smiled brightly. “He’s gorgeous.” And he wasn’t alone. He was with a group of about six or seven other guys. All of whom were very good-looking. They’re more Carley’s kind of guys. At least, they’re the kind of guys who like her. She’s like a bee to honey to that kind of man. If that makes any sense.
Funny, though. She doesn’t seem all that interested in guys right now. It doesn’t stop them, though.
“You know what?” I turned to face her again. “Youshould talk to him. He seems more your type.”
“Nope…” She shook her head slowly, and I couldn’t help but notice that her hair moves when she does. Unlike mine, which is more like a helmet. It’s armor, I guess, which is a good thing. I need battle-ready gear. “…my sweet Emma, this is about you.”
I hate when it’s about me.
“I don’t think I can do it.” I mean, he wasn’t alone. Those other guys… “If he were alone.”
“Well, let’s have another drink and we’ll wait until he approaches the bar or something.”
“I’m gonna need a shot,” I mumbled under my breath, but she heard.
Raising her hand to the bartender, he stepped over. “Another?” he asked with a smile and another wink. My God, the guy was shameless. Plus, you’d think his eye would stick like that the number of times he winks a night.
“Two shots of tequila, please.”
“Not tequila.” I moaned. She knows what tequila does to me. It makes me brave.
Winky is back before I could argue.
“You need it. Now shut up and drink.”
“Fine.” I threw back the golden liquid and winced as it burned down my throat. “I hate you,” I hissed.
“I heard that.” She took her shot. “And no you don’t.” Looking over in his direction, Carley raised her hands so they’re right below her chin and clapped. “Ooh, he’s on the move,” she said excitedly.
I turned my head in time to see the target of tonight’s humiliation approach the bar. Except, he wasn’t alone. Two of the guys from his group were with him. “He’s not alone,” I whined.
“Go.” She practically pushed me off my stool. “Get ’er done.”
