“Well, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s on the house. So’s mine.” She lifted a tall drink. A clean orange column, devoid of decoration. It seemed oddly significant.
“What’s yours?”
Through tight lips, Jessie said, “It’s a Slow, Comfortable Screw Against the Wall.”
Binx hooted with laughter and slapped her thigh. “The dawg! What is up with you two?”
“The guy is a complete asshole. I ordered a beer, and he handed me this instead. Then he wouldn’t let me pay for it ’cause it would make himfeel dirtyto take money from me.”
Binx laughed harder before saying, “You mean in exchange for sex? Too bad it ain’t the real thing. When was the last time you got laid?”
“None of your business.”
“Oh, please, sugar. Everything’s my business.”
“If you haven’t heard anything, it’s ’cause there’s nothing to tell. So cool it, Binx.”
“I believe I’ve hit a sore spot.” Binx looked at the bar, caught Rory’s eye, and gave him a girly, four-fingered wave. “Never did get why you hate him so much. The man is scrumptious.”
“He’s a man whore. It’s disgusting.”
“Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a horndog, sugar. ’Specially if you’re in a period of extreme drought. Tall drink of water like that… Wonder why I never did him.” Binx’s eyes narrowed on Jessie, moved to Uma, and then swung to Ivan, who sat at the other end of the table, looking ill at ease surrounded by the other women.
“Ive, on the other hand.” She cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, girls, my arid regions need a little waterin’.”
“Jesus, Binx,” Jessie groaned. “That’s my brother you’re talking about.”
“Well, you know how it is. Me and Ive. When I’m dry, I wet my whistle at the f—”
“Shut up!” Jessie screeched.
The little blond waltzed over to Ivan, who looked, if anything, more pained than ever when she plopped onto his lap.
Uma turned away.
“Don’t worry about Binx.”
“What do you mean?”
When Uma looked at her, Jessie indicated Binx and Ivan. “I take it you know my brother.”
“We’ve hung out,” Uma said carefully.
Jessie had that curious look on her face again. “This is the very first time he’s agreed to come out with us after class. Ive doesn’t go out.Ever.And he made sure you were coming before committing.”
“Oh?”
“Yep. You like him.”
“I don’t—”
“He and Binx have been doing their thing off and on for years. It’s not serious, though. It’s okay. I can tell he likes you too.”
Uma swallowed and raised her eyebrows.
“Never seen him like this.”
