“Great, thanks.” His enthusiasm died a little when he looked across the table. “And Katie. Hi.”
“Hey, there, Dr. Feet.”
He frowned.
Justine did her best not to giggle. The beer—make thatbeers—seemed to be going to her head.
“Dr. Feet?” His date asked. “Oh, because he’s a podiatrist? Funny.” She smirked at Katie and gripped Mitch’s arm with more than little possession.
“Don’t mind Katie.” Justine forced herself to remain pleasant, aware Mitch seemed eager to stand around and rub his date in her face. “I’m Justine.”
“Mikayla. It’s nice to meet you. Mitch, I’ll go grab us a table.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and walked away. More like flounced away with an ass that could bounce quarters, but whatever. Mitch liked his women fit, as she recalled.
“What are you up to?” Mitch asked.
She saw Katie texting like a fiend and realized she’d get no help there. Instead, Justine did her best to act as if seeingMitch wasn’t beyond irritating after the day she’d had. Not that she harbored him any ill feeling, but he’d always acted as if his needs were more important than her own. Kind of like standing around, using all her oxygen when she was busy bitching to Katie and reveling in friend-time.
“Not much, actually. I’m still working for Mayze Creative and enjoying my aunt’s place. It’s terrific and right near downtown Fremont.”
“Nice.” He paused. “Seeing anyone?”
“How is that your business?” Katie asked without looking up from the phone or stopping her fingers from flying.
He sneered. “Was I talking to you?”
“She’s seeing someone else, yeah. Someone who values her opinions and doesn’t treat her like she’s beneath him.” Katie gave him a wide smile. “Now why don’t you skedaddle back to your date before her boobs deflate.”
“They’re real,” he denied then flushed. “And that’s a real nice way to talk about another woman.”
Personally, Justine didn’t care. “Mitch, it’s been a long day. I’m glad you found someone to date. She looks lovely.”Though those boobs do look a littletooperfect,came the catty thought, causing her to grin.
“What the hell is so funny?” he asked, looking livid.
Your stupid face.No, not what she should say, no matter how much she wanted to. She wondered how Xavier would calmly and maturely handle the situation. “Look, I’ve had a bad day and a little too much to drink. I’m sorry if Katie offended you.”
“I’m not,” Katie muttered.
“Please accept our apologies and enjoy your evening. Mikayla seems really nice.”
“She is.” He seemed like he had more to say, then shook his head. “I just wanted to say hello.” He ignored Katie. “And to letyou know I’ll be at the wedding this weekend. Mikayla is friends with Ted through his sister. I’ll be her plus one.”
Katie looked up.
Justine blinked. “Huh?”
“It’s lucky we ran into you tonight. It doesn’t sound like your sister told you I’ll be there.” He paused. “I don’t have to go, if that would be easier.” Mitch seemed to be sincere about not wanting to make her feel bad. Despite being a little selfish, he was a nice guy.
“Thanks, Mitch.” She gave him what she hoped was a sincere smile. “That’s not a problem. I hope you enjoy the wedding. I’ll look forward to seeing you there.”
He didn’t seem to know what to make of her response. Honestly, she didn’t either. She felt like she was channeling Xavier, acting all mature.
After a moment, Mitch gave a hesitant nod. “Sounds good. See you.” Still ignoring Katie, he turned and left to join his date several tables away, his back to their booth.
“What an ass.” Katie ordered another round of beers. “I never liked that guy.”
Justine snickered. “Dr. Feet.”
They burst into laughter, and Justine felt much better as the night progressed.
