I might be.
But this was all kind of confusing, especially given these drinks. I made sure no one was listening, then confessed, “I haven’t been exposed to anything. Like that, I mean.”
“Ever? Or recently?” he asked, casually snuggled against my side.
“Um, ever, really.” I’d guzzle this whole glass of sanitizer-flavored nonsense to avoid talking about it. But part of me wanted to ask: what did he like? What did he suggest? Was it weird to hook up if we hadn’t dated properly?
He tucked my hair behind my ear. “Would you like to wait until marriage for that kind of thing? Or are you not overly interested in it, even with a ring?”
I shivered at the intimacy of his fingertips against the shell of my ear. “N-no, I’m interested. At least, I think I am. I’ve just been too exhausted, too busy, and frankly, too nervous to pursue those opportunities.”
“But you’re not nervous with me?” He tilted his head, his expression softening.
I giggled and clutched my seat. “No, I’m still nervous. But it’s also kind of exciting. Seeing you. Getting to know you. Letting you get to know me.”
“Finally,” he exaggerated.
I dipped my nails in my drink, then flicked it at him.
He laughed and shook off the droplets like a bird ruffling its feathers.
The dew sparkled off him and tickled my face. He was so effervescent, beaming. My stomach flipped. Maybe it was a result of the strong drink.
Butfinally, I felt something more than idle affection and curiosity.
The bartender swung by with napkins. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but that woman is asking for you,” she said, gesturing to the curly-haired girl across the bar.
Angel sighed. “Oh, right. Will you give me a minute, pidge?”
“Sure.” I didn’t get the impression he was overly eager to see her.
“I’ll be back.” He squeezed just above my knee, and I had to resist the urge to kick out at him like this was a nerve test.
The second he turned away, I grabbed my glass and bolted toward Kat and her friends. “Hey, what do you think?” I asked her.
She glanced at Angel. “Of the guy I’ve never met?”
“Yes. Also, would you like my drink? It’s disgusting.” I held it out for her.
Ash stepped closer, her tone sharp. “Ericka doesn’t make bad drinks.”
The bartender glanced over at her name, but Ash downed the rest of her beverage to avoid eye contact with any of us.
I shifted my weight. “Um, sorry, I meant it’s too much for me. Do any of you like Long Island Iced Teas?”
Kat gave the drink to Ash. “Enjoy. My sister and I are gonna dance for a minute.”
My palms sweat. “Oh, no. Really?” In front of everybody?
“Trust me.” She dragged me over to a slightly less crowded section of the bar and milked my stiff arms to get into the groove. “I don’t want Sal overhearing,” she explained, dancing closer.
“That’s smart. He might report back to his friend.” I glanced over my shoulder at my possible date, my insides swaying more than my hips as he bobbed his head in cheeky acknowledgment of me and my dance. “Does that mean you don’t approve of Angel?” I asked.
“It means I got some dirt on your man.” She grinned, dark lipstick emphasizing her teeth.
I grabbed her hands and shook them. “Ah, you’re the best. What is it? Does he already have five girlfriends?”
“No.” She chuckled and raised our joined hands in celebration, then slid them in another dance move. “Now, as far as approval, what you decide to do with him and this information is up to you.”
