While Danny goes to greet Jeremy, Drew takes my arm.
“How are you? Is everything okay here?”
“Let’s not ruin the evening. I’ll tell you later. There are so many things to say, but Danny doesn’t have to know. Or I won’t tell you anything.”
Drew has become a trusted friend. I wouldn’t have expected to find a friend to whom I could trust my soul. Yet without him, I wouldn’t know how to do it.
Drew knows things Danny will never have to know—something he’d go crazy if he knew. And I don’t want to endanger him.
“Fine, Preciosa.” He hugs me. “Smile, everything will be fine.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m jealous, you’re hugging my wife,” Jeremy jokes.
“Honey, this is Andrew.”
“Drew for friends. Please to meet you, Jeremy. Hailey never stops singing your praises. I was curious to meet you.”
Jeremy looks flattered. “Thanks, Drew, the pleasure is mine! Please, we’re among friends, so make yourself at home.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that!” he says, shaking Jeremy’s hand. “Hailey, can I help you with the barbecue?”
“I’m not sure...”
“Oh, Drew is great at handling meat,” Danny says with a wink.
We all burst out laughing.
“Of course, yes,” I say.
The doorbell rings, and Jeremy leaves us to open the door.
Claire appears in the doorway, wearing a dizzying miniskirt. She smiles and kisses him on the lips.
Both Drew and Danny are shocked. “What the fuck?”
“It’s okay, just a friendly greeting,” I say
“A friendly greeting? So can I kiss you too? After all, we’re friends,” Danny retorts nervously.
“Danny, please, let’s enjoy the evening. All I need is that you’re here.”
He hugs me.
Zoë goes to Claire and jumps on her, scaring her.
“Zoë, here,” I say, and she obeys instantly.
“Dogs shouldn’t be in the house,” says the slut.
“Not even bitches, but you know, dogs are welcome in my house.”
Claire looks at her legs. “Look, she scratched me,” she says in an annoyed voice.
“It happens. If you put on a pair of pants, it wouldn’t have happened. If you want, I can loan you a pair.” I look at her. “Mmm, no, they’re two sizes smaller than you.” I smile and go to the kitchen.
Drew helps me with the meat. Eventually, Andrew, Danny, and a couple of colleagues come out while Jeremy and Claire are on the porch swing.
