I greet Ricky first, who’s growing out his buzz cut for the winter, ribbing him about the spiky strands.
I hug Cammie next, my, “Good to see you,” genuine. We’ve been friends since elementary school.
After greeting everyone, I announce I’m grabbing a beer. “Want one?” I ask Gus, who’s looking at something on Wade’s phone. The Knicks game, I think.
“Yeah,” he replies, pulling a ten out of his pocket and holding it out to me.
I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.”
I know he’s stressed about money for next year. I made a decent amount at the marina this summer, and I’m saving up for … nothing.
“Gas money at least,” Gus says, holding the bill closer to me. “Or your chauffeuring tip.” He glances at Wade. “Do drivers get tips?”
Wade doesn’t take his eyes off the game. “Dunno.”
Wren would know. The thought is random and unwelcome.
She’s literally on the opposite side of the country. I haven’t seen her since July. We’re fucking pen pals, not normal friends, and she’s definitely not my girlfriend. It’s ridiculous that I’m out at a bar with my closest buddies and I’m thinking about her.
I stride toward the bar, resolved to keep my thoughts Wren-free. I order from Owen, one of the usual bartenders, who doesn’t even botherto ask for my fake.
While I’m waiting for the beers, Emily Stone sidles over.
And my ban on thinking about a certain blonde becomes a spectacular failure. Because I’m sure not focused on the girl beside me as she asks how my Thanksgiving break has been, “accidentally” brushing her boobs against my right bicep.
I’m relieved when Owen returns with the beers, ignoring his amused smirk when he notices I’m no longer standing alone.
“Want to come over to my table for a bit?” Emily asks, twirling a strand of hair around one finger. “We could hang out, then head out …”
“Can’t tonight,” I tell her. “It’s guys’ night.”
Emily glances at my table. “Cammie’s there.”
“She’s friends with the guys.”
“Please.” She rolls her eyes. “Everyone knows you two hooked up.”
“Bye, Emily,” I say, then walk off.
When I make it back to the table, everyone except Cammie is grinning.
“Careful drinking that, man,” Wade comments as I hand Gus his beer. “Emily might have spit in it.”
“You should just fuck her, Cap,” Ricky tells me. “Then she’ll probably lose interest.”
I flip him off as I slide onto the open stool, hoping the guys will be the ones who lose interest and move on to another topic.
“What about you, Cammie?” Wade asks. “College guys treating you okay?”
Cammie nods. “I’m dating this guy from my business class. Luke. He’s great. I was hoping you guys could meet this weekend, but he headed home for the holiday.”
Relief spreads through me. At least one good thing came fromtonight. She has moved on.
“That’s great, Cam,” I say quickly.
Too quickly.
Her head swivels to me. “I didn’t know it was so easy to get on your good side, Cap. You don’t want to meet him first? Ask a few threatening questions about his intentions?Anyguy is good enough for me?”
