That’s when the old couple decides to leave, probably sensing that the situation is slowly getting out of control.
“Well,Iremember you very well because I’m into redheads,” I say in return.
My words get her ex to show some spine, finally. He wraps a hand around her waist to pull her closer, and I see just how uncomfortable that makes her.
“Excuse me, but who are you?” he asks.
“We already established that I’m a friend of Hana’s and her fiancé.”
“Your name?”
“So you really forgot about me, mate? I’m Jake. And you are?”
“Edward Hoffman the Third.”
“The Third?” I whistle, feigning being impressed. “So, there are two more like you out there?”A catastrophe, really.
The imbecile squares his shoulders, which makes him look ridiculous because I’m five inches taller and probably outweigh him by fifty pounds of muscle mass.
Before he can dig himself into a deeper hole, Gen comes to his aid. “What do you want, sir?”
“Nothing, love. I was just wondering if you were taken. Is that your boyfriend?” I point at the dickhead, who tugs her even closer.
“That is none of your concern,” Gen says, her tone icy.
The fire behind the blue of her eyes makes me question if this little pissing contest of mine is worth angering her. Maybe I went a little too far. Time to retreat. “Sorry, you two are busy. I’ll leave you be.”
Before she can react, I take her hand and gallantly bend to press a kiss on the back of it. I witness the duality of her reaction as her pupils dilate at the discreet touch of my tongue, but her scowl clearly disapproves of my methods. My fingers graze the softness of her palm before I release her, and I give Edward a rough pat on the shoulder. “See you around, mate.”
“Let’s hope not,” Gen mutters.
“Oh, I think you will,” I counter. I give her a wink, and then I’m off.
As much as I try to keep a contained facade, I’m seething. Why would she even bother giving him the time of day? He’s a joke turned loafer-wearing bratty little shit. Edward Hoffman the fucking Third. What a clown.
When I return to Elijah and Hana, they seem riveted. “How did that go?”
“Not well. I think she’s pissed.”
“Oh, she is,” Hana confirms. “But so is Edward, so I see it as a win.”
“You’re not a very good friend, are you?” Eli pensively asks.
“I’ve been telling her for years that she can do better than Eddie. Honestly, she deserved the reminder.”
“I think I’ll go home,” I decide.
“Really? We just arrived,” Eli protests.
When I look back at Gen and her ex, he still has an arm around her, and they are now talking to another couple. This is bullshit. “You can stay and take a cab home—don’t forget your helmet. I just don’t think I can witness this for much longer.”
“Alright, I get it.”
“I’ll take a leak first, then I’m off. Hana, it was a pleasure meeting you. Keep fighting the good death-to-Eddie fight, love.”
She laughs, shaking her head with amusement. “I’ll die on that hill.”
I give them a nod and head toward the back of the gallery, where I spotted the restrooms earlier. You know the place is fancy when each booth is a proper build, rather than shitty stalls.
