I spent the next hour trying to amp myself up for this club party. I’d even had a glass of wine, hoping it would settle my nerves.
No such luck.
I was a wreck.
It didn’t help matters that the clubhouse was packed wall to wall. The bar was filled with music and laughter, and while everyone looked to be having a great time, I couldn’t have felt more out of place. Everyone had someone. A shoulder to lean on, a warm smile to chat with, or a significant other to share the night with, but I was flying solo.
Yeah, you heard that right.
I was sitting alone at the bar, nursing my second shot, while Davis was across the room, talking to a couple of women I’d never seen before. And they were laying it on thick.
Laughing too loud.
Touching his arm when they spoke.
Batting their fake eyelashes that were two sizes too big while shoving their perfect breasts right in his stupid face.
I didn’t feel angry. I had no reason to be. As far as I was concerned, they were doing me a favor by distracting him. But it did little to help me feel less out of place. I didn’t know anyone, so I stayed put.
On my barstool, shot in hand, taking it all in.
I took another quick glance around the room, and that’s when I spotted Luke. He was off to the side, talking with the brother who was there when Davis moved in, and while I had no idea what they were saying, they looked to be having a good time. Especially Luke.
He was grinning, cutting up, and being his usual self. He looked like he belonged there, and I was a little envious of the fact. I found myself smiling without meaning to.
I couldn’t help it.
There was something about watching him in his element.
He looked genuinely happy, and the chaos around him seemed to fade away. I was a little mesmerized by it all. And somewhere along the way, it made me feel a bit better about being there.
I finished off my shot, and the bartender quickly poured me another. I planned on just nursing it until Davis sauntered over to the counter with three empty beer bottles in hand. He tossed them in the trash before ordering, “Three Lites and make ‘em cold.”
I watched him for a second, then leaned over and asked, “Why am I here?”
“Ah, fuck. Don’t start with me,” he snorted, like I’d said something funny. “I’m not here to play house, Pres.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“I’m gathering intel.” He shot me a look, letting me know he wasn’t pleased with my reaction. “This is work. Only way I can help your sister is by being where people talk too much, and these girls have lots to say.”
“I bet they do.”
“Don’t gotta be a bitch, Pres. You’re no better than they are.” The bartender slid the beers over, and Davis scooped them up as he told me, “But don’t worry. Just a little longer, and this will all be over.”
He started back toward the group, and panic washed over me. “Davis!”
I reached out and grabbed his arm before stopping him. He whipped around with a cold look in his eyes and barked, “What?”
“Just let this go. We can find another way.”
“You don’t get to tell me what to do.”
“Luke is your brother,” I pushed. “He loves you. He’s tried to help you…more than once. You can’t betray him like this.”
For a split second, I saw a glimmer of compassion flicker in his eyes, but it was gone as quick as it came. “I don’t give a fuck about Luke. Never have.”
“But….”
