“Water? Yeah, that’s not happening,” I tell him, instead ordering a set of shots and beers for both of us.
“Are you supposed to meet someone here?”
“Huh?” Davidson answers, still searching the crowd.
“Davidson, are you looking for someone you know?”
“No, no. Just scouting the options, right?”
He doesn’t look convincing.
The team crowds around us, and Davidson finally joins the conversation. When the guys start attracting women to our group, Davidson gravitates closer to me, and we take on the night together.
The music is loud, the crowd is lively, and drinks are going down way too smoothly. I’ve even been able to focus and have fun with my friends for a couple hours without thinking about Bryce, until I see a familiar face.
“Kasey! What’s up?” His confidence shines through with his bright eyes and wide smile when he recognizes me.
“Hey, Bodie. How are you?” he shouts over the noise of the bar.
“This is Davidson, my friend and captain of the team.”
“Hi—Davidson?” he asks awkwardly.
“Emmett.” They shake hands, and for some reason, it makes me tense up. I’m not sure if it’s the way they gauge each other or from hearing his first name for the first time in years, but it’s just weird.
“Well, it’s nice seeing you. Hope you guys are having fun.” He awkwardly waves goodbye.
“Yeah. Nice seeing you. Get home safe.”
I turn to Davidson and see him nod toward Kasey as he walks away. “Do you know him? It looked like you recognized him or something?”
“Nah, man. Just remember seeing him with Bryce that night at the game.”
“Oh, yeahhh. That’s right. One too many shots here. Speaking of—piss break. Be right back.”
I must have good timing because there’s a free urinal when I enter the restroom. It’s not a small bathroom, but somehow, I still manage to run right into someone as I turn to go to the sink.
“Man, watch where you’re going.”
“Sorry,” I say in a panic—until I find myself staring at the last person I wanted to see tonight.
“Bodie McBoatface. So, you can’t watch where you’re going on frozen waterorsolid ground, huh?”
“You’re hilarious, Drew. Get out of my way.” I grab a paper towel and shoulder-check him as I walk by.
“Gladly.”
I’m surprised when I make it out the door without him bothering me until I hear him following me down the hallway.
“You know I’ve been fucking Bryce for years, right?”
I swore to myself the last time that I wouldn’t ever let him get to me again, but this is too far.
“Drew, you need to step away quietly before we have a problem.”
“Bodie, brother.”
“I’m definitely not your brother,” I say, throwing his hand off my shoulder. “Stay away from me and stay the fuck away from Bryce.”
