I swiftly pick up Shane and Chase’s second course after I clear their soup bowls. “Shrimp and crab nachos, fish and chips, chicken and waffle sliders, and our very famous clam chowder fritters.” I name each dish as I place it in front of them. “I thought you’d appreciate a variety.”
“Welovevariety,” Shane remarks as two twinkling hazel eyes stare back at me. Why do I get the impression they twist every word I say into something sexual?
“Good to know. Eat up.” I pertly tap the bar top.
“We plan on it,” Chase affirms, with the same sexual undertone.
I tilt my head, trying to decode his statement. I’m positive they’re together. I’ve watched all night as they touched and brushed and smiled at each other, clearly more than just friends. They’re discreet, but I’ve noticed their quiet gestures. What I can’t figure out is why they keep subtly coming on to me.
Maybe it’s a secret game they play? Or some twisted entertainment? Fuck with the straight girl? See who she picks?
“Jenn!” Jack slams his hand down on the bar energetically, snapping me out of my musings. “Shots! Shots, shots . . . shots, shots, shots!” he sings surrounded by six of his boys. I roll my eyes. I’ve known Jack as long as I’ve known Janine. I was there when they first hooked up, broke up, got back together, then broke up again. Oy, their relationship gave me whiplash for a while, but they eventually worked it out, and now, look at them. About to make it official. Walk the green mile together, and they couldn’t be happier. I’m still on the fence about a lifelong commitment, even if Jack and Janine make it look easy and, I reluctantly admit, appealing.
“Usual?” I line up six shot glasses.
“Of course,” Jack scoffs. “Nice hair by the way,” he tosses in.
“Thanks.” I grin as I fill each glass with tequila.
“New haircut?” Shane asks as he watches me pour.
“Yup,” Jack answers for me. “She’s had her hair down to her ass for as long as I can remember.” He passes the glasses around. I play with my layered bangs self-consciously, once again brushing them out of my eyes. “It was Janine’s idea.”
“I like it,” Shane compliments.
“Me too,” Chase adds.
“Me three.” Jack clinks glasses with the guys around him, before shooting the tequila. “Especially the pink.” He wipes his mouth on his sleeve.
“Really?” I ask surprised.
“Yeah.” He pushes the glass toward me, indicating a refill. “Janine told me to tell you that.” He chuckles.
“Of course, she did.” I pour him a second shot.
“I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t like it, no matter what Janine told me to do.” He tips his head back confidently and swallows the amber liquid in one gulp. “One more.” He slams the shot glass down.
“I know. You never say anything you don’t mean.”
“I keep it real, baby.” He winks. Jack reminds me of an overgrown frat boy. A laid back, care free preppy, sporting a plaid shirt and backward baseball cap. I can’t do anything but laugh and fill his glass once again. Jack is as real as they come. What you see is what you get, which is refreshing. I know too many selfish, self-serving, unreliable people. Hell, I was raised by two of the most selfish, self-serving, unreliable people on the planet.
“You’d better slow down, or they’re going to be carrying you outta here.” I watch him bank another ounce and a half of tequila straight.
“It’s a party! That’s what’s supposed to happen!” He flashes a no-holds-barred smile.
“If you say so.” I swipe the shot glass away.
“I do. Get my two new friends here a drink on me.” He nods his head at Shane and Chase, who have been quietly listening to our exchange. “Janine said she invited them to stay.” There’s a gleam in Jack’s eyes. I know right then and there my sneaky BFF is up to no good. She’s stooped so low as to recruit her fiancé to meddle in my romantic affairs. “So let’s show them a good time, huh?” He winks again, conspiratorially this time.
“We never say no to a good time,” Chase immediately offers.
“That’s what I like to hear, brother.” Jack slaps Chase on the back. “No one will show you a better time than this chick right here.” Jack thumbs at me suggestively.
What the fuck! Shut up!I want to crawl under the bar and die. He’s making me sound like a floozy.
“She’s been taking pretty good care of us so far,” Shane discloses, a hint of sexual innuendo in his tone.
“No complaints,” Chase tacks on, leaning forward dominantly.
