“Alright, stay put, I’m going in,” I say as Andre nods at me.
“I’ll come with,” he offers, and we both take off for the drink cart, getting a good look at the place as we go.
“Who would have thought he’d actually do it?” I say, glancing at the overhead lights that look like they should be displayed in a museum and not some brick building that’s full of so much bright color.
“Yeah, I know, it’s crazy. Who starts a video game company? After a divorce, too?” Andre says, shaking his head.
Something about his words make me feel unsettled, but I push it aside as we get in line.
“I’m not surprised. About the divorce part,” I admit.
Andre raises an eyebrow at me.
“Really?”
I shrug. “I mean, he always put more into Savannah than she did with him. It wasn’t exactly a secret.”
Andre’s eyes look a little glazed, and I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or something else. He’s been weird all afternoon.
Maybe Hudson’s right. Maybe we have all changed… though, I’m still not sure how I feel about that. Change is inevitable. That’s one thing that is repeated in every self-help book I have read—and I’ve read a lot. But that doesn’t mean I like it. Sometimes, I just wish some things would stay the same. Sometimes it feels like the world around me is moving at the speed of light, and I’m just slow as fucking molasses.
“Marriage isn’t easy,” Andre says, his voice low. “It takes work. Austen put in the work and didn’t get it in return.”
I twist my lips to keep my mouth shut before I say something I will regret.
Everyone I know says that, and I swear, it’s like a kiss of death. I get that you have to make an effort, prioritize the other person and all, but in my opinion, if you have to work at something—like Austen worked at being with Savannah—if you have to force it, maybe it isn’t really love, but convenience.
But what do I know? I’m no expert on relationships, clearly.
I just know there was always a difference when Austen was with Savannah than when he was with Cameron, and being as he’swithCameron now, I think that detail is pretty obvious as to which one was easier.
Call me crazy, but love should be as easy as breathing. Marriage, kids… all that should be a product of that ease, that connection thatfuelsyou, not forced like some box you have to check off on a list of accomplishments or something. Which is definitely what dating nowadays feels like. Everyone’s got a laundry list of requirements, and no one takes the time to actuallyconnectwith you. There’s just… no chemistry anymore. Just expectations, and if you don’t meet them on the first date, you’re screwed and likely to go home alone.
But maybe I’m just cynical because I’ve been single for the last five years and it’s made me bitter.
Sure, I’ve hooked up with people, but it’s not the same. Sex has just… lost its luster. Especially when I’m in a new place every other week.
We move up to the counter, and Andre orders his drink and Paul’s, and I put in an order for three beers for Huds, Alex, and Mack.
I pay for the drinks while Andre attempts to carry three, and I do the same.
When we get back to the table, I pass out the drinks. Hudson looks at me with narrowed eyes as I slide him his drink.
“What?”
Hudson stares at me, his gaze flitting from my eyes to my mouth and then my glass of champagne.
Then I remember our previous night, hanging out at the bar. Where I got a little tipsy and chatty.
“I’m good. Promise.” I laugh. “Champagne is basically like alcoholic soda, anyway. It won’t even affect me.”
Hudson smirks. “Uh huh.”
Paul’s booming voice cuts through the air as he hollers out, “Brewer!” and we all turn to see Austen across the room, dressed in a suit and tie.
With Cameron.
Hisboyfriend.
