“Me too,” I admit.
She studies me for half a second like she knows there’s more under the surface, but she doesn’t push.
Instead, she says,“Chicago can be good for fresh starts.”
“I’m hoping so.”
“It can also be good for bad decisions,” she adds.
“That feels more likely tonight.”
“Oh, definitely,” Leo says, reappearing with a drink in hand.“This city specializes in them.”
I laugh, and at the exact same moment, movement catches my eye.
Zane’s hand settles at Gwen’s waist like it belongs there. It looks natural, like he forgot to think before doing it. He whispers something that makes her blush so quickly, I nearly choke on my champagne.
Ok. So this is real. Good for them.
“Ooooh,” I hear this weird voice in the distance.“Miller has a girlfriend,” a guy says, like he’s trying to make fun of the situation. A few people chuckle.
“Oh, look, the Grizzlies’water boy,” I tell Jake. I recognize him as the guy who got drafted last. He’s on the bench a lot and is trying to make a name for himself. Leo laughs at my comment, and so me and my big mouth add some fuel to the fire.“I’m thirsty, Jake. Get me a drink.”
The words come out before I can even think, and just like that, Jake walks away. He is mumbling something, probably annoyed that a girl talked down to him. I’m still following Jake when Leo walks over and gives me a high five.
When I look back, I’m confused. Jake is actually pouring a glass of champagne. He looks my way and walks over to me. No way.
“Here,” he says as he hands it to me.
“Thanks,” I smile, and in the distance, I see Blake stare at us. His expression doesn’t change much, but there’s something sharp in it now. Not angry exactly. More alert. Like he suddenly cares a lot more than he wants anyone to notice. The realization sends a strange little thrill through me. It feels warm and immediate and probably unwise.
“You are a goddess,” Tess laughs as I take a sip of the champagne Jake gave me.
“Men are easy,” I lie.
“Speak for yourself,” Gwen laughs.“I mean, past experiences, not your… Not…”
“Girl, don’t worry,” I comfort Gwen.“Relax and let’s dance!”
Tess and Gwen look absolutely terrified at my words. The expression on their face tells me they are not comfortable yet. As if I asked them to give a class presentation.
“Ok, give me two seconds,” I tell the girls, and I quickly make my way to a bar in the corner.
The bar in the corner is less crowded than the champagne tables. A bored-looking bartender with perfect eyeliner raises an eyebrow the second I approach. As if she isn’t expecting any customers.
“Three shots of something that makes people think dancing is a great idea,” I tell her.
She doesn’t even blink.“So vodka.”
“Exactly.”
As she pours, I glance back toward the room. Zane and Gwen are having a moment. The way they look at each other is the type of look people give when they’ve completely forgotten everyone else exists. Tess is talking to Leo, her left hand resting lightly against his wrist. Leo says something animated, and it makes me smile. And Blake…
Blake is watching me. Not subtly either. He’s standing near the beer tub with his hands in his pockets. He is talking to some teammate I don’t recognize. His eyes, however, flick to me again before I can pretend I imagined it.
I look away first. Because of course I do. The bartender slides the shots toward me.
“Brave,” she says.
