respond?”
“No. You know he’ll just keep texting you.”
“You’re probably right.” I swallow. “I really need to blow off some steam…I could really use a good run.”
“Well, it’s dark so running is out. You know what I think you need?”
I shrug.
“A drink. Time for a drink…for both of us.” She smiles.
Josh and Tyler head out the front door of their house just as we pull in the driveway. Josh sweeps Bryn into his arms, pulls her tightly against his chest and kisses her hard. I feel my face redden as I quickly look away and at Tyler.
“Hi.” Tyler says and leans down, giving me a quick kiss on the lips.
“Hi.” I smile, awkwardly.
After they grab our bags and put them in their house, the four of us make our way to Elsie’s . Although classes don’t resume until Monday, it’s Friday night and the streets are already packed with returning students. When we walk, I notice several people glancing in my direction and then whispering. I don’t know if I’m feeling paranoid so I move closer to Bryn and whisper in her ear.
“Is it just me or are people looking at me funny?” I say in her ear.
“Don’t sweat it. They’re just jealous.” She smiles.
“Ugh. I was hoping you were going to tell me that it’s all in my head.”
“Okay. It’s all in your head.”
“Liar.” I huff.
“You need a drink or two or three.” She laughs.
We make our way into the bar. While the guys grab pitchers of beer and margaritas, Bryn and I look for a place to sit. I insist on sitting at a table that’s tucked away in the corner when Bryn initially moves to one in the front.
“Uh-huh.” Bryn says, knowingly.
“It’s quieter back here. We can at least talk without shouting.” I mutter.
“You sure you aren’t trying to hide?” Bryn knows me too well.
I shrug.
“You know you aren’t going to be able to hide for the next five months.”
“I can try.” I smile.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER and too many drinks to count, I start to finally relax. The bar is overcrowded and loud. Sitting across from Bryn, the two of us move to the music while Tyler and Josh discuss the results of various college bowl games. I don’t even mind when I feel Tyler’s hand, stroking my thigh.
I know Logan is in the bar when I see Bryn’s expression change as her eyes look over my shoulder. She tries to look indifferent but there’s no doubt in my mind.
I mouth the words to her. “ He’s here ?”
She nods and takes a gulp of her margarita. “I think we s’need some shots.” Her words are slurred as she waves over a waitress and orders a round of lemon drops.
“Babe, I think you should slow down.” Josh leans close to her. “I don’t want you passing out on me tonight.”
“Ha! Don’t worry about me passing out on you. I’m so wet, hot and bothered I’m pretty certain you will be the one passing out on me after what I have planned for later.”
“Uhh…TMI. TMI, Bryn.” I shake my head at her and laugh while my face feels like it’s on fire.
It is taking all my willpower to not glance over my shoulder and look at Logan. Besides Bryn occasionally looking in the direction, I’m certain I feel his eyes boring into the back of my head. I’m distracted momentarily when the round of shots arrive at our table.
“To getting laid!” Bryn shouts and slurps back her drink then plants a big, wet one on Josh.
The rest of us clink our glasses and follow suit. Squinting at her, I shake my head. I may have to squash her future double dating plans if she keeps this up. Maybe she is so sex-starved, she won’t be so blatantly obvious once she gets some. One can only hope, right?
I’m pretty sure Tyler feels just as uncomfortable as me when he turns his attention away from our two over lecherous friends to me.
“Would you like to dance?” He asks, his lips twitch up into a slight smile and I take this as code for do you want to get away from these two.
As much as I would like to escape their
David Jay Brown, Rebecca McClen Novick