“On?”
His gaze narrows the slightest bit, but a smile is written in the creases framing his face. “On the day, the situation, and the reason I’d have for going.”
“I didn’t mean he’s a grandpa.” Trey laughs. “He’s a focused-ass fucker is all. Surprised I got him out tonight.” He looks to his friend, and then Trey’s smirk widens. “Actually, I’m not.”
They share a secret laugh, and I smile, glancing around the table as the conversations flow, truly enjoying the easiness of the evening.
After my dance partner surprise, Noah and I tracked down Cam and Trey by the bar, quickly grabbing an empty table to hang for a while longer. We’ve been sitting here for about an hour now, listening to Trey’s hilariously horrific tales from his first year in college when he pledged a fraternity at UCB, where he completed his first year. He transferred to Avix his sophomore year, and he learned quick football and fraternities don’t always mix when you want to be on top of your game, ergo the football house Mase and the boys live in.
Chase.
My stomach turns at the thought of him, and I fill my glass with the remainder of the pitcher. When I set the heaving cup back down, my eyes rise, finding Noah studying me, his head tilted slightly.
His tongue peeks out, wetting his lips, and his dark brows slightly pinch, strangely making his face all the more handsome. Thankfully, Cameron begins to speak, so I have an excuse to look away.
“I’m wiped.” She turns to me with a drunken smile. “You must be dying if I’m tired.”
I grin but drop my gaze to my glass. I hate how a simple, unintentional thought that was linked to Chase leaves me sulky, even through the buzz.
Honestly, I’m not tired yet and the last thing I want to do is go home and lie in bed for hours, thinking about things I have no control over and a man I need to get over. Still, I ready to agree, turning back to her, but Noah speaks before I can.
“How ‘bout Trey walks you, and I make sure Ari gets home safely after she finishes that glass she’s just poured?” He flicks my cup, smiling at my friend.
Cam scowls, whipping her head my way. “Ari?”
I bite back a grin, but she knows.
“Go on, bitch.” She smirks, sitting back. “Let’s hear it.”
Trey grins and Noah’s brows draw in further.
“What’d I miss?” He looks between the three of us.
Trey reaches over, smacking Noah’s arm. “Dude, didn’t I tell you this girl comes equipped with a jukebox?”
Noah’s gaze flies to mine with growing intensity. “No.”
Heat makes its way up my cheeks, so I lower my chin slightly.
“Everything, everywhere reminds her of music. She’s physically incapable of not thinking of a song, no matter the situation. It’s weird, but you get used to it.” Cameron laughs.
My mouth drops open. “It is not weird, asshole.”
Noah looks between Cam and me with confusion.
Cam rolls her eyes and I grow more self-conscious. “I said I was leaving, you offered to walk her home and, in her head, miss thang sang…？” She looks to me with an expectant eyebrow raised.
I laugh lightly, trying to calm my nerves before singing out of tune. “If you get there before I do, don’t wait up on me…”
“See.” Cam smiles at Noah. “That. The song has nothing to do with what we’re doing. In fact, it’s sad as shit, and she changes the words when needed, but the me going home thing was the trigger.” She shrugs. “Weird, but all Ari.”
Noah laughs and crosses his arms on the table, his biceps flexing as he leans forward, capturing my brown eyes with his crazy blues. “Earlier, you grinned at yourself and looked away when Trey set the pitcher down…”
My smile is wide, surprised he caught that. “Ever seen Grease?”
He nods, eyes full of wonder.
“At the dance, Doody, Sonny, and Putzie drop their pants to the camera.”
He shakes his head slightly, not quite picking up what I’m putting down, but my lifelong movie partner beside me begins cracking up.
I look to her and together we sing in a low baritone, “Blue moooon.”
Noah throws his head back, laughing, his blue eyes brightening by the second.
I grin, picking up my full glass of fresh off-the-tap Blue Moon and take a large drink.
Noah nods, resting his back into the seat, his eyes never leaving mine, never losing their intensity. “Go ahead, guys. I’ve got her.”