“Congratulations. You were on fire today.” She squeezes me hard and then pulls back, smiling proudly.
“Thanks, Little Sharpie.” I lean back against the bar. “Are you here alone?”
I look past her and search for her best friend and constant sidekick.
“No.” Her smile is apologetic as she glances over her shoulder and stands on her toes. I follow her line of sight. “Grace and her boyfriend Lane snagged us a table. You want to come say hi?”
“Nah, probably shouldn’t.”
“Lane’s cool. He won’t mind.”
It’s not Lane I’m worried about. For a short time, I considered making a move on Everly’s best friend. She’s beautiful and smart, but since she’s only twenty and still in college, I decided we were at two different places in our lives. I told her as much when she tried to kiss me at a pool party over the summer. She was embarrassed and I felt like an ass, but it was for the best. At least I hope so. The thought of going home alone tonight has me seriously questioning my choices.
“Give her my best.”
Ev nods. “I will.”
“You want something to drink? Soda? Water?”
“I’d love a glass of champagne.”
“Your brother would kick my ass.”
Her quiet laughter is barely audible over the noise. “We’re heading out soon anyway, but I wanted to say hi first.”
“I’m glad you did. How’s school?”
While she fills me in on all the classes she’s taking this semester, my attention wanes a little. I love chatting with Everly, but I’m still so wired from the game and it’s hard to focus. Out of the corner of my eye, a mane of curly blonde hair snags my attention.
I stand taller to get a better look as the crowd of people between us parts, giving me a clear shot. My pulse quickens as I confirm it’s the woman from the game. She’s near the door, arms crossed at her waist as her date towers over her, glowering as he speaks. I don’t need to hear what he’s saying to know he’s being a dick. Looks like a breakup is on the horizon even sooner than expected.
“Earth to Ash Kelly.” Everly waves a hand in front of my face.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I just saw someone I know.”
“A girl someone?”
“Maybe.” I grin. “But I’ll find her later.”
“Go.” She chuckles. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks, Little Sharpie. Good to see you.” I squeeze her shoulder as I pass her to head for the couple at the door.
But by the time I get there, they’ve moved. I turn in a circle, looking for them. His angry voice is what finally leads me in the right direction. Standing outside of the bar a few feet from the entrance, he backs her up against the building as he speaks. “Are you cheating on me?”
“What?” Her voice is stronger and more assertive than I imagined for her small frame. Her boyfriend is tall and broad. It’d be totally reasonable if she was intimidated, but she speaks loud and clear. “Of course not. I told you, I have to go to work.”
“Can’t you just call in? I’ve barely seen you this week. It’s not like you’re performing surgery or something. How much help can you really be?”
Her gorgeous features twist in annoyance. “Screw you.”
“I’m sorry. Fuck, it’s just that I want to hang with you and you’re blowing me off.”
“No. I’m not. I told you that I’d have to leave right after the game.”
I have an overwhelming desire to high-five her for sticking up for herself while this prick talks down to her and then switches to victim-mode.
“Hang out a little longer. I’ll drive you there when it’s time.” His tone is pleading and pathetic.
“I need my car. Otherwise, you’ll have to pick me up in the morning and take me home. Last time you forgot.”
“It was one time,” he says sharply. He wraps his fingers around her bicep. “Come on. Please?”
“I can’t. I really need to go.”
“One drink. You can stay for one drink.” He pulls her along by the arm.
She winces but doesn’t protest again as she stumbles after him.
I step in front of them. “Let her go.”
Her sharp inhale precedes him shooting daggers at me. “Fuck off, man. This doesn’t concern you.”
His hold on her must tighten because her face contorts with pain.
“The fuck it doesn’t.” My jaw tightens as I watch her face pale. “You’re hurting her.”