Conversation flows as we sip our drinks and wait. The girls are talking about some new product Josie just got in the salon, while Xavier and I talk about our guys weekend that we’re planning for next month.
“Yeah, I was thinking this might be the year we can bring Shiloh with us.” I say, running my hand through my hair. It’s getting long, and I debated cutting it but ultimately decided I was going to grow it out. It’s been a couple months since my haircut and it’s gotten pretty long.
“Yeah, man. That's a good idea, time the little man catches his first fish.” Xavier finishes just as Matthew comes back with a drink tray of shots. He passes one to everyone. When he gets to me, he places down two more.
“Uhh... I think—” I start but I’m interrupted.
“Thank you, Matthew.” Evie sing songs, “wasn't that justsonice of him Monty. You should say thank you.” Her saccharine smile holds strong as she places her chin in her hand and waits.
“Yeah man, just what I wanted.” I try my best, and fail, at thanking him with sincerity.
I’m a little concerned about how these will sit after they’re done. Thatdoessound like a future Monty problem though, and I can sense the challenge in Evie’s tone. She wants me to tell her no. To tell her I’m not going to do everything she says tonight.
That’s not the kind of guy I am. I’m the guy who holds true to his word. No matter what, I’m a dependable guy. I know how to have a good time. I donotback down from a challenge.
I take the first shot and toss it back. It burns as it goes down, leaving a fiery trail down my esophagus. I don’t pause before grabbing the second shot. It goes down the same, and I’m cursing whoever invented tequila at this point.
“Maybe you should take a second babe…” Josie rests her hand on my thigh giving it a squeeze. Trying to get me to slow down so the effects of these shots don’t hit me all at once.
“Nah, I’m good, wife.” I smirk at her as I raise the final shot glass in my hand. “Come everyone, don’t leave me hanging.”
Everyone grabs their shots, raising them to meet with mine in the middle of the table.
“To a night on the town. To good friends, and new possibilities. May we let the night take us in the direction that it’s meant to go.” I look at Josie and shoot her a wink, “cheers!”
The echo of “cheers!” Follow me as we clink our glasses together.
“Don't forget to make eye contact with everyone or else you’ll have seven years of bad sex!” everyone groans at my instructions, but I refuse to risk it.
“You’re the worst.” Xavier grumbles as his eyes hold mine.
“Hey man you just started having sex again, don’t jinx it and lose out.” I counter. A snort comes from beside me, when I look over Josie is shaking her head in humor.
My eyes connect with Harper’s and then move on to the blonde with the high pony and stunning hazel eyes who is staring right back at me. I hold her gaze for a moment before sending a wink her way. I watch as her eyes begin to dilate before our connection breaks and she goes to look at Josie. I take stock of the way her chest begins to rise and fall a little bit faster than it was a moment ago.
I catalogue her reaction and put that in my pocket to talk with Josie about later. Tonight is either going to make or break the thin line we’ve all been balancing on over the last bit. One by one we each downed our shots, each thud of the glass hitting the table sprinkles through the atmosphere. On our next round of drinks the food arrives. Everythingtastes great, and we keep the conversation going through the entire meal. I take the last bite of my chicken taco and push it back, feeling like my stomach is about to explode with the amount that I ate. Looking around I see that everyone is slowly beginning to finish up the last of their meals.
“Okay, now I’m ready for some dancing.” Harper hiccups slightly as she pushes her plate away and reaches for her drink.
“Yes babes! Let’s settle this tab and get going.” Evie says excitedly, shimmying her shoulders then she raises her hand to capture Matthew’s attention.
ChapterTwenty Two
Monty
Six Months Postpartum
Thebeatofthemusic vibrates off the building as we approach the club. There’s a small line outside the door, but it looks like it’s moving along nicely. Reaching the end of the line I watch as the tattooed bouncer checks the person’s ID briefly before stepping aside to let them pass.
Slowly we creep forward as one by one people are being let in. The cool air blankets my heated skin, and I thank my past self for not grabbing a sweater. My head is feeling a little fuzzy from the extra shots I took at the restaurant, but I’m nothing if not a team player.
“When we get to the front of the line, I want you to embrace the bouncer in thanks. Make it believable or you’ll have some more shots waiting for you inside if you fail.” Evie challenges. I look back over to the tattooed bouncer in question. He’s a big dude, shaved head, probably has a couple inches on me with an impassive look on his face.
”He looks like a party pooper.” I remark, “But you got it.” Shaking my hands, I keep my sights set on the muscle head in question. I think I heard someone call him Brock.
Well Brock, my guy– you’re about to get so much appreciation for your job in a minute.
The time seems to past slower than I would like, and I’m starting to get antsy.
