“Shoot. I forgot you and tequila do not get along. It’s fine, though. You’ve only had like two.”
“Jos, I’ve had four.” I groan.
“Shouldn’t you ask what you’re drinking before you actually start drinking it?” Alec chimes in, sticking up for Josie, not that he needs to. I know better than to indulge in any kind of alcohol and yet, here I am, sipping away like I won’t be hugging the toilet at 3 a.m.
“Shouldn’t you mind your own business?” Josie fires back, though it lacks any real grit.
“So what you’re telling me is, you’re drunk.” Penn ignores the other two people at our table.
“Not drunk.” I shake my head. “Buzzed, definitely.”
“Buzzed enough that I can convince you to come back home with me tonight?” His hand settles on my thigh, giving it a firm squeeze.
It takes everything I have to sit still and not react.
“Maybe,” I say low enough for only him to hear, or at least, that was the intention.
“Please. Had you not shown up here, she would have been knocking on your door a couple of hours from now.” Josie snorts, ignoring the glare I shoot her way. “Y’all have been what, screwing for less than twenty-four hours and already you make me want to gag.”
“Just wait. I give it a week, and you won’t be able to stand to be in the same room with them.” Alec chuckles.
“You talk as if I wasn’t around the first time these two were an item.” She takes a long pull from her drink. “I remember how they were.”
“Not sure which is worse—lovesick Penn or heartbroken Penn. Both versions are rather pathetic.” Alec and Josie continue to talk about us like we’re not sitting right here.
“You guys realize we’re sitting right here, right?” Penn voices what I’m thinking.
“I need a drink,” Alec announces like his brother didn’t even speak. “Anyone else?”
“I’ll take another,” I say, shrugging when Penn arches a brow at me. “I’ve already gotten on the roller coaster. Might as well enjoy the ride.”
“That’s my girl!” Josie exclaims. “I think I need another as well.”
“Penn?” Alec asks.
“I’m good. Something tells me you three are going to need a DD tonight.”
“Damn straight, brother.” Alec stands.
“Hang on, I’m coming with.” Josie quickly climbs from the booth after him.
“You know, for someone who claims she can’t stand the floor that man walks on...” I say as they walk away.
“Doesn’t seem that way to me,” Penn agrees.
“So, you wanted a burger...” I smile.
“I did. I happen to be famished.”
“Carvers is far from the best burger place in town.”
“True, but Carvers has one thing those other restaurants don’t.”
“And what’s that?”
“You.”
You might as well nail my coffin shut and etch my headstone because that’s it. I am dead. D.E.A.D. Dead.
