I scowl. “What’s your deal?”
“We’ve gotta do something to shake you up. Can’t have another day of you moping and playing like shit.”
I groan. “Fine. I’m not drinking alcohol, though. You think I’m playing like shit now…”
He grins. “That’s fair. We’ll mocktail your ass, get you feeling perky in no time.”
I roll my eyes and stand, grabbing my bag and key fob. “Fucking weirdo.”
The Lantern’s packed. I head to the back-corner table, our usual spot. The guys cheer when I walk up. Roman motions to the empty seat next to him.
Knox flags down the server with a grin that could charm paint off walls. “For Cap here”—he jerks a thumb at me—“can we get a virgin mojito? Extra mint. Make it look like a real drink so he doesn’t embarrass us.”
The table erupts. Silas leans back, arms crossed, smirking. “Mocktail? Sounds about right after today.”
Finn snorts into his beer and then looks at me apologetically.
I roll my eyes, but when the server slides the tall glass in front of me—green, fizzy, and overly garnished—I drink it in one long swig, which makes them cheer again. We’re chatting when the table goes quiet. I look up to see a blonde in a tight dress, smiling confidently. She slides right up to me, hip cocked, her eyes locked on me.
“Hey, Tully. Big fan. I was hoping you’d come in tonight.”
Normally, I’d smile and chat, keep it light. I’m not the player Silas or Knox are—never have been—but I’m not an asshole. Tonight, though?
“Here I am,” I say flatly.
She laughs and touches my arm. “You look like you could use some fun. Buy you a drink?”
“Nope.” I don’t even look at her. Just stare at the condensation on my glass.
She clears her throat. “Oh, okay…well, I’m over there if you change your mind.” She lingers for a second—I guess hoping her charm or her tight dress will change my mind.
They don’t.
She walks off, confused, heels clicking. The table goes dead silent for a beat.
Silas leans forward first. “What the actual fuck, Tully?”
Knox’s eyebrows are in his hairline. “Dude. You just iced her. Like, full-on rudeness. What is going on with you, man?”
Finn’s staring at me like I’ve grown a second head. “That was…cold. Even when girls are throwing themselves at you, you at least smile.”
I exhale through my nose. “I’m not in the mood.”
“‘Not in the mood’?” Silas echoes. “That doesn’t mean you get to be a dick. You okay? For real.”
I stand up abruptly. “I need sleep. Good night.”
I grab my jacket and walk over to the girl. She’s at the bar now, talking to a friend and still glancing back like she’s half-expecting me to walk over.
“Hey,” I call.
She gives me a guarded look.
“Look, I’m sorry,” I say, low enough that the music swallows most of it. “That was shitty. You didn’t deserve that. I’m just…dealing with some stuff. Not your fault.”
She softens. “Yeah, well…apology accepted. I could make you feel better.” She lifts her shoulder coyly.
I smile. “I’m sure you could. I’m just not…in the best place.”
