Page 22 of Luci’s Lullaby

“We can call a taxi.”

Her forehead creases. “I like having my car.”

“We have a car picking us up,” Emerson says.

“It’s fine, I prefer keeping it with me in case I get called in.” Rae half shrugs.

The waitress returns with our drinks as we continue with our small talk. “Just holler if you need anything else.”

“Thank ya,” I say with a wink. I look around to find Rae glaring at me. “What? I’m friendly.”

She rolls her eyes. “I see that.”

“You’re so busted.” Emerson giggles.

“Not cool, I was being polite.”

Rae shrugs. “Sure.”

“Hey, Alden.” A brunette saddles up next to me. “You gonna need a ride home tonight?”

Aksel holds up his hand. “No, he will not need a ride home.” He inclines his head toward me. “He has an early appointment.”

“Really?” She rubs my shoulders as I watch Rae, burning a hole through her.

“Yeah, Kelly. I’m going straight home.”

She bumps my shoulder with her hips. “I was gonna take you straight home.”

“He has a ride.” Rae purses her lips.

“I heard him,” Kelly responds snidely.

Rae shifts in her seat, squaring off with Kelly. “Is there anything else we can help you with?”

Kelly’s head whips around to face me. “Is she for real?”

“I think she is.” I gawk at Rae, she simply intrigues me.

“You’re one of many, honey.” Kelly straightens. “Don’t let it go to your head.” She spins and struts away.

Rae drops her head. “Joke’s on her, I’m not ‘one of them’.”

“Thank God, he probably has cooties.” Emerson bumps her shoulder as they laugh.

I gape at them. “He’s right here.”

“I think they know.” Aksel picks his drink up to finish it off.

I follow suit, taking a big gulp. “And for the record, I don’t have crabs.” The girls burst into a fit of giggles as Aksel shakes his head. “I don’t.”

“The fact you need to defend it is reason enough to believe it.” Emerson falls back, laughing harder.

Rae looks at me, stoned faced. “The fact it’s all true is the reason we know it,” she finishes, and all three laugh their asses off.

“Alright. I got it. I know who I am.”

“A horn dog.” Rae bats her lashes.