Page 14 of Make Me Laugh

Joey’s leaning over the bar talking to the bartender. Her oversized T-shirt barely covers her ass, one leg bearing more weight than the other. Her shiny Doc Martens reflect the dance floor lights, and the fishnet tights do nothing to hide the ink covering her skin.

Frankie bops along to the music, grabbing the shot Joey hands her when she turns from the bar.

“My God,” I breathe.

She came.

Now that I can see her face again, I know 100 percent I was wrong—she’s hotter than the comedy club’s dim lighting made her out to be.

I jump from my seat, and on my way to Joey, I’m stopped by one of the waitresses. “Hey, so sorry to stop you.” She laughs, twirling her ponytail.

I do not have time for this right now.

“I was hoping you could help me settle a bet?” she asks, but doesn’t give me a chance to respond. “My coworker said she thinks you’re West⁠—”

I usually wouldn’t do this, but I do not have time for someone’s bet. “Listen, sorry. I uh—I gotta.” I point in both directions, glancing down to see my hands crossed and roll my eyes. I don’t owe this girl an explanation.

The only person on my mind is Joey.

She looks up and catches my gaze from across the room as I make my way to her. For a split second, I see the corner of her mouth tick into a smile like maybe her attitude was all an act.

It falls the second I smile back.

CHAPTER SIX

THE ONE WHERE THEY DANCE

Comment: C’mon internet sleuths, do your thing!

Comment: Someone turn him saying he’d crawl into a sound, PLEASE!!!!

Comment reply: Oh I’M ON IT

At least he doesn’t have the hat on anymore.

But when he smiles, it sucks the life out of mine. He’s so fucking hot it makes me mad.

“Fifty bucks he finds the clit tonight.” Frankie interrupts my rambling thoughts by sticking her hand in front of me like she’s making the business deal of a lifetime.

He’s coming my way, despite the new frown pulling at my lips.

When was the last time I let a hot stranger make me come?

The answer? Over a year… Which is pathetic.

Ugh, fuck Frankie for making me question my mundane existence!

Before I can shake her hand and give into the peer pressure, my eyes catch on the taller man stalking out of the shadows behind West like a scary guard dog.

Frankie’s hand drops and so does her jaw. It snaps me out of my daze.

My best friend might as well be panting with her tongue hanging out.

“Ho. Ly. Shit,” she says on a breath. “Jo.” Frankie grabs me by the arm, looking up at me without turning completely. “If you love me at all, you’ll be nice.” She enunciates the last two words harder than the others.

I blink and West is in front of me… I wonder if the alcohol is hitting me quicker than usual because wasn’t he just across the room?

“No, Joey baby. Don’t be nice. I wanna see how mean you can be.” West bites his lip, hiding the dimpled smile I swear doesn’t affect me—not one bit!