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“I mean, who else would understand this crazy world of ours?”
“You mean, who else would understand our hatred of love?”
“That part.”
“What’s up, Nyx,” someone called, strolling past our table.
She barely spared them a glance while waving, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to know who he was. Luckily, I had too much pride to ask.
“He’s a frequent customer,” Nyx volunteered as I finished my beer.
“I didn’t say a word.”
“You didn’t have to,” she grinned. “As much shit as I give you about being unemotional, your facial expressions give away your discomfort sometimes. But I know you’re going to be a hater and disagree, so I’ll leave that conversation here.”
“Thank you for recognizing that you were dangerously close to getting on my last nerve.”
“Oh, please. Anyway, aren’t you glad you let me drag you outside tonight?”
“Maybe. I can’t quite say it’ll be worth the amount of smack talk from Judah, though. Let him tell it, I never leave the house.”
“Well, do you?”
“That’s none of your business, Nyx Love.”
“I beg to differ, James Luck. If nothing else, I’m happy to be the reason you didn’t spend your evening being a glorified couch potato.”
“By encouraging me to be an alcoholic, how kind of you.”
“Oh, kiss my ass.”
The slickest comment nearly rolled off my tongue when Ximena crashed the gathering.
“Well, well, if it isn’t two of my favorite people,” she grinned, tossing an arm around Nyx’s shoulder. “Alone together and looking rather cozy.”
“Don’t start, Xi,” I chuckled. “And whenever you have a moment, can I get another beer?”
“I am avoiding that bar for as long as possible, so it’ll be a minute. It’s a madhouse back there.”
“Trust me, I peeped. Take your time.”
“You know,” she grinned at Nyx. “I would like to propose that gracefully accepting you snatching my best friend from me makes up for the horrible Valentine’s Day fiasco.”
“Oh, my God,” Nyx palmed her face. “Please don’t bring that up. I’d forgotten all about that disastrous night.”
Thoroughly amused, I looked between them. “What fiasco?”
“All I’m willing to say is that your best friend attempted to set me up with another one of her friends, and the night ended with flying plates and the police showing up. And before you ask, no, I was not the one throwing the plates.”
I turned to Xi, feigning shock. “You have other friends? Where the hell are they when you’re harassing me?”
“You know what, I’m suddenly no longer feeling the love at this table. I think it’s time for me to head back to the bar.”
“And bring me my damn beer while you’re at it!” I hollered at her retreating back.
Nyx giggled. “You know you’re never getting that beer, right?”
“Unfortunately, I do. She ain’t shit.”
