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“Have you ever considered friends with benefits?”
My mouth falls open. “It’s like you didn’t hear anything I just said.”
Was she right though? Maybe if I loosened the reins on my expectations, he wouldn’t consume me like he always does.
She grabs my hand. “Come on, the guys are waiting.”
Rylan looks good tonight. He’s wearing a V-neck T-shirt that’s snug to his body, showing off how muscular he is. His hair is gelled, which looks good, but I never preferred it because I liked to run my fingers through his hair.
When we reach the standing table, he hands me a drink—raspberry vodka with lemon- lime soda.
“Thanks,” I say.
He nods in response.
Things are awkward between us now. They were later that day after our conversation too, when I saw him at the sports complex with Maisie.
I dig into my purse and slide out a twenty. “For my drink,” I say loudly enough for him to hear me over the music.
He looks at the money as if it’s an insult. I half expect him to slide it back, but he leaves it on the table and turns his attention to Declan and Aubrey. The three of them talk about the songs and what a great cover band they are.
I take out my phone and scroll through social media, unsure why when I should be dancing and having fun with Aubrey. I tug at the hem of my dress, wishing I had opted for pants like her.
I feel Rylan’s eyes on me, and I look up. He stares at me for a beat before taking his drink and moving closer to the band. They announce that they’re taking fifteen, and Declan quickly joins Rylan, leaving Aubrey and me at the table. I’m not really interested in her advice at this point, but she does deserve my attention, so I put my phone back in my purse.
“They’re going to talk to the band. Rylan has some songs he wants to know if they can play.” She shrugs.
“Want to do a shot?” I ask, because I can’t be sober and get through tonight.
She grins. “When do I ever say no?”
I flag down the waitress and ask for two shots, bartender’s choice, and hand her the twenty Rylan left on the table.
She returns with two shots for us each. “Those guys over there bought the other ones.”
I glance over my shoulder, then look back at Aubrey. The guys are attractive and technically I’m single, so I can accept on our behalf.
“Tell them I’m sorry, but I’m getting married next week.”
“I’ll take it. I’m single as a free bird.” I down my first shot. The burn makes me cough.
“You didn’t even cheers.” Aubrey holds up her shot glass.
“Sorry.” I raise the second one. “Cheers to you being a beautiful bride.” I clink my glass to hers and we down them.
Rylan walks over and looks at the empty shot glasses. “So, this is our night? Me playing babysitter to you?”
I point at him with the shot in my hand. “You don’t have to do anything because I’m not yours.”
“Those guys over there sent them to us.” Aubrey points at the table of guys.
His nostrils flare as I down my third shot. The two of us are in a stare down before I place the empty glass on the table and raise my hand for the waitress.
“Another round,” I say, my eyes not leaving Rylan’s.
“Hold up.” Rylan digs money out of his pocket. “Let’s send some shots back to the douches, shall we?”
“Such a nice gesture.” I look at Aubrey, who looks at Declan. “See, we can play nice.”
