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“Ooh, I’ll come.” Madeline jumped off her chair, leaving the other three at the table.
She grabbed my shoulder as we walked up to the bar top, a skip in her step. “So. . .” she hummed. “How was the afternoon with Clay?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know why you’re so interested. We came here, and that's it.”
“You’ve literally been here for two-and-a-half hours? You got all dolled up to come to an empty bar for a lengthy amount of time?” She leaned an elbow on the bar top and gave me a glare. One that said she didn't believe me in the slightest.
“We were talking to Elliot and Craig. We got a lot accomplished actually.” I waved my hand down to the bartender. He nodded and finished up the drink he was making before turning to us. “And I am not dolled up.” I looked down at my burnt orange blouse and shorts. “If anything, I’m dolled down.”
“Whatever you say, Phe.”
“What can I make you ladies tonight?” The bartender came up to us, placing his palms face down on the counter.
“Five mango-ritas please.” I smiled at him. He winked and then turned away to begin making our drinks. I turned to glance back at the table. Clay was talking to Jamie, a smile on his lips. He ran his hand through his hair and turned to smack Milo on his arm, getting him involved with the conversation. I heaved a sigh and turned back to Madeline. “So, you’ve never heard Elliot sing and you agreed for him to sing at the wedding?”
Madeline shrugged. “It was a deal breaker.”
“You and Milo don’t have deal breakers.”
She smiled, her cheeks turning red. “You’re right.”
“Here you are, ladies. Mango-ritas.” The bartender met my gaze again, raising one eyebrow, a flirty smirk filling the air between us. I grabbed my glass and brought the salted rim to my lips. “Craig tells me your table is covered tonight, so you let me know what else I can get you.”
“Oh, she will.” Madeline grabbed two glasses and turned her body. “I’ll be right back for the third glass,” she added, leaving the bar top. I watched her walk back to the table. Jamie cheered, and Milo gave her a look of disgust.
“You’re going to love it!” Jamie shouted.
I grabbed the second glass and walked back to the table, sliding the drink toward Clay. He raised one eyebrow, and his gaze went from the orange liquid to me.
“Thank you,” he stammered. “I think.” His hand reached for the stem of the glass, his eyes intense on me.
I gave him a slight smirk and settled back into my chair. I took a sip.Damn. Jamie was right. This is good.
“Oh, hey, look—” Milo hit Clay’s biceps with the back of hand trying to get his attention. “There’s Elliot.”
They both wasted no time in leaving the table, making their way to the third groomsman, leaving the bridesmaids at the table. Jamie picked up her drink and hummed after her sip.
“Ok, so,” she began, catching both mine and Madeline’s attention. “Clay is. . .” She hummed. “Maddy, why haven't you introduced us? How old is he?”
I raised my eyebrows at her rapid-fire questions. Trying to tune her out, I took a long sip of my margarita.
“Clay’s in his mid-thirties. Milo’s age.” Jamie scrunched her nose but leaned in closer to Madeline as she spoke. “He’s in between jobs, and he’s been living with Milo, so I figured now wasn’t the best time to introduce him to anyone.”
“The man’s driving around an unregistered Tesla,” I grumbled softly.
Jamie coughed, her back straightening up once again. “He drives aTesla! How rich is he?”
“From what I know, he used to be well off, but then he lost his job.” Madeline looked at the boys still talking. Elliot glanced our way, giving us a slight wave.
“Do you think if I asked him to dance tonight, he would? I mean, he's a bit old for me, but do you think I should ask him to dance?” Jamie asked.
I tightened my lips and turned to look at her. She sure jumped the gun, didn’t she? I blinked, ignoring the fact that I had no right to be jealous and turned to Madeline, whose eyes were heavy on me.“What?” I asked.
Jamie looked from me to Madeline and then back to me. Her eyes widened as she made the connection.Clay used to be mine.
“Oh, Phe. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Jamie.” I sighed. “Clay and I have been over for a very,verylong time, and I think you should dance with him tonight.”
