AllFreeNovel
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The music started, and I dropped right in.
Tessa and I alternated the lyrics like we usually did, singing the Joan Jett tune in the style of the Beastie Boys, but singing together on the chorus. The crowd cheered, and even though we knew we weren’t winning any contest, we still had fun.
After our bow, Tessa followed me back to the table.
“Great job. You guys were outstanding!” Jake greeted us with high fives.
“Thanks, but I don’t think we really compare to yourperformance,” Tessa said with an edge. “I mean, I think you’ve really got it in thepocketwith that one.”
“Tessa,” I warned, but she just gave me a sly grin.
“I gotta go. I’ve got a live one. He’s already invited me back to his hot tub.” She rubbed her hands together like a cartoon villain.
“Wait, you’re not actually going, are you?”
“Hell no. I’m going to make him take two more shots, so his buddies have to drive him home. Then I’m going to tell him to pick up non-latex condoms at the market across town because I have sensitive lady bits. Andthenpromise I’m going to meet him but never show, and act like I fell asleep. You know how I do this, Ellie. A little faith?”
“Okay, just let me know you get home safe, crazy. Oh wait, I rode with you. Can you drop me at home before you start your diabolical plan?”
Tessa’s grin curled like the Cheshire Cat’s. “Oh, I’m sure Captain Mooseknuckle can give you a ride.”
Jake choked on his beer.
“Tessa!” How was it possible to be so embarrassed you wanted to melt through the floor, but also laughing hysterically? That was one of Tessa’s unique gifts.
“I can give you a ride, Ellie,” Jake offered, recovering from nearly drowning in beer but clearly blushing profusely.
“See? All good.” Tessa pulled me in for a hug. “You’re welcome. I love you. Wear a rubber. You don’t know where that thing’s been.”
“I hate you,” I replied, still laughing. “Enjoy fucking up someone else’s night.”
“Oh, definitely will!”
And in a flash, she was gone.
“She’s… something else,” Jake commented vaguely, a note of shock in his voice.
“Yeah, she is. She must really like you. She never acts like herself around strangers.”
“I’ll take the compliment?” he replied in a confused tone.
“She’s like a cat. An old, surly house cat, that wants nothing to do with people most of the time. Most people she’ll just ignore. But if she likes you, that’s when she’ll come out and play. Just know sometimes she’ll dig her claws in you while she does it. But that’s how she shows love.”
“Surly house cat; got it.”
“So…” I glanced at my empty glass. “Should we get another round?”
“I’d better switch to water for a while. I may have had a couple of shots to get the courage up to sing, and since I’m driving precious cargo, I need to be extra sober for the ride home.” His eyes were warm and admiring when they held mine.
“Are you drunk now?” I asked, confused. He didn’t seem drunk.
“No, I just don’t want to drink any more and tip over the edge.”
“Well then, why don’t we just leave? It’s really loud in here.”
“So early? I’m okay to hang out a while, if you want to.”
“Oh, do you want to stay for the contest to see if you won?”
