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“Tyler!” She pounded on my back.
“We’re leaving,” I muttered.
“I’m having fun!” she complained.
“Bar’s closing in ten minutes anyways.”
Reggie and Campbell started clapping as I walked her off the dance floor.
“Wait, no! I have to pay!” Josie screeched.
I turned back around to the bar. “Adrienne, can you put hers on my tab?”
“No,” Josie whined miserably.
“Why?” I nodded for Adrienne to do it, then turned to walk out of the bar.
“Don’t you dare say anything about this place being out of a teacher’s budget,” she warned.
My face cracked in confusion. “Why the hell would I ever say that?”
She was quiet for a minute, then, “Jeff did.”
I let those words sink in for a second. That comment clearly hurt her. “Anyone who insults someone’s salary or work is a grade A douchebag, buddy.”
A little tension seemed to leave her body. “Yeah, maybe,” she responded quietly.
“Not maybe. It’s true. He’s clearly insecure in his manhood and wants to brag about his salary because that’s the only thing he can offer you. And it doesn’t matter how much money teaching brings in, it’s one of the most important professions. Having a good teacher at the right moment…” A mental picture of Northfield’s art teacher flashed in my mind. I’d never forget her. “It can make or break a person,” I told her honestly.
The bouncer held the glass door open for me and we headed out into the cold.
“And I fully know you can pay,” I continued, “but I wanna get out of here and don’t feel like putting you down.”
“Why?”
“I like holding you,” I said truthfully.
“Oh.” Her voice sounded small.
I smiled at her surprise. “You know Adrienne?” I inquired.
“Yes, she made us yummy drinks.”
I snorted. “Too many drinks, buddy.”
“How do you know her?” she asked, and then, “OhmyGod did you date her?!” she shrieked in an accusing tone.
“No,” I laughed, and I felt way too much satisfaction over the jealousy in her voice. “We went to high school together. She’s dating a teammate named Brody. He’s pretty quiet though, keeps to himself, no one really knows him too well.”
“Broody Brody,” she said with a giggle, and now I could hear her teeth chattering.
I paused. “Wait, where’s your jacket?”
“D-d-didn’t bring one,” she said simply.
I spat out a curse. “That’s a bad idea, buddy. Need to change that. Always bring a jacket with you.” I picked up my pace.
“You’re so c-critical. I wanted to look c-c-cute,” she said, her body now shivering from the cold.
