Page 16 of Her Three Tech Bros

Suddenly, Ryan’s hands disappear from my body. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone moving towards us. Excitement washes over me, thinking it’s the third friend, but when I turn, I’m disappointed.

A man approaches, attempting to dance with me. I avoid eye contact and subtly move out of his way to signal that I’m not interested.

I move closer to Ethan, hoping the man gets the hint. When I look back to where he was, he’s gone.

I lean towards Ethan. “I’ll be right back.”

He nods, and I turn, making my way towards the restrooms. It’s packed inside, but I manage to find a spot in front of one of the mirrors.

I check that my makeup hasn’t been smudged and run my hands through my hair. A girl appears behind me, attempting to share the mirror. I move over, giving her room.

“You might be the luckiest girl in here,” she remarks, making eye contact in the mirror.

I can’t help but smile. She’s right. My luck seems to really be turning around.

As I leave the bathroom, I feel optimistic. But there’s one thing I know I need to do. I scan the club, looking for that third friend.

7

LOGAN

Isee Ethan walking toward the bar. He’s made no notice of me after claiming the hottie that he is clearly obsessed with. Apparently, Ryan isn’t concerned that Ethan called ‘dibs’ either, considering he’s over there as well.

I decide to let Ethan know I’m going to bounce. Nobody here is interesting enough to want to deal with, and I barely wanted to come out in the first place.

“Did you drop something in your glass?” Ethan asks when I walk over.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I just ordered another refill for my new friend over there, and you haven’t even finished your first drink. So, either you came to the bar to replace it or you came over here to give me some shit.”

I glance at my drink and then scowl at him. “Okay, so I’m nursing my drink. It’s become quite clear that I have to be the adult in the room, so I’m taking my time.”

Ethan doesn’t stop poking. “Drink up, this is a celebration!”

“I can celebrate without drinking myself into a stupor. Besides, the drinks are better aged at home.”

“Don’t expect the same old drinks at a new club, buddy. You need to get out there.”

Ethan lifts one arm with a grand gesture, presenting all my evening options. As he brings his arm back around, he fixates on one mesmerizing option. It’s his new friend, the one he’s getting liquored up. She appears to be entrancing Ryan now.

When he finally looks back at me, I just shrug.

“Seriously, dude, what’s bugging you? I’m trying to make this night memorable.”

“Oh, please. I doubt you’ll remember anything tomorrow.”

“Come on, man!” Ethan pleads with me. “Get with the program. Stop fondling your drink and enjoy the evening.”

I conjure a smile and lift my glass toward Ethan.

I’m not shy. Talking to women is not a problem for me. It’s just that I take a more intentional approach than my goofy friends. Both of which have been fawning over the same girl almost since we arrived.

Ethan returns to tonight’s main event, balancing some fresh drinks in both hands. I observe him and Ryan relishing in the attention of this captivating young woman. Her genuine smile and laughter make her appear even more approachable and friendly as they inch closer to her personal space.

She maintains eye contact with them, and I watch. I interpret that to mean she is sincerely interested in the nonsense they’re serving. Either that, or she’s found out what they do for a living and how much they earn.

This babe is captivated, hanging on every word from these jackasses. And seeing the two of them show interest in her conversation intrigues me. I’m used to seeing them pass through a handful of hotties by now, collecting numbers.

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