Page 70 of The Hat Trick

“Yeah, well, you raised me that way, so I guess you only have yourself to blame. Now I’m going to go enjoy the rest of the party.”

I don’t let him stop me while I push my way back out to the crowd and directly back to the bar.

Two more drinks down, and I feel even better. My dad has also not tried to force any further conversations on me. I know he’s still sending people over to talk to me, but as long as I don’t have to speak to his face, I just might survive this night.

I’m still not drunk, but I’m definitely feeling a slight buzz and that’s the only reason I pull out my phone to text the one woman who has taken over every single one of my thoughts for several days, despite me trying to fight every single one of them.

Matt: What are you doing, Bunny?

Chandler: Well, I was avoiding you, but it looks like that’s failed.

I chuckle and finish the last sip of my latest drink.

Matt: I want to see you.

Chandler: Bold. Too bad I don’t want to see you.

Matt: Are you with them?

Chandler: Not specific enough. Not sure who “them” is.

Matt: Come on, Bunny.

Chandler: No Bunny here, try again some other time.

Matt: I’m coming over.

Chandler: I’m not home.

I growl. Normally I like games, but right now I want to see her, and I also want to get the fuck out of my dad’s house.

Matt: So, you are with them. Where?

Chandler: I hang out with other people, you know?

Matt: Where. Are. You.

She doesn’t reply, and I’m about to cave and text Dumont or Collee to find out. I’m also realizing I am not in a state to drive, and get pissed at myself, knowing my car will have to stay here. But that’s going to be a tomorrow problem. I open up the Uber app, ready to just take a guess when she finally tells me.

Chandler: Vince’s apartment.

She could be lying, but it’s worth a shot. I know he lives downtown, and they might be pissed I’m about to show up. Too bad I don’t care.

Matt: On my way.

25

“What are you doing over there, baby?” Vince asks from the large kitchen while Brent and I sit in the living room.

“Matt is wanting to come over.” I glance over at Brent and then turn around to face Vince to see his reaction.

“Are you wanting him to?” he asks cautiously.

I look between the two of them again before nodding. “Yeah, even if it’s only to yell at him.”

We haven’t spoken much, and I’m not sure where his head is, I know he just sees me as a puck bunny. But I don’t want to play stupid games with him either. If he wants to be a part of this thing, then maybe I’ll let him. If he wants to play by his own rules and continue to piss me off, then he’s out.

“I’ll kick his ass for you, if you want,” Vince says, carefully jumping over the back of his couch and landing next to me with a new drink in his hand.

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