Page 5 of Laugh

Marcus: ooohhhh… she’s making eyes. Why doesn’t he like you? How could anyone not like you?! Also, made it home.

Me: Right? I think it’s because I called him Kirk of Thunder.

Marcus: AAAHAHAHAHAHA he DOES look like Captain Kirk had a baby with Thor.

Me: Sigh… I know… he thinks my name is Happy.

Marcus: That’s adorable.

Me: It is… I secretly love it, but I’ll never admit it to him. Also, I think we’re playing a skewed version of copycat.

Marcus: ???

Me: I’ll explain later. Glad you made it home. Get some

sleep.

Marcus: Text when you get in.

Me: aye aye. *kisses*

I put my phone away when Ricky comes back with a tray full of shots and starts handing them out. Slipping him my card, he knows I’m done for the night and will cash out my tab. As much fun as it is hanging out with my sister, I’m thinking they’d have more fun without me here.

Jensen whispers something in Addie’s ear and looks at me. “Thanks for the shots, Haddie. You gonna give us another toast?”

“Seriously?” my sister whines. “I’m sure I could come up with a good one.”

“Sure Bamber, the floor is yours.” God, my teeth ache at how sweet that came out.

Sneering at me, she clears her throat and stands up. I hold back the eye roll when she calls out, “Here’s to meeting new people and maybe some new soulmates!” She looks at Beau out of the corner of her eye, and I can’t help but cringe.

There are a few awkward chuckles, but no one takes their shot. I should feel a little bad for her, but damn, she couldn’t have come across more stalkery if she were the Overly Attached Girlfriend from that one meme.

“That’s sweet, Amber.” Addie tries to cover for her. “Let’s do one more since there are a lot of us drinking, yeah? Haddie? You got the round. Why don’t you add one?”I love her.

Garrett whispers to me, “You gonna stand up and wow us too?” I can’t help but laugh at him.

“No way,” I whisper back. Then to the table, I say louder, “I’ll follow up along the same theme since there seem to be so many new matches being made tonight. I’ll leave you with some sage advice.”

Raising my glass, everyone follows suit except for Amber and Beau. He’s not looking at me, but rather side-eyeing my sister like he doesn’t know if he should be putting some distance between the two of them.I don’t blame you dude… run far, far away.She’s a succubus.

I clear my throat and wait for everyone’s attention, and finally Beau’s eyes land on me. There’s no stopping me when I toss a little smirk at him. “Money in your pocket, beer in your cup, poke her in the butt, and you won’t knock her up!”

Grinning as I swallow my shot, a coughing laugh bubbles out when Beau stops his glass midway to his mouth as he realizes what I’ve implied. The glare he gives me makes my face heat under its force.

Look, yes, the guy issuperhot. Did I feel a little flutter in my lady regions when I saw him? Sure did. Did I feel another flutter when he spoke? Yup. What about the gush when his entire focus was directly on me? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Is he interested in me? That’s a hard no. So, I’m not going to worry about what he may or may not think of me. I’m spectacular and if he can’t see that, then it’s his loss.

I can’t stop the little bubble of disappointment at the thought that the odds of Captain Thor choosing me over Bamber or Kandii with two i’s are at a solid zero.

“I’m going to head home,” I announce, grabbing my purse and throwing it over my head so the strap rests between my breasts.

“Thank God…” one of the girls mutters, but I’m not sure which one of them says it. Beau is giving Kandii a hard look, so maybe it was her?

“Yes, weshouldthank him in all circumstances and rejoice in the Lord always.” Fuck, I’m feeling snarky tonight. “Addie, you lovely lady, you. Call me tomorrow. I love you more than Kanye loves Kanye.”

My night is made when I hear her giggle. “Love you more than macaroni loves cheese.”

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