Page 11 of Scrimmage

“You look like a cave man, but I wasn’t going to say anything.” I pour myself another mimosa. “Cole, can you get the check?”

“We just got here,” he argues. I roll my eyes and twist in my chair, ignoring all of them. Cole is always so eager to socialize. It pisses me off. Mark this as another reason as to why I would never date him.

Penny brushes her copper hair behind her ear and sips her water. I can tell she’s dreaming of a mimosa.

I flag down a waitress. “Send a mimosa to that table.” I point. “Tell her it’s from him.” I point at Alexi.

She looks to Alexi for confirmation, and he shrugs. Once she scurries off he leans over. “Who is that? You in love with her or something?”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t like women. I just don’t like you.”

Are these people serious? I hear a snicker come from the guy whose name I didn’t hear. I ignore him and turn back to Penny, watching as the mimosa gets delivered. The waitress points in our direction, and Penny locks eyes with me. Short Chance gives the waitress a confused look, turning in our direction.

I shove my elbow into Alexi’s side. “Wave,” I command.

He obliges, giving Penny a small wave with a wink. Really selling it. Short Chance purses his lips and scoots his chair over, attempting to block our view.

“If that guy comes to fight me you better bail me out of jail,” Alexi chuckles.

“Look at him.” I smirk. “That guy couldn’t even fight me. He doesn’t have the balls.”

“Sheesh. Harsh critic, huh?”

“What are you two laughing about?” one of the Stacy's asks.

“Just return to your regularly scheduled programming, Stacy,” I answer sweetly.

She gives me an evil look. “It’s Stephanie.”

“Same thing." I shrug.

Cole’s face turns red with embarrassment. I don’t really give a fuck. The guy at the other end of the table stares me down, so I give him the middle finger. His jaw clenches. Before he can react further, the Stacy who got mad at me taps him like an annoying child looking for attention.

“You’ve got balls.” Alexi leans against the table and places his elbow on the surface, putting his chin in the palm of his upturned hand.

“Gigantic ones.”

“I like your tattoos.”

“Thanks. They’re permanent.”

“What do they mean?”

I huff, ready to be done here. “That I’m mentally unstable.”

“Self-proclaimed crazy girl, huh?”

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I groan. “Do you ever shut up?”

He gives me a crooked grin. “No, my mom said it’s my best attribute."

“Mommy lied.”

“Wow,” he says, the sarcasm bleeding into his words. “I think I’m having an epiphany. Are you telling me I’m also not the best boy in the grade?” I can’t help it. I laugh. “So you do have a sense of humor?”

“I’m lifeless, not soulless.” I turn back around to give Penny another glance. Under the table she makes a motion like she’s cocking a gun and pointing it at herself.

The Stacy’s are having a full blown conversation about some reality TV stars and their latest gossip. I want to fucking barf. I pretend to wrap a rope around my neck and hang myself, which causes Penny to cover her mouth to stifle her laughter.

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