Page 18 of One More Round

While I’d love to hang out with the group tonight, I’m not one to cancel plans when something better comes along. But, I’ll admit that I wouldn’t mind seeing Gia. Ruffling her feathers a bit could be fun. However, I really don’t like the idea of introducing Lindsey to my friends. I really don’t think we’ll be dating for much longer.

Lindsey and I make it about ten minutes into our meal when my phone starts blowing up. I try to ignore it but, after the fifth or sixth text, I have to look. Sure enough, it’s a combo of group chats with Dex and Link pestering me about stopping by The Bar after dinner.

Against my better judgment, I ask Lindsey if she wants to go. I was reluctant because she wants to see a movie and I’m really not in a movie-watching mood tonight. Now she seems thrilled to be meeting my friends and I want to bang my head on the nearest wall.

On the bright side, I’ll get to see Gia’s reaction.

Chapter Ten

Gia

“I’ll have the loaded tater tots, the large portion, thank you,” Ruby says to the server as she gathers our menus and hands them over.

“Really, you’re gonna eat all those tots yourself?” Link scoffs.

“Yup.” She glares at him, daring him to mock her again.

“Our girl here can really put away the tots. Don’t challenge her. It’s a challenge you won't win,” I say, amused.

Link gives her a speculative look. But it’s the truth. If Ruby wanted, she could be a professional competitive eater. Thirty hot dogs? No problem. I often wonder if she was born with a second stomach. She is almost always eating.

What makes it so fun to watch is the fact that she is so tiny. It’s really hard to believe she can—and does—eat so much in one sitting.

We all laugh when Link immediately challenges her and tries to define a suitable tot challenge.

It’s the usual group out tonight: Morgan, Ruby, Dex, Link, Bernie, and myself.

For reasons I’m not ready to admit, I’m bummed Simon isn’t here. I don’t know where he is, but his absence doesn’t go unnoticed.

I should be relieved though. I mean, who looks forward to being around someone who clearly thinks you’re pond scum? I do, apparently.

Without thinking, I find myself asking no one in particular, “So where’s Simon tonight?”

They all hear me, the light conversation around the table pauses and then quickly picks back up. But it’s Dex who responds.

“Ah, I think he’ll be here a bit later. He’s on a date.” He says that part slowly, like he’s approaching a scared animal. Why, I don’t know.

I nod and take a drink of my lemon drop.

Cool. A date. Good for him.

Really, I don’t care.

I think about how I haven’t enjoyed any of the dates I’ve been on in the past few months. So, I kind of hope he isn’t enjoying his.

Link must see something on my face that makes him feel the need to say more.

“Yeah, he’s gone out with this same girl a few times now. I think it’s getting serious.”

Blah.

I don’t want to hear this. I push up from the table and stand quickly.

“Be back. Gotta go to the restroom.”

I make my way to the back, telling myself over and over that I don’t care.

I do not care.

---