Page 50 of Love to Prove You Wrong

“Nonsense, you always look stunning,” I said.

I snapped a couple of pictures and handed Suzie her phone back.

The seven of us gathered our handbags while Ashley settled the bill and Layla flung the inflatable toy around her body again. Ashley’s orders.

The limo ride only took twenty minutes this time. The vehicle dropped us off at what looked like a shady warehouse, but when we got inside it turned out to be a trendy bar with six adjoining indoor laser tag rooms. The place was packed full of people. Loud music and the smell of beer drifted toward us. The floor was sticky from too many spilled beverages.

I looked at Jess for signs of her bolting again. She looked a bit pale.

“It’s going to be fine,” I told her.

“Let’s hope I don’t need to use the bathroom,” she said.

Once we were all inside, Ashley led us to a table. “We’re a little early and we’ll have to wait for our opposition, so let’s get some drinks first.”

“I’m heading to the bathroom,” I told Suzie. “That cucumber water passed right through me.”

“Do you want me to order you something?” she asked.

I shook my head. “That’s okay, I’ll pass by the bar on my way back.”

The bathroom contained more neon lighting and a rather long queue. I rummaged around in my purse until I found a packet of Skittles and cracked it open while the queue slowly progressed. Hours had passed since we left Old Pine Cove and we still hadn’t eaten. And now we were about to go in for a game of laser tag, which would be exhausting for sure. I’d rather be prepared.

Fifteen minutes later, I could finally empty my bladder. On my way back to the group, I stopped by the bar to get myself a glass of sparkling water. I didn’t want to drink any alcohol without having eaten a meal or I’d end up injuring myself during the game.

I put in my order with the bartender and slid onto a bar stool to wait for my drink.

“You seem to be an expert on this topic,” a guy next to me said.

“I’m sorry, what topic would that be? Sparkling water?” I didn’t understand what he was hinting at.

He grinned. “At being sexy.”

Oh my word, seriously? Maybe that makeover hadn’t been a great idea after all if it meant attracting weirdos.

“Uh, thanks, I guess,” I said.

I zoned in on the bartender and tried to signal him to get a move on already, but I couldn’t catch his eye. How long could it take to pour a glass of water?

“I’m Tony,” the guy said.

Taking a hint didn’t seem to be part ofhisexpertise. Too bad.

“Okay,” I said.

“And you are?”

I sighed. “Not really that interested. I’m here with a group, sorry.”

He rolled his eyes. “So? I’m here with a group too. They don’t mind me hooking up.”

If my water arrived now, I’d chuck it in his face.

“I don’t want to hook up, sorry,” I said without looking at him.

I shouldn’t have been the one to keep apologizing to Tony, but I didn’t want to be completely rude.

“You say that now, but wait until you see this.”

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