Page 129 of The Import Slot
I pull Jen onto my lap, so her thighs lie across mine.
Even though things feel frosty between us, she sinks into me and runs her fingers in circles over my forearm like she always does. The more I look at her, the more fucked I realise I am. Even though she’s self-proclaimed ‘made no effort,’ she looks incredible, and I’m dying to know what she’s thinking. She’s so smart. She’ll have all the answers.
We sit here as if our entire world isn’t about to change. I watch her laugh and smile when she turns toward me.
“Ryan. It’s your turn,” she says, and I reach forward, pluck a card from the pile, and turn it over.
“Nine.”
“Everyone drinks!”
The group collectively gulps their drinks, and then it’s Vicky’s turn next. She picks a Jack, so she gets to create a new rule.
“Oh, this is exciting. My new rule, let me think.” She ponders for a moment, and then she gasps, ready to deliver. “Everyone needs to keep to their own business. How about that?” Vicky shoots a look at Johnny.
Johnny lets out a sigh. “I’m not in your business. I told you, do whatever you want. Do whoever you want.”
“Why did you tell me to sort things out with Liam, then? Can’t you see I’m here with Barry?” I’m not sure where that has come from, but Vicky is drunk. Everyone looks at Liam, who seems very interested in his hands.
“I think it’s Gary. Isn’t it?” Becca offers.
“I need some air,” Vicky says, standing up and picking up her glass. She fills it before heading toward the balcony door.
“We can’t let her go out there alone,” Jen says, shifting to stand up. “She’s shitfaced!”
“I’ll go,” Liam says, heading to the balcony door.
“Are we sure that he’s safe out there? She may want to throw him off,” Becca says. We watch for a moment before Jen replies.
“They’re just sitting there,” Jen says.
“I think I’ll be going.” Gary stands up and gives everyone an awkward smile.
He’s already outstayed his welcome if you ask me. He glances over to the window, and Vicky and Liam have pulled their chairs close, and she’s got her head on his shoulder. He slips out quietly without a backwards glance.
The room is quiet now, the buzz of chatter has died down.
“I think I’m going to head to bed,” Jen says. She stands up and heads to the counter. “I’ll clean up in the morning.”
I’m up like a flash, probably too quickly, as my head spins, and I need to brace myself, but I follow Jen into my bedroom and pull her into me.
“I just wish you would have told me. It’s exciting news. Why wouldn’t you want to share it?”
She gets undressed and tosses her clothes onto the chair in the corner. I want to have a serious conversation, but I can’t help but stare at her.
“I just wish I could understand.” She pops the clasp of her bra and whips it off, and now she’s just standing there in her panties, and I’m just speechless.
She always amazes me, and I’ve seen her naked loads, but I can’t get enough. It’s not until she heads into the bathroom and returns with one of my old t-shirts on, toothbrush in hand, that I can reply.
“There’s no news yet, really. It’s all talk,” I say.
“Yeah, but it can turn into something.” She sounds hopeful.
“Can we just enjoy Christmas and then talk about it?” I say.
Honestly, I just want to enjoy the time with everyone stress-free, and if Jen’s Sunday roasts are anything to go by, I can’t fucking wait for Christmas lunch.
“Fine,” she says, popping her toothbrush out and rolling her eyes.
