Page 9 of Mr. Big Mistake
“I second that.” Clint raised his water.
I slid my phone into my pocket. “Doesn’t matter, we’re all going out tonight. We’re going to celebrate Clint’s joining our team, we’re going to celebrate his life, and we’re going to celebrate Zane’s new life he’s bringing into this world.”
Zane clapped my back. “That’s actually really sweet of you. Thanks.”
“What’s in this for you?” Clint narrowed his eyes.
“Girls. What else?”
Zane rolled his eyes while Clint groaned, and all it did was make me laugh. On the inside, though, I was excited for all of us to go out. It gave us a reason to bond again. It gave us a reason to catch up. Lord knows all of us needed to wind down after the craziness of the past few months, and I sure as hell needed a drink.
Especially if Kelly was going to show up.
Our flirty banter was something for the movies. The way she looked at me with those doe eyes of hers always made me wonder why the hell she had constantly turned me down in college. No matter how many times I asked her out, I never could get her to go on one date with me. That’ll do something to a man, you know. It dented my self-confidence for a long time. But, I refused to give up on her. One of these days, I’d get her to accept my offer for a steak dinner.
And maybe, just maybe, tonight might be that night.
“All right, guys. As top quality as this water is, I’m going to head back to my condo. I need to get ready if we’re going to meet up with the girls at nine,” I said.
Clint finished off his bottle and crushed it in his hand. “Where are we heading?”
Zane butted in. “Where Brenden always wants to start. Club Verona.”
Clint scowled. “What’s Club Verona?”
“Only the hottest spot in Vegas at the moment. The music is always on par, the drinks are outstanding, and the women are drop-dead gorgeous,” I told them.
Clint’s voice fell flat. “Great.”
I stood from my seat. “Cheer up, big guy. I’m sure you’ll find someone to keep you warm for the night. But, if I don’t get out of here, I’m going to be late.”
Zane snickered. “You’ll be late anyway.”
“Which is why I really need to go, otherwise I’ll be much later.”
“Just make sure you have condoms. Otherwise, your flavor of the night may have a surprise for you in a few weeks,” Clint added.
Zane laughed as my jaw dropped open.
“Was that a joke?” I asked.
Clint shrugged. “I can still make them.”
Zane held his stomach as he continued to laugh.
“Well, I look forward to many more of them tonight,” I said with a smile. “It’s good to have you back, Clint.”
He nodded. “It’s good to be alive, Brenden.”
Yes. It sure as hell was.
3
Kelly
“Who in the world is that?” I asked.
Karina giggled. “You like what you see?”
