Page 21 of Pretend
Out of nowhere, Daegan retracts like he was saving all his energy for this moment and pushes against Kane’s force. In the blink of an eye, Kane’s hand goes down with a hard bang against the wood. Kane’s whole body drops in defeat, while Daegan jolts in victory. They both must be so drunk. He pushes Kane’s shoulder hard in celebration; meanwhile, everyone’s tune changes.
“Ohhhh!”
“Creature! Creature! Creature!” All the Special Operators chant drunkenly.
“Drink up, Bane.” He pushes three shots of hard liquor towards Kane. It glides against the wood, the liquid almost jumping out of the shot glasses.
Kane sighs. Placing both his palms on the counter, he grips it tight, causing his triceps to flex. He shakes his head in disbelief, smoothing his hair back. He grabs the first shot and grits his teeth.
“Mother fucker hustled me.” Kane spits like a sore loser.
He shrugs before drinking them all one by one, accepting his fate. Lopez laughs while he holds his phone as he records Kane. Daegan grabs a shot for himself when Gabe finishes preparing it. He joins Kane in his torture and downs the poison like it’s water. He drops the empty glass just as Kane drops a hundred-dollar bill, sliding it toward him.
“Grown men acting like children, what’s new,” I roll my eyes as I try to hide the fact that it was kind of funny. I pass Winters, hoping she follows.
“I know, I know...what do you expect though? This is their last night for months or even a year. You gotta admit that was hot.” She hits me with her hip playfully. “Bane and Creature can arm wrestle me any day, and I'd gladly let them win.”
I walk away, rolling my eyes.
“Girl. Stop. You know you can’t get involved with them romantically. You’ll put your job and theirs at risk.”
“I’m only joking…” She walks into the dancing crowd, and I follow right behind her. “Half-joking,” she admits in her lustful confession.
“Now...where’s Jack?”
“Thank you for the beer, Bailey,”Jack thanks Bailey behind the bar counter. He takes a long swig of his beer before slamming it down on the counter. It chimes with a layer of emptiness. He wipes his wet lips with the side of his hand, watching the dancing crowd, his brown eyes anywhere but me.
Jack stopped by for free drinks an hour ago, and I was hoping I would see him with a smile on his face and his hands over my body.
But alas, he shows up distant, only seeking free beer from my close friend.
“You’re welcome, Jack,” she chirps before she attends to another customer. Her beautiful blue hair sways over her shoulder as she walks away from the three of us.
Bailey is tall, beautiful, sociable, and has the most welcoming aura about her. She has quotes and nature elements tattooed on her fair skin on both arms. We met at El Devine years ago and hit it off over time. We’ve been friends for three years and have never swayed. After hanging out consistently, she knows me, Winters, and Jack very well.
I sit in between Winters and Jack, sipping on a beer, as Bailey comes back with shots for all of us. We all cheer our glasses and swallow down the burning sensation, and I accept it without making a grimace.
I’m limiting myself tonight. I leave for deployment tomorrow. It’s also the day I’m turning twenty-five, and I’ll be spending it on an airplane.
Jack’s attention gets pulled away as someone taps his shoulder. I don’t have to turn around to know who it is. The air takes a turn, growing thick with dark vibes.
Frankie Blanchard.
He makes advances on me every time we’re around him. I don’t understand how my boyfriend keeps his friendship with him knowing these things.
He’s a regular here, so I’m not surprised. He still wears his football varsity jacket like he’s still the cool kid senior who refused to give up his social status once he graduated.
I’ve vented to Jack about Frankie many times, but he tells me just to ignore him and cover up with more layers of clothing whenever I’m around him…like that’ll help.
Completely dismissive.
SEAL Team Executioners still stand in the far right of the bar, near the television and restrooms, drinking like we’re not on orders for a deployment tomorrow.
“I’ll see you back at home, okay?” Jack looks at his phone, typing away, and curiosity gnaws at me. I slump on the barstool, the tips of my boots hitting the floor.
“What? You’re leaving already?” A frown transforms onto my disappointed face, eager for him to stay.
“Yeah, babe. I’m tired.”
