Page 30 of Until I Found You
Eleven
Halle
“Is Graham going to come to his senses someday and realize what a great catch he let go of?” Brannon says, leaning in close as he whispers low enough so only I can hear him.
I’m not stupid and neither is he. I don’t know who the girl is that Graham has been chatting it up with, but whoever it is, she’s someone Brannon doesn’t want him talking to either.
“Probably not,” I joke, just as she walks away from Graham toward our table with a tray full of our drinks.
“Well, if it isn’t the firecracker herself.”
For a second, I think she didn’t hear him, as she begins serving the drinks to everyone around the table. I take a sip of my martini, feeling the warmth from the alcohol rush through me.
Once she finishes unloading the drinks, she slides the tray under her arm as she focuses her attention back on Brannon. I know that look, she’s letting him know now she’s not at all amused by him and I want to laugh.
“Did you decide what you wanted to order?”
Brannon leans forward with his elbows on the table. Graham pulls out a chair next to me, taking a seat at the end, flashing me a wink as he leans back getting comfortable.
“Hmm,” Brannon says, knowing how much his prolonged response is driving her crazy.
“I’ll let you continue to think on it,” she says, as Brannon holds his hand up to stop her.
Her eyes narrow at him as she lets out a heavy sigh.
“I’ll let you surprise me.” He smiles.
I don’t know whether to laugh or hold my breath at the grin that takes over her face.
“Sure thing,” she says, dropping her smile as she turns and walks away.
“Well, that was interesting,” I say, looking over at Brannon and back to Graham. “I don’t think your friend likes Brannon much.”
Brannon laughs. “She can play it off all she wants, but I think I’m breaking her down a little. Sooner or later, she’ll fall in love with me.”
“Good luck,” Graham responds.
I want to be annoyed, I should be annoyed. Once again, I’m reminded of what he was doing when he left me, or maybe who he was doing.
I feel jealous and, honestly, I hate it. I don’t get jealous, but when it comes to Graham Shaw, nothing is off limits.
I take a large gulp of my martini, not wanting to feel the way I’m feeling right now. As much as I hate turning to alcohol, I just want to numb everything and if I’m going to have to sit through the reminders of him walking away from me, I’d rather not feel a damn thing.
I take one last drink before setting the glass down. A shiver races over my body, the effects of the alcohol surging through me.
“You trying to get drunk?”
Graham looks at me, concern in his eyes. I know he hates when I drink but tonight, I don’t really care.
“Not necessarily,” I lie.
“Well, take it easy.”
I want to tell him not to worry about me, but I see Lissa approaching with Brannon’s drink, and all I care about is putting in another order.
“Your drink, sir.” She smiles, setting the drink on the table.
Brannon looks down, then back up at her. “What is it?”
