Page 39 of Thirst Trap
15
Jake
“You are the worst wingman ever.”
I shoot Trent the finger as he not so subtly checks out every woman that walks into the Nashville bar we are sitting at. I’m also silently cursing out Knox for working this weekend, giving him a convenient excuse to get out of Trent’s monthly ask of going to Nashville. Normally, I’d plaster on a smile and let him have his fun. But I can’t muster it now. Not when all I can think of is the last time I was at this bar, I was meeting the woman who would change my life.
“Oh, come on. Aren’t you having fun?” Trent asks. “I mean, I know you aren’t. But your girlfriend was too busy for you this weekend, so you’re stuck with my ass.”
I hate when he’s right. Whitley had an event this weekend that was going to keep her busy. I told her I didn’t care, but she insisted that I stay in Tennessee. And that if I waited until we saw each other again, she’d have a special present for me.
I hope it involves the high heels she wore at the wedding.
“Fine,” I say as I flag down the bartender for another beer. “What did you have in mind? Another bar? Check out the band across the street?”
This perks him up. “I’m so glad you asked. And no, we don’t have to relocate at all. Because I’m thinking that… see those girls over there? I think we should introduce ourselves to them.”
I take a glance at the way he’s gesturing and immediately know who he’s talking about. To say that Trent has a type would be an understatement. So it doesn’t take me long to pick out the redhead that he has his eye on.
“Why can’t you just go over and say hello? You’re a grown-ass man, for God’s sake, Trent. Have you ever picked up a woman before without help from me or Knox?”
He waves me off, completely ignoring the fact I just dished out. “Why change something that works? Plus, I think Officer Sexy is a much better ice breaker than me.”
This earns him a glare. “No. No Officer Sexy. If you want my help to talk to them, I will do that as your friend. But I’m not some damn party trick you can whip out when you need to.”
He holds up his hands in retreat. “Fine. No Officer Sexy. But… will you?”
I roll my eyes and take a long pull from my beer before standing up from my barstool. “One of these days you are going to owe me. Big time.”
He slaps me on the back, gently pushing me toward the group of women. “When your mom gets her new roof, just remember I’m the friend that made it happen for you.”
I won’t admit out loud that he’s right. I will also never admit that I’m having more fun onForUthan I ever thought I would. I like creating content. I like putting a smile on people’s faces. The money part might have been the main reason for starting, but even after I get the money for Mom’s roof, I’m still going to make videos.
Maybe use the money to save up for a ring?
The thought hits me like a punch to the gut, though not in a bad way. More like a why haven’t I thought of that before way? Whitley is it for me. I know we still have to have some talks—most importantly, like where we are going to live if we continue to see each other—but I’ll go wherever she asks. As long as I’m with her, I’ll be happy.
“I’m going to need you to not look like a love-sick puppy right now when you go talk to them,” Trent says as he smacks me on the back of the head. “Focus, Evans.”
“Fine,” I say, making my way toward the group of women. I have done this for Trent hundreds of times in our life. Hell, I think the first time I did, it was in first grade at recess. But for some reason, this time it doesn’t feel right. I shake away the feeling as I approach the women, who have all turned toward me.
“How are you ladies doing tonight?”
Their eyes light up, and I think one of them starts shaking a bit. “Oh my God! It is you!”
I look around for a second because I’m not quite sure what they mean. “Excuse me? Do we know each other?”
They all start laughing. “Of course not! But we know you. You’re that guy fromForU!You’re Officer Sexy!”
Oh, holy hell.
“Yes, he is,” Trent chimes in, walking up next to me. “Did you guys know his first video was shot right here in this very bar?”
Their eyes go wide like they were just told one of the great secrets of the world.
“Really?” one of the girls says, sliding up next to me. “That is so cool. Do you think I can get a selfie with you?”
I look over to Trent for help, which is a wasted effort. He’s already started making his way toward the redhead. Which means I’m now on my own.
