Page 134 of Stuck With You
I spend an hour talking to Kat as she slowly drinks herself into a positive outlook while we watch Junior’s ego inflate with Marcie and Robyn’s flirty attention. Cory lurks in the corner, talking with Griffin and his wife, whom I met when they arrived. We spent a few minutes talking about Ollie and Frankie before they headed to the bar for drinks.
That was just about the time I glanced over to see Slade bear-hugging a beautiful blonde, who I believe is his best friend. I wonder if he actually talks to her and tells her all of the things he’s thinking and feeling.
I slump on my stool, sipping my water and wishing it had a splash of whatever Kat is drinking. All I want is for him to tell me one thing. Just something about why he’s so closed off and guarded. I want to know what he’s protecting himself from.
“That’s Seth’s ex-fiancé,” Kat whispers, but it’s a bit slurred. “She’s really beautiful and s-smart.”
I peek in that direction. Slade laughs with the rest of the guys and Krissy at something she said.
Marcie slides up to our table with Robyn right beside her. “Did you see Alex is here?” She says it like it’s breaking news.
“Thatwill be super awkward if Seth runs into her.” Kat stirs her drink with her tiny straw.
Marcie leans closer to me. “She ran off and married an NFL quarterback after breaking it off with Seth.” She glances over her shoulder at Seth and Junior. “It’s his birthday. We should get him out of here.”
“Good idea.” Kat lifts her glass. “Tell him I’m drunk and need a ride home.”
“Perfect. Ok.” Marcie turns, but Kat grabs her arm.
“Tell him if Junior follows us, I will be forced to retaliate.”
Marcie laughs.
“Don’t worry. I’ll distract him.” Robyn winks.
They leave on their mission.
I, on the other hand, have to figure out how I’m going to get home.
Marcie relays the information, and Seth’s gaze crosses to Kat. He heads over as if he has just received a get-out-of-jail-free card.
“Seth, I’m just a teensy bit drunk.” Kat slides off her stool, wobbling a little, and he takes her arm.
“I can see that.”
“But I’m saving you, so don’t forget it.” She pokes him in the chest.
“This feels like old times,” he mumbles as she grabs her purse.
“You ok?” he asks me.
“Wait, we rode together,” Kat says, leaning on the table.
“It’s ok. You should go home.”
Her lips turn downward. “Seth can take you home, too.”
“No, it’s really ok,” I say, even though this feels like one more time life is laughing in my face.
“Ok. I’ve gotta go before I fall asleep and Seth has to carry me out.” Kat sways just a little.
“Yeah. Let’s go. I’m not doing that again.”
She swats him. “It was one time. My boyfriend just broke up with me.”
Seth ushers her forward, looking like he’s about to run for the door, and I can’t blame him. I’d be right behind him.
I glance at my coworkers and know there’s no way in hell I’m asking them for a ride or going anywhere with Junior.
