Page 10 of The Plus Ones
That sinking feeling.
I’m eight years old and finding out that I’m the only kid who didn’t get invited to Jonah Kline’s birthday party.
Except I’m not the only one who wasn’t invited to this couples-only lovefest. I look across the room to where Roxy is standing—rather uncomfortably—talking to one of Matt’s friends. Lloyd, I think his name is. I wonder if she knows about this appalling betrayal.
Vince pats me on the back. “It’s nothing personal, man. It was just one of those spur-of-the-moment things that suddenly turned into a couples retreat. If you were part of a couple, you’d be coming with us.”
“Sure,” I say. “It’s cool. I’m glad you guys are getting a vacation. I’ll probably be traveling for work anyway.”
“Well…as long as you aren’t alone on Valentine’s Day,” Nina says, rubbing my arm again. Feeling sorry for me.
When did I become the guy people feel sorry for?
Because, me? I feel sorry for Lloyd. Trying to chat up that troublemaker. She will either bite his head off or eat him alive. I think I better go save him.
“Talk to you guys later. Thanks again for the drink,” I say, lifting my glass to them and strolling over to Lloyd and Roxy. I nod to Chase, who’s saluting me from the family room.Judas.
I place the martini glass on a coaster. Fuck this drink.
“Heyyyy, Lloyd. Good to see you.” I take Lloyd’s hand just as he’s reaching out to touch Roxy’s arm, and I give it a firm shake.
“Oh hey, hi.” He blinks at me, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
“Keaton. We met here last year.”
“I remember, yeah. Hi.”
“Hey. Happy holidays.”
“Same to you.”
“And to you.” I wink at Roxy.
“And to you. Do you have something in your eye?”
“No, I was winking at you.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m a fun, awesome guy.”
“No, you aren’t.”
“You know Roxy? Keaton—Roxy? Roxy—Keaton?”
“We know each other fairly well,” I say.
“We’re friends of friends.”
“Right,” Lloyd says. “Course you are. I haven’t seen you around at Matt and Bernie’s get-togethers these past few years, though.”
“Good point, Lloyd.” I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Why is that, Roxy?”
She doesn’t look at me. “I’ve been working a lot, Lloyd.”
“Right, well, you were going to tell me about your job just now…”
“Was she?” I put my hand on Roxy’s shoulder. “I would love to hear about your job.”
