Page 82 of The Lake House

“Yeah, lucky,” I whisper.

The three women all make their way to me and begin placing their hands on me.

“So, you’re going to be tying the knot, huh?”

I furrow my brows. “What? No.” I’m about to give them Rog’s name and point to him when his eyes go wide and he shakes his head. “Actually, these two are getting married on the same day.”

Nadia jumps up and goes to Brad. “Oh my God, you’re the groomie?”

“Play along,” I say to him, tapping his arm back.

He nods, taking in the vision of Nadia who has now placed herself on his lap; one leg on either side of him. “Ye-yes. Me and my boy, Joey, here are. But n-not to each other…”

Janette and Izzy make their way toward Joey and his eyes are about to bulge out of his head.

“Joey, you dirty boy. How would you like to see me and Janette kiss while sitting on either side of you?”

He coughs out, almost choking on his saliva. “Jesus, I would love that very much…”

Once the two guys are occupied with the girls, Rog and I sneak out of the room.

“Wow, thanks, man. I didn’t think we’d make it out alive.”

I laugh. “I know. But hey, Brad and Joey are single. This is perfect for them.”

He nods. “Yeah.”

“Would Rach be mad if you told her they planned a private party for you with the dancers?”

Roger shrugs. “I’m not sure, but you know what? I’m glad I don’t have to find out. Why don’t we get out of here and get a drink or something? Actually, a slice of pizza sounds better. You hungry, bro?”

I nod. “I’m starving, but I’ll meet you outside. I’m going to use the restroom first.”

“You got it.”

It was a good thing we came with two cars, so Brad and Joey won’t be stranded. I’m just happy I didn’t have to sit through that whole ordeal.

I look back and see Roger making his way out of the strip club when suddenly, I’m knocked into by a woman wearing a pink tutu and a white bra lined with rhinestones.

When I realize who it is, I can’t believe my eyes. “Cindy?”

She looks up at me, bright-eyed and all, as if this isn’t an odd meeting place.

Shit, I was not expecting to see her here out of all places, but I’m not judging. But damn, does she work here?

“Declan…” she says, but this time, there’s no sign of annoyance or maliciousness in her tone. She looks relaxed and confident in her getup… which isn’t leaving much for the imagination.

I swallow hard.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she whispers in a low tone, inching closer to me. Before I can move further, she pins me against the wall.

What is it about this place causing the women to come at me like a magnet? I thought she said she didn’t find me attractive or whatever. Now she’s acting the complete opposite.

“Listen, I know how this looks, but you don’t get it. Please don’t judge me,” she begins. “The alimony payments and child support from my ex are not enough. When he took off, he left me with all the bills and never looked back. I had to make ends meet… one way or another.”

I nod. “I’m not one to judge. I understand.” I swallow hard and use this opportunity to apologize for the last couple of times that I’ve run into her. “Cindy, look. I’m so sorry for acting like a jerk, especially the first time I ran into you. I had a lot on my mind, and I really didn’t mean to come off like a prick. I’m truly sorry.”

A smile pulls on her lips. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m over it. I guess I was just mad because you dismissed me so quickly. I was just in a bad spot because I felt… honestly terrible about myself. My ex cheated on me, so when a man doesn’t show any interest in me, especially when I make the effort, kind of gets to me.”

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