Page 85 of Thick Girls Pole

We found Simon, Andrew, Archer, and Leo sitting at a table in the corner in the back room. None of them seemed to be paying attention to the football game that had the rest of the crowd entranced. Simon spotted us as we approached them.

He looked at Leo and stood.

“Our ladies have arrived.”

Simon kissed me then pulled out the chair next to him.

“Thanks,” I said as I sat. “How’s it going?”

Before he could answer, the crowd cheered and a few seconds later a song started playing in the background. The guys picked up their glasses and toasted, then chugged their beer. Well, Simon, Andrew, and Leo chugged beer. Archer drank what looked like Sprite.

“They play the Notre Dame fight song whenever the team scores a touchdown,” Leo said.

Anjannette and I looked at each other and shrugged.

“Are you hungry?” Simon asked.

“Starving.”

Even though he directed the question to me, Anjannette answered too.

“Do you want me to grab some menus?”

“Nope. I have it memorized,” I said.

“So do I,” Anjannette said.

When the waitress dropped off a pitcher of beer at the table next to us, Simon waved her over. Anjannette and I rattled off our orders.

“Another round?” she asked and reached for the empty glasses.

“You’re swamped,” Simon said. “I’ll take these to the bar and get more drinks.”

“Thanks. I’ll get this out to you as soon as I can,” she said to Anjannette and me. “It’s pretty crazy in the kitchen so it might take a little extra time.”

“No worries,” I said.

“What would you like to drink?” Simon asked.

“I just want water,” I said.

“Water is good for me,” Anjannette added.

“Another round?” he asked the guys.

“Why not?” Leo said, then put his arm around Anjannette’s shoulders and squeezed. “I have my designated driver to bring me home.”

“I’ll have another one. My designated driver is here, too,” Andrew said, making a kiss-y face toward Archer.

“Would you behave?” Archer said as he shook his head.

“Let’s go grab more beer and a pitcher of water,” Simon said to Leo.

They stood and walked toward the bar, looking a little off balance, but not totally stumbling. When Anjannette and Leo got together, I decided I wanted a relationship like theirs. And now I have one. I just have to make sure I don’t let past insecurities screw it up.

Simon

“This gameday specialis the most awesome thing,” Leo said. “Thanks for inviting me to come along.”

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