Page 46 of With You

“But you’re just a baby. You can’t drink, yet.”

“You were literally at my twenty-first birthday party. You and Jack spent half the night taking jello shots and the other half throwing them up.”

“Oh, yeah.” Jo smiled and looked at the ceiling wistfully. I’m not sure why, that sounded terrible.

“What’s the tackle box full of makeup for?” A sense of foreboding came over me when Jo’s smile turned devilish.

“Ha! Tackle box, you’re hilarious, Sam. This, my friend, is an original Caboodle. I’ve had this bad boy since Winnie and I were in third grade and I stole it from Sarah Fergusson when she called me ugly.”

“That still doesn’t explain why it’s here.”

“It’s here for makeovers. Obviously.”

* * *

When we walked into Brooks’ two hours later, I felt like a different person.

My hair was freshly washed and fell down my back in loose waves. I’d allowed Jo, with everyone else’s input, to do my makeup and though it was more than what I’d usually wear, it would be a lie if I said I didn’t like the finished look. The glittering eye shadow and bold red lips complemented the strapless, gold metallic bandeau dress that they’d convinced me to wear. It was incredibly short, as I was a good four inches taller than Jo but hell, it was nice to be out of my depression clothes. The stark white bandage that I still sported stuck out but I refused to spend time worrying about something I couldn’t change.

The bar was near full and all the tables were taken with patrons that looked ready to have a good time. I’d never been to Brooks’ when it was like this, loud music and a full dance floor, men and women taking each other’s measure, trying to decide who they’d like to take home at the end of the night. Quite a few of those looks were thrown our way and I kept my gaze in front of me, not wanting to encourage an approach. Maybe someday I’d want someone other than Monroe Ross but I doubted it.

“Brooks McKay, you beautiful beast of a man, we need two shots and three waters with lime for the non-drinkers in the group.” I watched Jo’s exchange with the owner and head bartender, amused as the tips of his ears reddened with her full attention and fluttering eyelashes.

“Josephine, have you already been drinking?” Brooks, the owner and head bartender, crossed his massive arms, glaring at the small woman with disapproval.

“Maybe just a teensy-weensy bit?” She held her thumb and forefinger about an inch apart and I smothered a laugh. Jo and Jesse had worked their way through three cocktails each before we left my place. I was shocked her words weren’t slurring.

“Woman, you know damn well I hate when you do that shit. How am I supposed to keep track of when you’ve had enough if you come in here already half-drunk off your ass?” He’d placed his fists on the bar and leaned forward until they were almost nose to nose.

“Are you refusing to serve me?” Even in three-inch heels, the man towered over Jo but I admired the way she wasn’t backing down. Good girl. I found that I felt protective of every woman in this group and I wouldn’t hesitate to step in and help them if they needed it. Although the anger rolling off Jo in this moment made it clear she could handle her own.

“It’s my bar, Jo. I can refuse service to whomever I damn well please.” Brooks was looking smug as fuck which only seemed to feed Jo’s anger, that is until she smoothed her features into something akin to an angel.

“Fine. Bear will get our drinks. Won’t you, Bear?” Jo’s voice had gone sugar sweet as she glanced at Brooks’ brother who was mid-pour on a pint.

Bear McKay was as tall as his brother and came by his name honestly. The man’s barrel chest led to a thick stomach that would never be a six-pack but still held strong muscle underneath. Wide shoulders held up his massive arms and every time he twisted for a glass or a bottle of liquor, I thought his flannel shirt was going to rip right down his back. The thick beard and hair-covered forearms added to the imagery.

Brooks angled his glare at his brother who put his hands up and backed away without a word. Bear seemed to know better than to get in the middle of whatever these two had going. When Brooks returned his attention to Jo, it was triumphant.

“I can’t believe you just did that. Ugh! Why are you like this? Fine, waters for all of us then and I am not giving you a tip.” Jo’s hands were fisted on her hips in outrage.

“Not a problem, sugar. I’m a giver not a taker.” He laughed at Jo’s stunned expression and while his back was turned, I noticed the flush spreading across her cheeks.

“Jesus, are they always like this?” I asked Winnie over the loud music.

“Yup, it’s a common occurrence. Jo wants Brooks but he won’t give in even though I’m pretty sure he feels the same. So instead of sleeping together and getting out all the tension, they fight.”

Sounded familiar. I hoped for Jo’s sake that it worked out better for her than it did for me. My eyes roamed the rest of the bar and I was surprised to find my usual table occupied. Gray, Kane and Gage were each nursing a beer as they talked. The familiar ache throbbed in my chest when I saw the empty chair where Roe would’ve sat. As painful as his absence had been, it would’ve probably hurt more to see him sitting with everyone like it was a normal day after work.

“What’s the alpha squad doing here? This was supposed to be a girls only night. No offense, Sam, you’re awesome.” Jo shoved a glass into my hand.

“None taken,” I took a sip of the cool water, letting it soothe my dry throat.

“Sorry, Jo. It’s my fault. I told Grayson he could pick me up, but I didn’t think that he’d be here already.” Lily bit her lip as she shared a glance with her fiancé, not looking the least bit bothered that he was there.

“What’s your excuse?” she asked Winnie.

“Jo, do you have any idea how hard it is to find a babysitter? My parents offered to watch Faye and Daisy tonight and I may have suggested that Kane meet up with us.” As though he heard his wife say his name, Kane stood and started making his way toward her. “I have to go to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

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