Page 8 of Devour

“Okay, I may see your point there,” I conceded.

Rhory got to his feet, the necklaces sliding after him like silver serpents, seeming very pleased either with himself or my response. “See you tonight. Your husband should fill up before dinner.”

I waved him away without further thought. With Rhory, I had to maintain a smile and nod approach instead of wasting my time interpreting whatever the heck he meant.

Later that night, we all met up at a place with cheap drink specials which also served more than standard bar food. While still technically a bar, this one lacked the constant noise and claustrophobia of a nightclub. Not a total dive, either. Hardwood flooring and wallpaper seemed an interesting choice, but the dated atmosphere fit a place built in the 1800s.

A few pool tables and a jukebox were in one room off to the left, while the bar and kitchen sat across from the entrance. Tables and booths filled another room separate from the bar, much like the dining section at any chain restaurant. I looked to the left and didn’t see anyone I knew playing pool, so I headed toward the seating area to the right.

“Looking good, hubs.”

Rhory’s elbows propped him up while he leaned back on the bar top across from me. Since I saw him last, he’d changed into a black crop top and swapped out the many necklaces for one long chain draped down his front, then wrapped around his waist. He topped that with a leather jacket which he left hung open—obviously meant for style and not warmth.

“Where’s everyone else?” I asked, not giving in to the grin tugging at my lips. I’d give Rhory this much, for as much as his behavior could annoy, he could also amuse—even me.

“Em and Ash are getting a table.”

“Tables are full, only booths available,” Asher announced once he entered the room. He noticed me and his expression changed, shifting right into a smile. “Happy Birthday, Eli.”

I smiled in thanks and Rhory slid off the stool before we both followed Asher into the dining area. Ember sat in a wooden booth in the corner, a pitcher of beer waiting for us on a table with scratches on the wood.

“Happy Birthday,” Ember gushed when I approached. She leaned over to hug me before sitting back down.

Asher sat down across from her, then Rhory plopped down beside Ember. Even though this arrangement shouldn’t bother me, it did. Inexplicably so. Instead of complaining, I did what I did best and took my seat without a word. Ember handed me a laminated menu, and I tried to focus on reading instead of feeling… what? I couldn’t even name the emotion. Annoyance didn’t fit and irritation made little sense to me. I didn’t mind sitting by Asher and I wouldn’t have complained about being beside Ember, which seemed to be the default most times, anyway. Then why did I—

“What are you having, hubby?”

“Wings, I think,” I said without even raising my eyes from the menu and giving him the attention he craved.

Being around Rhory as much as I had these last few weeks desensitized me to his ways. Maybe Ember and Asher hoped his recurring presence would avoid another awkward interaction between the three of us. Whatever the reason, at this rate, it would seem Rhory had made himself into a permanent fixture in our friend circle.

“You know he’s not marrying you, right?” Asher said beside me. I lowered my menu in time to see his jaw tick and… oh wow. He was mad.

“And why is that?” That wide grin of his swept his face, and when Rhory leaned forward, the motion seemed more seductive than enraged.

“Eli probably isn’t marrying anybody.”

“Then I guess he won’t be marrying you, either.”

“I’m keeping an open mind,” I interjected before their nonsense got out of hand. Asher turned to me, appearing hopeful by that statement. “Even if I stick with ministry, I haven’t decided if I want to join the priesthood or not.”

“I’d go to your confessional.” Rhory smiled at me, biting into his bottom lip.

“Keep your sins to yourself, Rhory.” The corners of my mouth twitched again, and I couldn’t fight the grin that time.

“Order without me. I’m going to the bar,” Rhory announced. Before he stood, one of his legs grazed mine under the table, and he winked. “Be right back.”

“We have beer,” Ember said while gesturing at the pitcher.

Rhory made a face of obvious disapproval, then turned toward the bar. Asher huffed, sounding equally displeased as soon as Rhory left.

“Oh, will you stop,” Ember scolded. “We get it. You don’t like him.”

“He’s just so…” Asher gestured while he fumbled.

“Sexy?” Ember said.

“Salacious,” I corrected.