Besides, friends go out for celebratory drinks, right?
Right.
22
Reese
“Hey,” Jake greets me from the doorway of my room.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I massage my sore feet from the stilettos at the photoshoot, then slip on my favorite pair of worn Chucks for the night.
“Hey,” I return with a smile before pulling the heel of the shoe into place.
“I heard the photoshoot went well.”
“It did.”
Leaning against the doorframe, he adds, “That was nice of you to help River out.”
“Oh. Thanks.” I drop my gaze down to my lap and brush off a bit of nonexistent lint as memories of him accusing me that I slept with River my first night here filter through my mind.
“He said you did a great job.”
“I didn’t do much.” I shove aside the image of River’s mouth on mine as my guilt threatens to slip to the surface.
“And I beg to differ. River doesn’t ask for help often. None of us do. But he said that you helped him out of a bind, and I want to let you know that I think that’s great. I know I’ve jumped down your throat more than once because of him, and I’m sorry.”
“Seriously, Jake. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“It is,” he corrects me, squeezing the back of his neck. “I know I’ve been an overbearing ass since you got here, but I’m proud of you for making friends with Sonny and River. You’re growing up and can make your own decisions. I guess it just took me a little while to recognize it. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks, Jake,” I murmur before standing up and grabbing my purse. “That means a lot to me.”
With a relieved sigh, he slips his hands into his front pockets and adds, “River mentioned you’re going out for drinks…”
“Yeah, are you coming?”
His weight shifts between his feet before he mutters, “I can’t tonight. I’m tutoring someone.”
“Oh. Well, that’s good. You’re staying busy.”
“Too busy lately,” he admits before pulling his gaze from the ground and back to me. “Once things calm down a bit, I’d love to start hanging out more. Catch up, maybe?”
“Yeah, for sure. I’ve missed you, Jake.”
“Missed you too.”
He smiles shyly, and it reminds me of the old Jake I knew from high school. The insecure little nerd who couldn’t even look at a girl without blushing, let alone kiss one. Sometimes, I forget he’s still in there, especially now that he’s a total stud. It’s kind of adorable, actually. I still don’t see him with women much, though. He’s probably just too occupied with school. However, when he graduates, I’m going to have to find him a lady friend or two.
“Don’t have too much fun without me, okay, Reese?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I quip with a grin.
23
Reese
“So, has Ian still been calling you?” River asks before tipping back a shot of whiskey.
Milo had to work tonight, and Jake’s tutoring someone from his class, which left River, Gibbs, and me. Sitting on the barstools with Gibbs’ band playing in the background, I soak up the ambiance and try to ignore Gibson’s frown as he registers River’s comment.
“He’s still calling you?” Gibbs demands.
I glare at River while twirling the straw in my fruity yet dangerously potent drink.
“Answer me,” Gibbs orders.
“Sometimes…”
“He needs to leave you alone, or you need to get a restraining order. Right now, those are the only two options I can see,” Gibbs announces.
Rolling my eyes, I take another sip of my cranberry vodka. “You’re both being overly dramatic. It’s fine. I know how to ignore a phone call.”
“I think we should change her number,” River mentions to Gibson. He presses his back against the chair to get comfortable, completely ignoring my presence. “Or we should go visit him again.”
With a narrowed gaze, I mutter, “That won’t be necessary.”
“Won’t it?” He locks me in his intense stare. “The guy won’t leave you alone. Pretty sure that if he knew where we lived, he’d even be dumb enough to try knocking down your door.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing he doesn’t know where we live, huh? Speaking of people who won’t leave other people alone…has anyone else noticed the table of girls over there?” I lift my chin to one of the booths in the back corner.
Gibson laughs but doesn’t comment, while River doesn’t even bother to look in their direction.
The combination piques my curiosity. “Do you guys know them?”
Another laugh.
“You could say that,” Gibson confirms.
My face wrinkles in disgust. “Oh. You know them. Gotcha.”
“Don’t look so grossed out. I warned you that your roommates have voracious appetites.”
“I remember you mentioning your slutty ways. And believe me when I say I’ve heard them sneaking out in the middle of the night. But that doesn’t mean I need to see your leftovers giving you guys googly eyes in the light of day.”
“Who said they’re leftovers?” Gibson challenges with a knowing grin before he stands and knocks his knuckles against the lacquered countertop. “I’ll see you guys later. And congrats on the photoshoot. Riv, do you want me to save one for you?”
I almost gag but swallow it down as I wait for River’s answer.
I shouldn’t care.
I know I shouldn’t care.
Hell, I’m going to wind up pissed regardless of whether or not he stays. Because if he does stick around, then that means he knows that I care, and that’s even more annoying.
I don’t want your pity, River.
“You should go and do…whatever the hell mansluts do on a Saturday night.” I wave my hand through the air. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just be over here getting lost in my vodka cranberry.”
Or maybe I can sneak a bottle of whiskey from behind the counter and can drown my sorrows in it.
Glancing over at me, River lifts his drink and takes a calm and collected sip before waving Gibbs off. “Nah. I’m tired tonight.”
“Tired? Since when are you too tired to get laid?”
“Since tonight.” He shrugs.
Gibson’s gaze bounces between River and me before he throws a silent warning my way. I hear it loud and clear.
Be careful.
Ignoring him, I raise my glass in a silent toast before tipping the whole thing back. The indecision painted across his face is easy to read before Gibbs shakes his head and mutters, “See you guys later.”
“Bye,” I reply as he saunters off, leaving me alone with a River who––for once in his lifetime––is too tired for sex.
Yeah. I don’t believe him either.
The question is, why?
“No sex?” The alcohol makes my tongue loose.
“Not in the mood,” he grumbles in return.