Page 15 of Last Date

Thomas narrowed his eyes, his expression suspicious. “I didn’t hear your phone make any noise.”

“I have it on vibrate.” I picked up my beer and gulped half of it down, ignoring the scowl Thomas sent me. I scraped back my chair and said, “Sorry to bail on you so early.”

“Liar,” Thomas mumbled.

Ignoring him, I addressed Merrick and Peter. “We’ll have to do this again sometime.”

Thomas held out his hand. “Let me see your phone.”

No way in hell, dear brother.

“How much do I owe you for the drink?” I asked Merrick.

“Nothing. You can buy next time.”

“Thanks. I’ll look forward to that.” I smiled, giddy I’d successfully managed to escape this awkward get-together. “Until then, I shall sayadieu.”

“Oh, brother,” Thomas muttered. “Just for the record, you’re a horrible actor. No one is buying your lame story, Kip.”

“Wait.” Peter looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“He’s a big fat phony,” Thomas rasped.

Peter raised his brows. “He is?”

“You wound me, brother.” I pressed my hand to my chest, studiously avoiding Merrick’s gaze. “I’ll see you all next time. Have a great evening.”

Peter mumbled a weak goodbye, but the other two watched me like I was a bank robber fleeing the scene of a heist. Feeling exhilarated, I headed toward the front entrance, almost skipping. Once outside, the cold air nipped at my cheeks. I shivered, happy to freeze if it meant freedom. Anything was better than watching Merrick and Peter making up with each other. God, that would have been uttertorture. I didn’t bother to examine why it would be so painful. I just knew it would be. When I reached my truck, I unlocked it and was about to get inside, when a male voice stopped me.

“Excuse me, do you happen to have the time?”

I jumped and turned quickly to face the voice. Near the rear bumper of my pickup stood a college-aged guy dressed in jeans, a brown sweater vest, and a pink tie. He wore thick-rimmed glasses, which gave him a nerdy vibe, and he watched me expectantly.

“Uh…” I pushed up my sleeve. “Looks like it’s about 9:00 p.m.”

“Is it that late?” He lifted his brows.

“Unless my watch is wrong.”

“Probably not.” He sighed. “Time flies whether you’re having fun or not.”

I scanned his skimpy attire. It was a cold night, and even with my jacket I was shivering. “You should have a coat.”

He squinted. “Should I?”

“Aren’t you cold?”

He glanced down at himself. “I’m not used to needing a coat.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant. “You should go home and warm up.”

“Nothing warm about home.”

“I’m sorry?” The way he put things was definitely odd. He looked too well-dressed to be homeless, but not having a coat was weird.

“I’ll go back soon. I just needed some time away from all the pitying glances.” He gave a little laugh as if that was a private joke. “I appreciate you bothering to answer me. I asked two other people, and they just ignored me.”

“Really?” I scowled. “People can be so rude.”