Page 90 of Play Fake

“At least she isn’t here sitting in a hockey player’s lap, barely speaking to you.”

“Nah, she’s just with her ex listening to the love songs he’s writing to win her back.”

Liam gives me a pained look.

“Yeah,” I say, and crack open the beer to take a long drink.

“At least you don’t have to watch?” His eyes drift over my shoulder.

I follow his line of sight, and I see Olivia curled up in her new guy’s lap, laughing and holding his shoulder while she tells someone a story about something that happened to them.

“Missed that boat, huh?”

“What boat? She’s like a sister man. It’s just sick to watch.” He stares down at his beer, and I know how he feels, even if he can’t seem to figure out the real reason.

“Just don’t go bashing his face in tonight. I haven’t slept or eaten enough to have the energy to separate you.”

“Nah. I fucking promised her I’d stay out of it.”

“And you’re gonna keep that promise?” I look at him doubtfully.

“Gonna give it the old college try,” he grimaces and then chugs what’s left in his can.

“Listen here bitches,” East comes up behind us and wraps an arm around each of our shoulders. “We’re not gonna stand here and mope over lost fucking pussy, all right? We’re gonna drink, and we’re gonna party. And if we can’t do it here, I’m gonna get us a ride and bottle service down at that new club. So what’s it gonna be?”

Liam grabs another beer out the fridge and salutes Easton before he pops the top and chugs.

Easton looks at me expectantly.

“Bottoms up, boss,” I tilt the can back and chug it.

“That a boy,” he slaps me on the back and yells for someone to turn the music up.

* * *

The next fewhours go by in a haze. I’m determined to win the game of cards we’re playing, but the hands just aren’t coming out my way. Each round is another loss and another shot of vodka, and I’m fading fast while I try to keep up.

I look over to see London’s made a home on Liam’s lap, and I notice Holly is no longer at her side. Which is a good thing because despite me telling her I was still sure about my decision; she’d been by every hour to see if I was still doing okay.

The front door opens again, and my eyes immediately go to it, like they have every single time tonight, hoping she’ll walk through it, so I can explain. Not that I’d do a very good job at this point, but it’s not her anyway, so no need to worry.

“Waylon!” East yells over the music.

“Yeah?” I holler back, still trying to sort my cards.

“Get over here.”

I tilt back in my chair, kicking back one of the legs to see where ”here” is and nearly fall over. Yeah. I probably should forfeit this game.

“All right guys, ya’ll win.” I raise the last shot of vodka and take it down before I step away.

There are a few boos and a few sighs of relief as I finally get up.

“What?” I say once I meet East in the dining room.

“I gotta show you something upstairs.”

“Nah, man. We don’t go upstairs. Literally, the girls will gut you if you try.”