Music plays softly in the background, but the few seconds of silence is deafening with Mandy’s accusatory statement.
Daniel shoots back, “It’s not due until Tuesday. But thanks for your concern. I’m sure my boss will appreciate your diligence in making sure I meet my deadlines.”
Talk about awkward. Jared and Scott glance away as if not to watch the train wreck happening.
“So Jared, do you and Scott work together?” I interject, trying to break the tension Mandy and Daniel have created.
Jared’s face smooths out. He begins to speak about the law firm he works for and a pro-bono case he and Scott just wrapped up. The case is about a girl with a disease that causes bad seizures who would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Mandy, who practically leans into Jared’s lap, hangs on to his every word.
I stay quiet because I know how helpful it can be, especially when it comes to pain management and nausea, but there is no way I’m talking about it. I’m sure if Andy were here, he would have a lot to add to the conversation. And with an MD behind his name, they would be hard pressed not to listen.
Daniel’s jaw is tight and I watch as the tension between the two starts to build again.
“Isn’t medical marijuana legal in DC now?” Mandy asks.
Jared nods. “It is. However, this case is across the Potomac in Northern Virginia.”
Thankfully, that starts a conversation about how everyone feels on the subject. Views strongly vary one way or another and it relieves some of the strain. I’m half listening, but I pull out my phone hoping for a text from Andy. It’s still early and I have nothing.
Scott makes a move and asks to switch seats with Daniel. I sigh knowing I’m going to have to give him the brush off. I hate doing that. It’s insulting to him and it’s embarrassing for me. I know how hard the dating scene is.
Just as Scott plants himself next to me, Mandy shoves an elbow in my side. I glare at her until she shifts her eyes somewhere off in the distance. I slowly turn and see what it means. Andy’s friend, the Thor look alike, has just walked in with Mitch tagging behind him. Andy isn’t with them as they sit around one of the only free tables left.
I glance at my phone and try not to let jealous and crazy thoughts muck up my head. There are a number of reasons Andy might not be with them like he said he would be. And I don’t think in a million years he’s cheating on me. So I finish my wine and Scott graciously pours me some more. Points scored for being a gentlemen. It’s too bad I am not on the hunt for someone.
Scott asks some questions and I oblige him by answering. I even ask him questions to be polite as the legality of marijuana debate continues with the rest of our group.
“You keep checking your phone. Are you waiting for someone to call?”
It couldn’t have been a better segue if I had said it myself. Scott’s given me the opening I need to tell him I have a boyfriend without looking like a complete bitch. Only right then, the screen on my phone flashes.
Andy: You look like you’re having fun. Should I be jealous?
I glance up and over to Andy’s friends’ table. He’s there smiling in my direction and I feel a grin fill my face as I type.
Me: No, but if I’m in need of a rescue will you come and save me?
I glance up intending to look at Andy again but Scott is there waiting patiently for my response.
“Yes, I am,” I say, just as my phone vibrates again.
Andy: IDK. I think it’s interesting to watch some guy try and fail to pick up my girl.
I frantically type another message ignoring Scott completely.
Me: I’m a nice girl. I may give him a shot on principle. In fact it’s rude of me to text to you while I’m talking to him.
I make a show of turning off my phone and putting it in my purse.
“I’m sorry,” I say sweetly to Scott. “That was rude of me.”
It’s so wrong and unfair to Scott, but it makes me giddy to tease Andy. I’m curious to see what his next move will be.
“Was it someone important?” Scott asks.
I opened my mouth and words come out except I’m not saying them.
“Yeah, sorry man.” His sexy voice makes my spine tingle.
Andy leans over and snags my hand. He draws me to my feet and up against him. Then he plants the hottest kiss on my lips. People around us start to make lewd comments.
He draws back, letting his hands slide down my back and over my ass before dropping away.
“You have to know it’s not nice to tease,” he says in my ear.
Grinning, I say, “We know the importance your mother places on good manners.”
He shakes his head. “We can discuss when I get to your place.”
“Promises, promises.”
Mandy clears her throat. I turn to the group. “Sorry. Everyone, this is my boyfriend Drew.” I purposefully don’t call him Andy because I know everyone calls him Drew. Then I rattle off everyone’s name and end with Scott who doesn’t seem angry, but maybe a little confused.