Beside me, Tyler became quiet, arousing my suspicions further.
My heart pounded within my chest as I was overcome with a volley of emotions. The worse part of it all was the look in Tyler’s eyes. It was one of indecision.
It’s not all in my head, after all.
I wanted to accuse him of going back on his word, and I almost did, but I didn’t want to start an argument in front of Brad, who’d been nothing but polite to me.
Right then, the waitress came up, a blonde with a bad dye job.
“Is everything going alright?” she purred, moving closer to Tyler than I was comfortable with.
“Fine, thanks,” Brad said shortly, flashing her a boyish grin.
“I’d like another glass, please,” Tyler asked politely.
The waitress grinned as if he’d offered her a night of hot sex. “Coming right up, handsome,” she giggled, playfully clapping him on the shoulder.
Tyler grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling.
That was more than I could take. The only thing that kept me from jumping up from my seat and dragging Miss-Bad-Dye-Job across the restaurant was the fact that I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of Tyler’s friend.
“I have to go,” I announced suddenly as soon as the waitress sashayed off. I jumped up from my seat, trying unsuccessfully to keep my limps from trembling.
Tyler started to get up from his seat, but I quickly motioned him back down. “Already?”
I have to go to keep from going into a rage and embarrassing us both in front of your best friend.
“Yeah. Christine needed me to schedule a very important upcoming show for her as soon as I got back from lunch.” I flashed a fraudulent smile at Brad. “It was nice meeting you, Brad. Thank you so much for your counsel, and I hope your wedding is one to remember.”
Brad smiled back and nodded his head at me. “It was no problem, and it was nice meeting you too. You have a nice day.”
“I will.” I tossed a quick glance at Tyler, trying to keep a straight face. “Thanks for the meal.” I turned and began walking away from the table.
“What? I don’t get a kiss?” I heard Tyler call behind me.
I ignored his question and kept walking out of the restaurant, grateful that he couldn’t see the tears of frustration rolling down my face. My emotions were on a roller coaster, and I needed to get out of the situation before I did something I’d regret.
Tyler
I immediately resisted the urge to jump up and follow Victoria out of the restaurant.
I’ll just end up making things worse if I go after her, I thought, angry that I hadn’t been able to hide the fact that I was having second thoughts about our future business venture.
Telling her how I felt after her jealous reaction would only result in her feeling like she'd been right all along: I was a manwhore who’d say or do anything to get into the next girl’s pants.
“Geez,” Brad said over a mouthful of steak. “She seemed extra pissed when the waitress flirted with you.”
“She was,” I muttered, glancing down at my food. My stomach turned at the sight and I put down my fork. I’d lost my appetite.
“Damn, this steak is as tough as a donkey’s ass. With what this place charges, you would think you’d get better.” Brad gave me a look as he chewed. “How are you two going to last if she gets mad at that? Chicks hitting on you is an everyday occurrence.”
“Her confidence is a little shook up with all the stuff that’s been going down, that’s all. She’s normally pretty feisty. Anyway, I don’t think that’s what she was really upset at, though it didn’t help.”
Braid raised an eyebrow. “What else then?”
I didn’t respond, because Miss Flirty Pants came over to see if we needed anything.
“No thanks,” I said. “We’re fine.” I avoided eye contact with her.
“So tell me what’s going on. You’re not getting away that easily.” Brad pressed.
“I really don’t want to talk about it. I’m pissed enough at myself about it already.”
Brad paused for a moment and wiped around his mouth with a napkin. “Come on, man. Maybe I can help.”
I knew if I didn’t tell him, he’d just keep bugging the shit out of me. “Okay, fine.” I sighed. I quickly outlined to him what I’d promised Victoria.
Brad let out a low whistle when I was finished. “Man, I can’t believe it.”
“Believe what?” I asked, knowing that I was falling into a trap.
“This chick has got you whipped.”
“Oh shut the fuck up. And hey, I’m not the one getting married.”
“Yeah, but I never swore off serious relationships either. I mean, after Candice—”
“Can you not mention her name?” I snapped.