We totally did.
It had taken a round of beers for the band to play Cass’s request, “I’m A Slave 4 U,” but they’d done it, and we’d danced like fools. It was an ongoing inside joke when we went out together. If we were going to request songs, it had to be a cheesy pop song. We loved seeing the reactions of the patrons in the establishment when our ridiculous request started to play—annoyed, groaning, cursing our names—but like clockwork, by the end of the song, everyone would be singing and dancing along with us.
“Yeah, no way we did that,” Cass agreed, laughing quietly.
As we walked toward the bar, I caught Kline’s reflection in the giant mirror accented by liquor bottles. My gaze moved to the attractive guy sitting beside him and déjà vu hit me full force, damn near knocking me to the ground.
Holy shit.
I stopped dead in my tracks, holding on to Cass’s arm in a viselike grip.
“What the hell?” She turned toward me, confused.
My hands shook as I realized why I knew the guy next to Kline.
It was Ruck.
Oh, no.
Ruck was here and he was sitting beside Kline, chatting like they were the best of friends.
Oh. Fuck.
I pulled Cassie away from the bar.
Will turned toward us, hands pushed out in a what the fuck? gesture.
“I forgot I need to go to the bathroom!” I called over my shoulder, damn near dragging Cassie across the floor.
“Holy hell, what is going on?” she questioned as I pushed through the crowd.
I didn’t answer her until we were safely tucked inside the ladies’ restroom.
“Oh my God, Cass!” I groaned, my voice echoing in the dimly lit room.
“I’m so confused,” she muttered. “What is going on?”
“I know that guy next to Kline.”
“Because he’s Kline’s friend Thatch, right?”
I shook my head, pacing the confined room like a caged animal.
“Are you going to give me a hint here or do I need to keep guessing?”
“He’s Ruck.”
“Huh?”
“Ruck! TapNext Ruck!” I stopped, my arms flying out in front of me.
She tilted her head. “The guy who sent the Hunchcock?”
I nodded maniacally. “Well, it wasn’t really his Hunchcock,” I started to explain, but realized we really didn’t have time for that.
“I think I’m still missing something? I’m not really understanding your panic here…” She paused, waiting for me to give an explanation.
“Well, I never really stopped talking to him,” I muttered, feeling ashamed to admit it out loud.
“Excuse me?” she asked, her eyes popping out in shock. “You’ve been talking to him this whole time?”
I nodded.
Cassie shook her head like she couldn’t process it.
“Listen, I’ll tell you all of the details later, but you need to act like you’re familiar with him.”
“With who?” She was still not catching on.
“Ruck!”
“Wait…who’s Ruck again?”
I was about three seconds away from pulling my hair out.
“Kline’s friend, Thatch! That’s Ruck!” I whisper-yelled.
“Okay, okay.” She gripped my shoulders. “Just take some breaths, G. Everything will be fine.”
I took a few cleansing breaths, calming my racing heart down.
“Just tell me one thing. Why do I need to act like I know him?”
I sighed, staring down at my feet.
“Georgia?”
“Because you’re still my profile picture,” I whispered in a rush, hoping she wouldn’t understand.
She started laughing and shaking her head in disbelief. “Remember this moment.” She pointed a finger in my direction. “Because you owe me. Big time.”
I nodded. “Anything you want.”
“When we get home, you’re going to explain why you’re still talking to other guys when you’re very happy with Kline.”
“I swear to you, it’s not like that.”
She quirked a brow.
“I promise. I really like Kline. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that. Ruck is dating someone. I’m dating someone. And we never make plans to meet in person.”
“Okay, I believe you.” Cass pulled me in for a hug. “Who knows? Maybe he won’t even know it’s you…well, me…fuck, this is confusing.”
I groaned. “How do I get myself into these situations?”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ve got your back. I’ll distract what’s-his-face while you and Kline enjoy a night out.”
“Thank you.”
She handed me my clutch off the sink and moved toward the door.
I glanced at myself in the mirror, making sure I didn’t look as crazy as I felt. My makeup was still intact, not a hair out of place. All I needed was another drink, or five, to calm my nerves and I’d be good to go.
Maybe.
As I walked past Cassie, she whispered, “Just so you know, this is really screwing with my big plan of seducing your brother tonight.”
I rolled my eyes.
She held the door open for me. “Don’t worry, I’ll save it for another night,” she added, a smirk on her face.