Page 91 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

“I’ll be back. I need to make a beer run.”

“Can you also pick up another bag of pretzels for the dip? We’re running low.”

“Sure.” He kissed Jillian on the cheek.

“Perry, this is my husband, Mike.”

He came over and shook my hand. “Don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”

“Nope, first time,” I mumbled with a mouthful of cookie.

“She came with Stephen.”

As friends. Fuck, I could start my own game. Every time the word ‘friend’ was used, we’d have to take a drink. At this rate, no one would be able to stand by the end of the night.

“Well, nice to meet you,” he said, then clomped down the stairs. “Back in a bit.”

Jillian finished at the sink and turned around. “So, what’s it like working with my brother—is he a real hard-ass?”

I laughed. “No. Well, maybe at first, but it’s fine now.” I took a sip of water. “And that’s another reason why I didn’t want you thinking I was here as his date. You know, because of the whole working under him thing.”

By the way she looked at me so curiously, I was beginning to think that I was protesting just a bit too much.All right, Perry. Close that damn mouth and keep it closed.

She pulled a large bowl of something from the fridge and handedit to me. “Will you help me carry things out? Just some snacky stuff to set near the bonfire. If people want anything else, they can come in here and get it.”

“Sure, no problem.”

“Oh, and for the record? I didn’t think you were here as his date. Stephen’s never brought a date around before, or even a woman for that matter. See, nothing to worry about. It was already obvious to me that you were something else.”

The flames scorched my face, so I slid my chair back. It was still too damn hot for a fire, but another hour should take it down at least ten degrees. I found myself staring at the patio door more often than not. What the hell was taking them so long?

“Dude, relax.” Alex reached behind us and grabbed a Spotted Cow from the cooler. “They must be hitting it off. Your sister and your… whatever she is are getting along. That’s a good thing, right?”

“Fuck, I told you it’s not like that. She’s not feeling well, and I’m just worried about her.”

I took a sip of my own beer and leaned back. Alex had arrived shortly after they’d gone inside and he’d been giving me shit since.

“Hey, you’re the one who didn’t want to listen to my advice. Now look at you, You’re all jacked up. Fucking around with her is messing with you. Look, I’m not trying to say she’s not worth it, but maybe you should take it easy for a while. You’re still over in Operations, anddon’t even fucking tell me she still has a boyfriend.”

I clenched my jaw. I couldn’t answer the boyfriend question. I had the feeling they were having some major problems, but I didn’t want to get involved unless she asked for my help. I said I wasn’t going to fuck up her life and I meant it. It was a bitch keeping a respectable distance, though.

“I’m not fucking around with her.”

“You’re not? Whatareyou doing with her, then?”

I raked my hand through my hair. “Fuck, I don’t know. I just like her, all right? Like being with her. We’re friends, that’s all it is.”

Perry and Jillian came out, arms filled with food, looking all chatty. I could see Perry’s face illuminated by the back porch lights and she had a big smile. Without even realizing it at first, I smiled along. Obviously, she was doing better.

Alex let out a low whistle. “You hear that?”

“What, you whistling?”

“No, the sound of a whip, and you haven’t even had any pussy yet. You’re telling me you seriously don’t know what’s going on? You’re screwed, man. You’ve got it bad.”

I shot him a ‘shut the fuck up’ look as they neared closer. I’d saved her a seat next to me, but fuck if I didn’t have the sudden urge to pull her down onto my lap.

“Hello, Perry. You’re looking lovely as ever.”

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