Page 97 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

“You don’t think it’s too small?”

“Well sure, if you’re having a huge, fancy dinner party or something. Otherwise, no. It’s cute.”

He seemed to like that for some reason. I drank probably a quarter of my bottle, then set it down on the table. It was rushing straight to my head.

“Maybe I’ll just stop at the one. I’m feeling a bit tipsy and still have to drive. And you know, work tomorrow.”

I hadn’t really thought those parts through earlier when hoping to get smashed.

“You’re tipsy over a few sips of malt liquor?”

I shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a cheap date.” My phone sounded in my purse and I pulled it out.

Where are you? Are you okay?

I texted back,I’m fine. We’ll talk soon. Kiss Emily good night for me.

“My sister,” I said, setting the phone on the table alongside my bottle.

He nodded. “Why’d you call me today?”

“To hang out. I needed a good friend, I guess.”

“Tell me why.”

I sighed, leaning my head back. “I had a fight with my sister’s asshole husband.”

Stephen straightened up. “Did he hurt you?”

“No, nothing like that.” I felt a little warm and fuzzy by his reaction. “I just went off about something, but he deserved it. I havea hard time keeping my mouth shut at times.” Although, this time I really didn’t regret what happened; I just wished I would’ve waited to get Sam in private first.

“It must’ve been bad enough for you to leave.”

“Well, I kinda had to. He kicked me out.”

“Hekickedyou out?” Stephen didn’t look too pleased about that.

“Not literally.”

“So, what now? Are you going back home?”

I laughed. “Ah, no. That won’t be happening.”

“Then where? With… Dre?”

I shook my head. “It’s all good, Stephen. I already booked a room at a motel.”

“What? No. You can stay here.”

My jaw plummeted and my pulse skyrocketed. “No, I can’t.” Unless I was passed out, I wouldneverget any sleep knowing he was so near.

“Sure you can. I have a spare room. You don’t need to pay for one.”

“I already did, Stephen. That’s really sweet of you to offer, but no.” My stomach growled. “Can I order a pizza or something? I’m starving.”

“Yeah, the number’s on the fridge.”I know. I stood up. “But Perry? This topic’s not closed.”

My frenzied heart and I went into the kitchen. He was being way too nice, and how could that not affect me? He’d never acted out of line with me, and he did things for me without expecting anything in return. He thought I had a boyfriend, for God’s sake, and he was still going out of his way. I knew we were friends but….

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