Page 37 of Mr. Red

We go to the dance floor, sipping our drinks, and start moving to the beat. Coming out was worth it for the dancing.

“Lana, anyone catching your eye?” I ask. One day she’sgoing to pull herself out of this rut.

“I’m just here for you,” she says as she sways. At least she decided to leave her house. The woman works from home and won’t go out unless Paige or I pull her along.

“I myself have seen some pretty cute guys I wouldn’t mind pouncing on,” Paige throws out.

“I don’t think anyone was worried about you!” I giggle.

She smiles while moving to the beat.

After a few minutes, the group of guys Paige talked to comes over to us. Looks like her pickup tactic worked.

“You found me,” Paige greets them. “I’m Paige.” She pulls me over. “This is Scarlett. I think you two,” she says, pointing between me and the tallest one of the group, “will hit it off.”

He reaches out his hand to me. I smile at Paige for a quick minute. He’s attractive with short, dirty blond hair, defined forearms, and brown eyes. Not a tattoo in sight. I think Paige picked him because he’s tall, but it seems my type has changed since Matt. Now I want a clean-shaven, muscular guy. Weird.

“Liam,” he replies, as he grabs hold of my hand. “I like a chick with smooth moves.”

Chick?For some reason the comment seems immature. Not only that, but I can tell now there’s no spark between us. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

Whatever, it’s still fun to be out, and Paige was trying. Nothing needs to happen between us.

He signals to his friends standing behind him. “These are my friends, Luke and Brett.” I forgot they were there.

Paige already has Luke dancing with her. She looks like she might ride him out of here.

Brett is standing, patting his thigh to the beat. He has his own look going on; tall and lanky, with glasses and short,buzzed hair, reminding me of a hipster playing a guitar.

I point to the girls. “You’ve met Paige, and this is Lana.” Lana keeps dancing, looking all around except at the guys in front of us. I pull Liam to come dance with me, since he’s here. “Let’s see what kind of moves you’ve got.”

His dancing doesn’t disappoint. He has a hold on my hips, pulling me closer. I’m just not vibing on a romantic level with him.

The night carries on with drinks and more dancing. I haven’t thought about Matt once.

Who am I kidding, I can’t stop thinking about the guy. The alcohol is making me think about him more. My mind is constantly comparing him to Liam. Plus, I’m wondering where he is, what he’s doing, and who he’s with. I would say this operation is failing.

Liam and his friends have gone to the bar. Lana, Paige and I are hanging at a table. I’m going to call Matt. I can’t take this anymore. I’m angry he’s not who I’m hanging out with right now. Besides, drunk dialing is underrated.

After a few rings it goes to voicemail.

“Hello. You’ve reached Matt fromReding and Green. Please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you.”

“Hi, Matt, it’s Scarlett. You know, the girl you said you wanted to see where it goes with.”

“Oh my gosh! Who are you calling?” Paige asks.

I shrug and continue with my phone call. “I haven’t heard from you, which is ridiculous because we had an amazing fucking time.”

“Don’t pull a drunk dial, Scarlett!” Paige is coming towards me. I turn away from her so I can finish saying what’s on my mind.

“I know it wasn’t just me, so you should pull your head out of your ass and give a gal acall!” I shout.

Paige is behind me, trying to grab my phone. “Give me the phone!”

“Anyway,” I yell while moving away from Paige’s grasp, “stop being a dick and call me.” I pause. “Unless you never want to see me again and that was your goal.”

“End the call!” Paige shouts, still trying to get my phone. It’s good I’m seven inches taller than her—competitive little thing.

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