Page 106 of The Other Fork in the Road

“I’m behind on my H2O for today, that’s for sure.” I let out a laugh while everybody just continued to stare. That’s when I pointed to Abby. “You probably know that, huh? You look pretty healthy there.”

I glanced at Zoey, who was looking oddly at me, and mouthed,what the fuck are you doing?

Good question.

“Anyone else need some water?” My whole playing it cool thing was officially extinguished.

“Only if you put some whiskey in mine, Sis.”

“Good idea, Zoey. Screw the water. I need alcohol. Lots of alcohol.”

The table roared as I stood up quickly, knocked over my chair, turned, tripped over it, flailed backward, and landed on my ass. Perfect. Jax hopped up, picked up my chair, and pulled me to my feet. I looked down at his hand holding mine before jerking it away.

“Thanks, Bro. I’m good.”Bro? WTF? I bowed to my audience at the table. “I’ll be back.”

He looked down at my feet. “Did you lose your shoe?”

Everyone stretched their necks to check out my feet. I was glad my pretty toenails were red, which seemed appropriate because I felt like that could be the night someone would die a bloody death.

“Yes, Jax, I did lose my shoe. Down-right hilarious, huh?”

Jax just stared at me as I forced out a laugh, and the table joined me.

“Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I started the day with Captain Crunch, and you can bet your ass I’m ending it with Captain Morgan.” I smiled, before removing my second shoe, handing it to a bewildered Austin, and bolting to the bar.

Once there, I grabbed and tucked two cocktail napkins under my sticky armpits just as Zoey rolled up beside me.

“What is going on between you and Jax? You definitely had your sex face on earlier.”

“Nothing.” The bartender approached. “Is this an open bar?”

“Yes.”

“Fantastic, I need a cup of your strongest liquor.”

“Straight?” His eyes squinted at me.

“You got it, Buddy.”

He walked away.

Zoey shook her head. “Don’t give me that shit. Spill it.”

I whispered. “Okay, so we had sex this afternoon. No biggie.” I shrugged my shoulders like I didn’t have a care in the world.

“Sex is always a biggie for you, and now his girlfriend has returned. So it was a rebound?”

I shrugged. “I didn’t think so.”

“Well, you just got out of a relationship, and so did he. I think that makes it a rebound for sure. But now his ex is back.” She put her arm around me. “Are you okay? Are you pissed?” She dramatically nodded. “Silly question. Of course, you’re pissed. So here’s my advice: when you get angry, take a breath and count to ten, and throw a punch when you get to eight. Yeah, nobody expects that.”

I felt the damn tears. “No, I’m not pissed, and I don’t even know how to punch. I’m just really sad. I thought?—”

She hugged me. “It’s going to be alright.” She pulled back and wiped my tear away. “But you can’t let the rebound guy see you crying. You never want a man to think he got you. Do you know what you need to do right now?”

I blinked back more tears as I awaited the answer. What in tarnation do I do now?

“You put on a smile and let him see you are having a great time. Trust me.” She nodded.

---