Page 92 of Space Oddities

I glance at the table, but it isn’t near time for us to get our bill. “What math, sugar?”

“Themath.” Eyes wide behind the haze of sheer white fabric, she brings her hands to either side of her face,Home Alonestyle. “Oh no. The math isn’t working.”

“Hooker.” Jules runs a palm down her face. “Why the hell are you doing math? It’s your bachelorette party, for God’s sake.”

“I thought it’d be beneficial to keep track of my alcohol levels,” Jackie states like it’s the most obvious thing. “But for some reason, the solution isn’t coming out right.” She tries to take a sip of her drink, but her veil blocks her straw. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

“Okay, I’ll bite.” Rose flips Jackie’s veil up for her. “What doesn’t make sense?”

Jackie uses her pointer finger to write what must be numbers on the table, then shakes her head. “I keep running the numbers, but according to my calculations I should be intoxicated by now.” She tries for her drink again, the straw poking her nose. “But I feel fine.” Frowning at her glass, she attempts to drink again, this time chasing the straw around with her tongue.

“Uh, huh. Sure.” Jules plucks the glass from her hands. “I think it’s time to get a round of waters.”

“Ugh.” Rose drops her head in her hand. “You guys are lightweights.”

I say nothing. As usual, I’m sober. I’m excellent at giving away or switching my drinks out without anyone noticing. When you’re on the run, it’s dangerous to get drunk. And though it’s never bothered me before, tonight the lack of alcohol running through my veins makes me feel even more distant from my friends than normal.

“Relax, co-ed, this isn’t a rave.” Jules flags down our waitress. “It’s still early, and we don’t want Jackie hungover for her wedding.”

Rose blinks. “Rave? Oh my God. You’re so old.”

Jules’ eyes narrow, and she points one of her fingers holding the shot glass toward herself. “I bet this old woman can whip your ass on the dance floor.”

Just then, Trace Adkin’s “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” starts playing, and all the single girls rush the dance floor.

“You aresoon.” Rose hops off her stool. Her plaid, button-down shirt has silver thread running through it and is tied at the waist. With her Daisy Duke shorts and black snakeskin cowboy boots, the current song fits her to a T.

Motorcycle boots clomp as Jules stands, her tight, black leather pants making her look like aBladeextra. It doesn’t quite matching the country vibe, but looks sexy as hell nonetheless. “Winner gets to make this song their ringtone on the other’s phone.”

“Damn it.” Rose’s nostrils flare. “You know I like the one I have for you.”

I’m too curious not to pipe up. “And what ringtone did you assign Jules on your phone?”

Rose shoots me a smug smile. “‘I’m a Bitch’ by Alanis Morissette.”

I try to stifle my laugh, but I’m not all that successful. Jules yanks Rose’s arm and hustles her over to the oval wood dance floor in the middle of the large saloon.

Jackie finally hooks her straw, only to suck up air. “Dang it.” She lowers the glass to the table with a thunk and pouts. “Now the mathreallyisn’t working.”

* * *

An hour,and a lot of waters later, Jackie seems on the mend. Now my concern is aimed at my two friends about to throw a hip out in their contest for best dancer.

“When are you planning on leaving?” Jackie asks, her eyes still on the dance floor.

“Whenever you want, sugar.” I reach out and push the tulle way from her face for the umpteenth time tonight. “This is your party.”

“No.” She shakes her head, opening and closing her eyes slowly when she stops, like she’s trying to recalibrate. “I mean leaving town. You’ll at least wait until after the wedding, right?”

I stare, the flashing, multicolored lights above me hurting my wide, unblinking eyes. “How…” I glance at Jules and Rose, making sure they’re still busy dancing. I get an eyeful of Rose ass-slapping Jules to the beat before I turn back to Jackie. “How did you know?”

Jackie smiles smugly enough to make even her soon-to-be sister-in-law proud and taps her temple. “Aren’t you guys always telling me I’m smart?”

A short laugh escapes me. “That is correct. Youarethe smart one, Rose the wild one, and Jules is the badass.”

Jackie’s glasses slide down her nose when her brow pinches together. “What does that make you then?”

I shrug, trying to act like what I’m about to say doesn’t sting. “I’m the odd one out, I guess.”

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