Page 47 of When You're Home
“Jake is like, the BEST bartender ever,” Chandler declared, swiveling her hips to make the barstool spin from side to side. “He’s been telling me all sorts of funny stories, and he makes such good Bloody Marys. I’ve been here for hours, but it feels like just minutes! Why haven’t we ever come here for brunch? I love this place!”
Rhett didn’t take his eyes off Jake as Chandler blabbered on. He shook his head in disbelief.
“… Jake was giving me the rundown about everyone I’ll meet at the party tonight,” he heard Chandler say. THAT got his attention.
“Jake told you about the party?” he asked, still not looking at her. He could feel the heat rising up his neck. Jake shot him an exaggerated grimace before turning to refill water glasses on the other side of the bar.
“Wheeler.” Rhett’s head snapped to attention when Mike called his name. He watched as the man set his plate down at his usual corner seat before hoisting himself up onto the barstool.
“I see we have a visitor,” he inquired. His tone was softer than normal, his eyes squinting in question.Was there going to be a problem?Rhett wondered the same thing himself.
“Yeah, let me introduce you,” he sighed. “Mike, this is Chandler Cunningham. Chandler, this is the owner of Clinton’s, Mike Hobbs. He gave me my first job here back in high school.”
Chandler flashed a huge smile in Mike’s direction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hobbs. You have such a lovely restaurant.” Not even Bottomless Bloody Marys could make her forget her manners. “I can’t believe Everhett hasn’t brought me here on a date before now.”
Rhett shot Mike a desperate look, silently begging him to wrap up the conversation before it could go any further.
“The pleasure is mine,” Mike responded curtly. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” He nodded to her once to indicate the conversation was over, then started in on his lunch.
Chandler turned back to Rhett. “I’ve gotta pee! I think I’ve had at least five of these things.” She giggled, holding up her empty Bloody Mary glass. He rolled his eyes at how quickly she could transition from well-mannered socialite to tipsy sorority girl.
“The bathroom is around the corner.” He pointed in the general direction. “Do you need me to go with you?” He honestly wasn’t sure what was worse: a drunk Chandler wandering around Clinton's and possibly running into Tori or escorting a drunk Chandler through the restaurant in front of all their friends and regular customers.
Chandler stood on her tiptoes and kissed him again, this time on the cheek. “You’re so sweet Rhett, but I’m good,” she insisted, steadying herself and smoothing out her sweater. “I’ll be right back.”
He waited until she was out of site to stalk around the bar.
“Wheeler,” Mike warned from his place at the bar.
“I’m fine,” Rhett snapped in response. He knew better than to test his boss’ patience. It wasn’t his fault that his best friend was a Bloody Mary-mixing Judas. “I’m not going to cause a scene,” he promised. Mike returned his gaze and nodded once.
“What. The. Hell,” he hissed into Jake’s ear as the other man stacked glasses in the cooler.
“Hey, man, don’t even start with me right now,” Jake shot back. He turned around and made himself look busy wiping down the back bar. “This whole situation is fucked up.”
Rhett raked his hand through his hair before leaning against the back bar and crossing his arms. “How long has she been here?”
“Since before noon. I tried calling you a million times, bro. I didn’t know what to do!”
“So you took it upon yourself to plow her with drinks and invite her to the party tonight?” Rhett fired back. “The party, I might add, that’s not happening.” He watched as Jake’s expression transformed from frustrated to enraged.
“Honestly, bro? I did the best I fucking could. She’s been here for almostfour hours. She kept trying to leave to go to your parents’ house and surprise you. Do you know how hard I’ve been working to keep her here?” He chucked his rag into the sink with a flourish.
Rhett could feel the tension coursing off his best friend. Four freaking hours. His anger started to dissolve as he realized just how far Jake had gone to try to help him today.
“She’s a real piece of work, ya know. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen someone carry on a full conversation with themselves like that.” Jake shook his head, anger rolling off him in waves. “But hey, at least she’s hot. Now I know why you keep her around.”
Rhett pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. Just when he was starting to feel bad for the position he had put him in today, the guy goes and shoots his mouth off with bullshit that he knew would dig under his skin.
“Fuck off, Jake. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’re right,” he shrugged, “I don’t. Maybe it’s time you finally enlighten me? I’m sick of all your pretending. I know you, bro.That’snot your girl. Why the hell won’t you talk to me about any of this?!”
Rhett stayed silent and tried to steady his breath. He hadn’t been prepared to deal with a drunk Chandler. He felt even less prepared to face off with a combative Jake.
“Where is she?” The soft voice startled Rhett. Lia had made her way behind the bar to clock out.
“She’s in the bathroom,” he replied automatically, running his hand through his hair again.
