Page 26 of Make You Love Me
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Going out is exactly what I need tonight. There’s great food for my empty stomach, a distraction everywhere I turn, entertainingconversation, and Sergeant Montgomery is a few beers away from smiling. It’s almost perfect. The only thing missing is Nora.
I texted her and hinted that she should crash guys’ night, but she was worn out from driving and packing and unpacking the furniture. It is a dick move for me to be out relaxing while she and Josie labor away at the apartment, but I’m less than useless these days. At least here, I’m not forced to face the burden I’ve become.
“Hi, fellas,” I look up and see two women standing over the table with eager smiles. “Would you like to join our group?” The taller one points to two tables pushed together near the dance floor full of women in animated conversation. One looks over and wiggles her fingers at us.
“Taken,” I say and shrug.
“Married,” Jackson says, flashing the gold band. When did he get that? Why can’t I remember his wedding? I had to be there, right?
I hear the woman say something like, “That leaves you,” to Sergeant, but I’m too confused to process it. I want to ask Jackson about his wedding, but if I was there, he’d think I lost my mind. If I wasn’t, what kind of friend does that make me?
My heart rate spikes with so many unanswered questions, and the sudden commotion of Sergeant’s big body pushing back his chair and rising doesn’t help. I watch him walk away in stunned silence. The shorter woman with long blonde hair and jean shorts wraps her arm around his and leads him toward their table. The taller woman on his other side says something to him, drawing his attention, and I’m speechless. For him to be social with strangers, he must have had more beers than I noticed. What else have I missed lately?
My thoughts continue to roam free with a bewildered abandon when another female interrupts with the same greeting.
“Hi, fellas.” Turning toward the friendly voice, I’m glad to see I’m not stuck in a time loop. It’s Josie with Grant trailing behind her.
“You doing okay?” she asks me, her hand falling to my shoulder. She gets my best smile, and it seems to convince her I’m not as messed up as I feel. Taking Sergeant’s seat, she introduces Grant to Jackson. “Where’s that grumpy sergeant of yours?” she asks.
“He found better company.” Jackson points to him, sitting at the head of the table surrounded by adoring women.
“Can’t say I expected that.”
“Good for him,” Grant chimes in with his usual flair. “At least we know one of us is gonna have a hot night.”
“You better watch it. You’re engaged,” Josie teases him.
“Eric knows what he’s getting.” He motions to his body with both hands and settles back in his seat, all smug and comfortable. “And there ain’t no taming this.”
“Anyway.” Josie rolls her eyes in jest and turns back to us. “What have you boys been up to?”
“We just finished eating when Sergeant’s harem whisked him away,” I answer.
“That’s it?” Grant’s displeasure with our easy-going flow is evident in his crooked frown. “No dancing or mingling or games?”
“Marines aren’t good at those things,” Josie teases.
“I have an idea to spice things up and get this party started.” He retrieves the frozen margarita he brought from the bar and raises it. “We’ll play truth or dare.”
“Oh, Crayola. I’m out.”
His head tilts to the side with annoyance at Josie’s refusal. “Why?”
“Because you’re ruthless and the only one who won’t be embarrassed,” Josie complains, knowing her friend well. “No one will get out of it without bruises.”
“Bring it on,” Jackson challenges, and Grant scoots to the edge of his seat, ready to make him regret that statement.
“Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” Jackson decides quickly.
“Wildest place you’ve ever had sex.”
Josie slaps a palm to her forehead, making Jackson chuckle. I feel the tightness in my chest give a little because I know Jackson, and his answer will not be as juicy as Grant wants.
“Dining room table,” he answers pragmatically.
