Page 119 of All This Time
Elliot walks up to me. “This party is fucking incredible, man. How did you and Laney pull this off?”
“Let’s just say I made a few calls and threw some money around.”
He slaps me on the back. “Well, it’s very much appreciated.” His eyes lift to the top of my head. “Nice haircut, by the way.”
Reaching up, I make sure it’s styled in place. “I was way overdue. Laney hooked me up.”
“Glad to see she didn’t kill you while you were planning all this.” Elliot fans a hand around the room.
Nope. She was too busy enjoying orgasms and riding my cock to kill me,I think to myself.
“It was a close call there for a second, but we were able to compromise.”
“Good call on the food too. Everyone loves the menu at Blossom Brews, especially the onion rings.”
“That was all Laney.”
He takes a sip of his beer. “Well, I’ll make sure to extend my gratitude to her as well.”
Henley and Rhonan stride up to us, holding their own drinks. I jut my chin toward Rhonan. “I brought some Pappy Van Winkle, if you’re interested?”
His brows lift. “No shit?”
“Yeah, I figured it was a worthy occasion.”
He drains the rest of his beer. “Does that mean you’re going to have some with us?”
My instinct is to deflect, but maybe it’s time to tell the guys the truth. “I actually don’t drink anymore.”
All their mouths drop open slightly.
“Seriously?” Rhonan asks. “Since when?”
I rub the back of my neck but then straighten my spine. “Since I was drafted.”
Henley nearly falls forward. “Holy shit. Any particular reason?”
Because my father is an alcoholic and I never want to end up like him.
My subconscious doesn’t let me admit that, though. “I just really hate the way it makes me feel, and I wanted to be able to play my best. I make a lot of fucking money playing a game that I love. I don’t take that for granted.”
“I get that, but not drinking at all?” Elliot lifts his beer to his lips. “It just seems extreme.”
Defensiveness builds inside of me. “What’s weird to me is that my choice tonotdrink is considered odd. Why should I be judged because I don’t want to put poison in my body?”
Henley clears his throat. “No judgment, Fletch. At least from me. Do what’s best for you.”
“So, is that why you’ve taken up yoga?” Rhonan smirks as Elliot and Henley groan simultaneously.
“Dude, you have no idea what kind of torture that was,” Elliot says.
Rhonan bursts out laughing. “And I don’t plan on ever finding out.”
Henley clears his throat. “I was actually thinking of going again next week.”
All of us spin our heads toward him. “Really?”
“Look, all I know is that I was more sore after yoga than I am when I lift weights some days. There’s nothing wrong with working on flexibility. In fact, research has shown that flexibility is a key factor in the quality and longevity of life.”
