Page 31 of Until Next Time
I’m leaning up against a post near the back of the venue when I spot Stephanie strutting right towards me.
Fuck.
“Heyy Handsome!” She says all starry-eyed, like she’s had at least two Titos already.
“Hey Steph. How’s it going?” I say, trying not to sound annoyed.
“Soo goood. I’ve been wondering when you were gonna get here. Why are you all the way back here all by yourself?” She asks as she traces her finger down my arm. I grab her hand and slide it off me awkwardly, which makes me feel like a total dick, but I don’t want her to get any ideas. Stephanie and I hooked up for awhile, but I’ve made it perfectly clear that we’re done with that, and I’m pretty sure River has a thing for her, so I’m definitely not trying to get in the way of that. I warned him, but River is gonna do what River is gonna do. It doesn’t take long to realize that’s his way.
“I was just about to come find y’all.” I lie.
“Follow me, handsome.” She looks at me as she bites her lip, and I know exactly what she’s trying to do.
We make our way through the crowded venue, following closely behind her when we approach the cluster of tables.
“Look who I found?!” Stephanie announces to the group.
“Bout time, dude.” River says as he comes around to give me a hug. That guy loves hugs more than any guy should.
“Hi Dawsen.” Casey says from her spot, giving me a little wave, looking unfazed and honestly slightly annoyed. Not by me, but maybe just the situation in general.
“Yo, what’s up man?!” Max rounds his table and comes right in for a handshake way too enthusiastically—which really pisses me off more than it should because he’s a nice guy, but the fucking audacity, you know?
I look over at Birdie who just gives me a tight lipped smile. I tip my chin up at her and nod.
I settle in at the table with River, Casey and Stephanie. They’re discussing the opening performance and I can’t help but notice Max and Birdie at the table next to us. I’m within arms reach of her and I cant help but stare at her as she’s laughing at whatever he’s saying.
Yep. I should have just went home.
“Dawsen. Can you please get me another drink?” Stephanie leans across the table putting her hand on mine. “Who’s driving you home, Steph?” I ask, because I’m not going to enable any sort of drunk driving.
“I’ve got her, man. I had a drink when we got here, but I’m not having any more. We drove here together.” River pipes up.
I nod, and head to the bar.
There’s some bar stools finally open since the headliner started performing. I’m tapping my fingers on the bar rhythmically and I feel someone slide onto the stool next to mine.
“Hey stranger.”
“Hey Birdie Banks.” I say, remaining fixed on my drink. There’s gotta be a name for that feeling of feeling the presence of someone and knowing immediately who it is without a single look. Ahh, whatever that’s called, I knew it was her.
“I’m excited for our roadtrip tomorrow. Should I bring snacks?”
I chuckle, “What kind of snacks does the lady require for a road trip?” I ask, turning my stool to face her more directly.
“Chips. Salt and vinegar. And, or, Pretzels. Also, Coffee is always a good idea.”
“Salty, no sweet?” I’m leaning on the bar, looking at her pretty face, trying not to stare at the freckles sprinkled across her nose.
God spent extra time on Birdie Banks. That’s something I know for sure.
“I’m just more of a salty girl. I like ice cream if I’m doing sweet, but that’s not a road trip food, obviously.” She says with a laugh.
“Definitely more of a stationery type of snack, with the melting aspect. I see your point.” I smirk at her.
“I knew you’d understand.” She just laughs and picks up her glass of wine and she takes a sip.
“It’s funny. This is the second time today we’ve sat on bar stools together.” She laughs as she rubs the stem of her wine glass between her fingers.
