Page 8 of Sweet Spot
Erica snorts. “That’s code for boring as hell because you spent the entire time playing golf instead of enjoying break.”
She isn’t wrong, but golf is what keeps me sane. Well, golf and nights out with my girls. But in their absence, I might have spent more time than usual with a club in my hand.
Before I can defend myself, Cassidy returns with four shots, and is grinning as she holds them out to us. “I didn’t find a table, but if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
Erica grabs one excitedly and Abby laughs as she takes one, eyes the lime wedge, and then sniffs the alcohol. “Tequila? This early?”
“I told the bartender to surprise me.”
Cassidy dangles the last shot glass in front of my face. “Ready to get drunk enough we can’t feel how much our feet hurt from standing in these heels?”
“Some of us were sensible enough not to wear five-inch heels to the bar.” I lift a foot, showing off my chunky heel boots.
“Cute,” she says, eyeing them with appreciation before holding up her shot glass. The rest of us join in, raising our glasses to the center and clinking them together before throwing back the strong liquor.
We all grimace, and Erica gags a little as she sucks on the lime.
“No more shots,” Abby says, and we all agree.
Ah, the best laid plans.
One hour and two shots later, my face is flushed pink and I can’t stop smiling. I’m holding on to Cassidy as we make our way back from the restroom. The place has only gotten busier, but the alcohol is doing its magic, and I’m less annoyed when people bump us from both sides like we’re inside a human pinball machine.
Cass leads the way, a step ahead of me, her blonde hair swaying side to side with each short, bouncy step she takes. Every two seconds, she stops to say hello to someone. She’s definitely the most social and outgoing of my teammates.
As the top-rated girl on our team, it should be easy for me to think of her as competition, but she’s just too dang nice to dislike.
Tonight is exactly what I needed. A carefree evening with my girls. I’ve no sooner thought about how much fun I’m having when I spot Abby with Smith at the bar. I stop, and Cass looks back as our hands start to separate. She follows my line of vision.
“Awww, they’re so cute.” When I don’t comment, she adds, “You don’t think so?”
“No, they’re perfect together. I was just having a good time spending the night with just us girls. Since they started dating, I barely see her outside of practice.”
She gives me a reassuring smile. “Come on. Let’s find Erica.”
When we eventually find the missing member of our party, she’s sitting at the end of a table with three of the golf guys.
“Hey,” Erica says, “look who I found.”
“What’s up, Keira? Hey, Cass.” Keith stands and offers me his seat. He smacks Griff on the shoulder as he’s mid drink. “Get up, man.”
Cassidy and I take their seats across from Erica and Chapman.
The guys somehow manage to find two free chairs and drag them up to the ends. Keith gets another pitcher of beer and more shots magically appear.
I can’t have another drink. I’m already riding the line between puking in a public restroom toilet and passing out peacefully as soon as my head hits the pillow. The latter is my preference, obviously. But I know myself and one more shot and I’ll think I’m invincible to the effects of alcohol.
“No,” I say when all eyes fall to me and the last shot glass on the table. “I can’t.”
“Come on, one more shot and then we’ll go dance,” Cass pleads.
“Dance?” I ask and look around. “Where?”
“Anywhere and everywhere,” she singsongs with a laugh.
I glance to Erica for backup, but she looks just as excited as Cassidy. I have no idea where these two are storing their liquor, but they don’t seem nearly as drunk as I am. They’re only slightly taller than me, and we have similar builds. I could toss either one of them over my shoulder like a rag doll.
Okay, actually that’s a lie, I’m too scrawny to toss anyone like that except maybe an actual rag doll, but I’m definitely stronger than them so why am I the only one feeling it so hard right now?
