Page 20 of Pucking Matt
We're swaying to the music, and I'm actually having a good time. No drama, no complications, no petty remarks. Just a fun night with cool people.
But then I feel it. That prickle on the back of my neck that tells me someone's watching me. I try to ignore it, but curiosity gets the better of me. I glance over Kate's shoulder, scanning the room. It’s not Crew. He doesn’t need saving. Heck, he’s even smiling and having a conversation with the girl. It’s not Maddie. Not Grey. They’re nowhere in sight. It’s not Michelle for once. Wow, making progress. I search for Harvey. He’s in the kitchen talking to a few guys.
And there she is. Amber, standing by the wall, glaring at me like I've personally offended her entire existence. Which, to be fair, I probably have at some point.
I raise an eyebrow at her, silently asking 'What's your problem?'
She doesn't back down, her scowl deepening.
Jesus, what did I do now? Exist in her general vicinity? Breathe her air?
I consider ignoring her, but something in her gaze catches me. This girl passionately hates me. I think she’s only here to ruin my time, and she’s come to realize that no one can ruin that.
Without really thinking about it, I shrug at her. A universal 'what can you do?' gesture. Her eyes narrow, and I can practically feel the hatred radiating off her from across the room.
Great. Looks like we're playing some new version of the 'who can glare harder' game. And here I thought I could ignore her and move on.
I turn my attention back to Kate, determined not to let Amber ruin my night. But Amber's death glare is like a physical weight on my back. Jesus, what's her deal?
“I'll be right back,” I mutter to Kate. She looks disappointed, but hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. And right now,this man's gotta figure out how to get Amber off my back. Inside of Grind Stone, this is cute. But in my territory, I’m not allowing it.
I head towards the bathroom, but I'm not really planning on using it.
When Amber cuts the corner, following me, I shake my head.
I take a moment to really look at her. She's flushed, her eyes a little too red. Well. Looks like someone's been hitting the punch bowl pretty hard.
“What's up?” I ask, cool as a cucumber. No way I'm letting her see she's gotten under my skin. I would like to test the waters to see if she can be civil.
“What's up?” she mocks.
Real mature.
“Yeah. What can I help you with?”
She doesn't say anything, just stares at me like I'm a particularly confusing piece of modern art.
“Aren't you here with Harvey?” I ask, glancing around. “Where is he? Do you want me to find him for you?” Look at me, being all chivalrous and shit.
She laughs, hiding her face against the wall. Oh yeah, she's definitely three sheets to the wind.
When she finally stops laughing, she fixes her hair and says, “Are you actually talking to me like I'm a human being right now?” She laughs again, pointing her finger in my face. Rude. I always talk to her like she’s a human being.
“I don't know why that's so funny,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. No need to poke the drunk bear.
“Because, Matthew,” she says my name like it's a curse word, “You come into where I work and you treat me like I'm a piece of dirt, and then I'm in your world right now, and you're nice?”
I shrug, biting my tongue. No way I'm rising to that bait. “No,” I say simply, meeting her eyes.
She leans against the wall next to me, close enough that I can smell her perfume. “Great,” she mutters.
I can't help but smirk. “You shouldn't be using Harvey to get to me, you know. It's not very nice.”
Amber's eyes flash with anger. “Excuse me? Not everything is about you, Matt. And while we're on the topic of 'not nice', how about you stop coming into the Grind Stone like I asked you to a week ago?”
“Not gonna happen, Amby,” I say, leaning closer. “I like my sandwiches and shakes with a side of hostility.”
She steps back, crossing her arms. “Fine. Then I guess I won't stop seeing Harvey.”
