Page 7 of The Dance
“I’m not fighting for some chick I just met,” Adam stated.
“Fine, you can have Grace,” Jimmy said. “I’m going to go hit up Ally.” He hooked his thumb in the direction of the ping-pong table, where another group had set up.
The song ended, and Stacey sat and scooted to the edge of the table, her tone legs and bare feet hanging off the side.
I stood and moved to her, handing her the drink I’d made, and teased, “You learn that in school?”
She snorted. “Yeah, right. Those moves can’t be taught.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see my brother had sent me a text.
Brandon: Care to be the bartender tomorrow?
I rolled my eyes. My parents were throwing Brandon and his friends Jason and Becca a going away party since they were moving to San Francisco. I didn’t want to be the hired help for his little soiree.
Moving my gaze back to Stacey as she sipped her cocktail, I asked, “Do you have plans tomorrow night?”
She slowly lowered the red cup and furrowed her brow. “I ... No.”
I smiled warmly. “Want to go to another party with me?”
Her shoulders fell. “Oh.”
“Not a party like this.” I chuckled slightly and rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s actually a going away party for my older brother at my parents’ house.”
Stacey blinked her chocolate-colored eyes. “You want me to meet your parents?”
I lifted a shoulder. Stacey was going to college and probably going to make something of herself. That would get my parents off my back, and I wouldn’t have to pour drinks for people on my fucking day off. “Yeah. It will be fun. I’ll even show you my old room.” I winked.
She snorted. “Sure, I’d love to.”
I sent a text back to my brother:
No can do, bro. I’m bringing a date.
* * *
Another Long Islandand Stacey and her friends were on their way to not remembering much of the evening. I stopped making drinks and made sure they were sipping water instead.
We were sitting on a couch with Stacey’s head on my shoulder when she declared, “I need to pee.”
I looked down at her. “All right. I can take you.”
“I can go myself.” She stood, only to wobble.
I caught her by her slim waist. “Right, toots. I know you’re good on your feet and all, but I think you need some help.”
“Do you do this for your customers too?”
I grunted a laugh. “No. I cut them off and have security make them leave.”
We headed for the bathroom that was a few feet away from us. “Maybe it’s because you make good drinks.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I smirked and helped her to the bathroom.
Stacey tugged on my T-shirt. “Come in with me.”
“You need help to pee?” I joked.
