Chris was not her type. Marj was, by all appearances, having a blast. Britt took another drink and pasted on a smile. She knew damn well who the wingman was here and who was going in for a hookup. The good thing was, at least she wouldn’t have to disentangle herself from an awkward situation with some guy who thought he was taking her home. Marj, however, was going to have to hand over her keys
and prove she had condoms in her tiny handbag before she was allowed to go with Beard Boy.
Britt listened to Chris go on about authentic American music and how he thought everyone at Silver Rain was a poser. She ate the wedge of lime and let him buy her a Gray Mist. She played with the glow stick and stirred the drink without sipping much of it. It was a cute gimmick but it tasted like dishwater.
“Don’t you think so much of our truly American culture is being diluted by the media co-opting an international sensibility?”
“I’m not even sure what that means, Chris, so not really. Want to dance?”
Britt didn’t want to dance with him but since Marj was practically dry humping Beard Boy on the dance floor, she needed to get closer to the action in case Marj needed to go home or in case Beard Boy panicked and blew a rape whistle. Britt tried to enjoy the music and be polite to Chris. They danced. By some miracle he managed to make a sarcastic remark about the glowing drinks that made her laugh. Once she started laughing, she felt like she never wanted to stop. She wasn’t tense. She didn’t feel like running for the exit. She was having actual fun. He wasn’t a bad dancer if a little self-conscious. They sat at a table and he nursed his pretentious water bottle while she watched Marj.
“Your friend seems to be having a good time,” he managed.
“Yeah. Do you think your friend needs to be rescued from her?”
“I doubt it very much. His wife just left him so I suspect your friend is just what he’s looking for.”
“She is certainly a fun person,” Britt said fondly.
“So are you.”
“Thank you,” Britt said.
“Would you like another drink?”
“No thanks. I think one Gray Mist is enough.”
“Well you seemed to like the glow stick.”
“What kind of water is that?” she asked.
Chris seemed to clutch his bottle possessively for an instant before recovering.
“It’s Coulson’s Spring. From upstate in the mountains. It’s an artisanal water made in a limited run. The minerals from the spring have restorative properties.”
“Is it organic?” she asked sarcastically.
“Yes. At least I think it is,” he said, scanning the label earnestly and she had to hold back a laugh. “It doesn’t SAY SO.” He burst out in frustration. “I was sure it was organic...”
“Calm down. I’m sure it is,” she replied, trying not to smile. “I mean, it’s water.”
“Not all water is the same!”
“I’m sure it’s very special, she consoled, patting his arm.
“Thank you,” he said solemnly. “Can I have your number?”
“Of course you can!” Marj boomed as she came up to join them with Beard Boy in tow.
Marj seized the man’s phone and punched in Britt’s number as Britt blushed and fumed.
“She’s also free tomorrow night. Aren’t you, Britt?”
“Actually I—“
“She’s trying to think of an excuse so she can sit at home and watch HGTV, Chris. Just ignore her. Call her tomorrow to make arrangements.”
“I believe it’s time for us to go home, Marj. Keys?” Britt challenged.