After You (Because of You 2)

Uncaring of absolutely everything, I inform Alex, “You know what? I think I should go home with the bartender. Or, like, to a supply closet with him. I don’t even have to go all the way home. I’m not all about spending the night. That’s how you catch feelings.”

“Oh, my God, is this what life with me was like? I am so sorry.”

I point in the direction of the bar. “No, but look how hot he is. He’s way hotter than most guys. Plus, he gives me alcohol. And he has tattoos.”

“Who has tattoos?” Bethany asks, coming over to see what’s causing all the commotion.

“The hot bartender. I think I should have wild, passionate sex with him right now.”

“Get it, girl. I’ll hold down the bar while you’re gone.”

“No,” Alex says, widening his eyes at Bethany. “She has the stupid lawyer boyfriend, remember?”

?

??Oh, right,” Bethany says. Then she asks brightly, “Need me to distract him while you sneak off with the bartender?”

I burst into a fit of giggles. “I love you, Bethany.”

“Why are you encouraging her?” Alex asks.

“Because if she wants to bang the bartender, the lawyer clearly is not getting it done, if you get my meaning. She’s 24-years-old, for fuck’s sake, I’m not going to let her settle. I want good things for my stepdaughter, not stodgy assholes who almost skip my wedding. Let my girl live her life. Jesus, Alex, did our wedding vows turn you into a prude?”

“She’s drunk off her ass, Bethany. She is in no position to make these kinds of decisions,” Alex states.

Prying his hands off me, she slides an arm around my shoulder and prepares to guide me away. “Nicole doesn’t need anyone telling her what’s right for her own life. If she wants to bang the bartender, I say, what the hell? Bang the bartender. He’s hot. She’s only going to be young once.”

“I don’t feel anything when I kiss Henry,” I inform her, since she is clearly my people. “Like, nothing.”

“No arousal?” she asks sympathetically.

“Oh, God,” Alex says, grimacing and finally walking away, leaving us to our own devices.

“None,” I tell Bethany. “I want him to be… bossy. You know? I want him to tell me what to do. I want him to take control. I wanna be stimulated, Bethany.”

“Oh, honey.” She pats my shoulder reassuringly, walking over to the bar. “Hey, Romeo.”

The hot bartender turns around, giving Bethany a once-over, then looking at me. “Back so soon?” he asks me.

“My stepdaughter thinks you’re hot,” Bethany states.

His dark eyebrows rise. “And who is your stepdaughter?”

She points at me.

His eyebrows rise even higher. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“Nope, we’re a wet dream come true. Are you a dominant fuck?”

His jaw drops open as Bethany asks that, and he clears his throat. “Uh… wow, you are direct.”

“My stepdaughter here needs someone to show her a good time. I’m talking two orgasms, minimum. Men need itches scratched, they get it done. Girl power and all that shit. Are you qualified to get the job done?”

“I need another drink,” I state.

He quickly turns and grabs a bottle, pouring me a shot and pushing it across the counter.

“Mm, thank you. You’re pretty,” I tell him, throwing back the shot and putting the empty down on the bar top. “I think I actually do need some water, though.” Then, looking at Bethany, I tell her, “I think you might be a bad influence.”