Bitter

Chapter 7

I feel butterflies as I hop out of the car. I technically haven’t been on a first date since well, Jake. Since a bunch of Reed’s friends will be here, it takes some of the pressure off but not all of it.

Luckily or not so luckily, I was distracted the whole car ride over. We decided to share a car because I couldn’t very well tell Katie that I hate looking at her face. I sat up front with our driver, and that bitch goes and sits right in the middle seat in the back next to Reed. Like she couldn’t not cuddle up to him for the fifteen minute drive over here.

Reed caught my eyeroll in the mirror while I touched up my lips. He gave me a funny look, but I pretended not to have ever done it. Things have been tense between us since our little fight earlier. I thought about backing out of tonight, but I had a feeling it might make things worse between us. I really don’t want him to be mad at me. He’s done so much for me already, so I’m here pretending everything is all good.

I push open the bar door by myself. I wasn’t about to wait around while Katie tried to figure out how to walk in her too high heels. Pretty ironic how she’s dressed considering Reed was the one who told me it didn’t matter what I wore. I decided on my black shorts with a tank that hangs low in the front and practical sandals in case I want to dance on a table or something. You never know. I’d hate to be limited like Miss Stiletto over here.

I scan the bar for Andy. He said he’d be here before me, but I wasn’t positive if that was a joke or not. I spot him over by the bar. His eyes catch mine, and he smiles as he stands from the stool. I grin back as I walk over to him.

“Wren,” he says jokingly when I get close enough.

“Andy,” I smirk back as I lean forward and give him a quick hug hello.

He motions toward the seat next to me. “I wasn’t sure how many people were coming, so I didn’t grab a table yet.”

I glance back at Reed who finally made it to the door. His eyes are staring back at me. I nod for him to grab a table, and then I turn back to Andy. “We can let them grab one. I don’t want to wait for food, and it seems you already got started.” I laugh as I nod toward the nachos on the bar.

He smiles back. “I figured based on your shopping habits that this was a safe choice.” He motions his hand for me to dig in.

I grab a chip and shove it in my mouth. “You thought right.”

I order a cranberry vodka from the bartender and then turn back to him. “Do you use that move a lot? Stalk customers’ grocery orders and then try to seduce them with it?” I giggle.

He laughs harder. “Are you?” he smirks. “Are you feeling seduced?” he jokes. “And I was trying so hard to not be creepy.”

I throw my head back, laughing. “A little creep is okay. When you start learning my menstrual cycle based on my shopping habits, I may have to draw the line.”

“It’s next week,” a voice sounds behind us.

I whip around and see Reed and Katie behind us. I narrow my eyes at him. “Thanks, Reed. I’m sure everyone wanted to know that.”

He ignores me and turns to Andy. “I’m Reed.” He grabs Andy’s hand and shakes it harder than necessary like he really is playing the protective brother role.

I roll my eyes. “Did you get a table?”

I didn’t even bother waiting for him to introduce Katie. He nods. “Jason and Kenny are already here.” He motions toward the back of the bar where I see them. I give them a wave and then turn back toward Reed.

“We’ll just finish these and will be right over.” I want at least a little time alone with Andy before I bring him over to the group since I don’t really know anything about him yet.

Andy seems grateful, but Reed hesitates before walking away. I give him an annoyed stare, and he finally leaves. I smile at Andy. “I have to admit it’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this, so if I’m totally weird, feel free to leave at any time.”

He laughs. “I like weird, and I believe I made a promise that I’d be at your house tonight to enjoy all those snacks you worked so hard to prepare. After that, maybe I’ll run for the hills.”

I swat his arm playfully. “I appreciate you keeping your word,” I say sarcastically.

We chat for a few more minutes when he asks, “So you know what I do, but I don’t know much about you apart from you like to cook.”

I give a shy smile. I feel embarrassed to tell him I’m just a waitress. I don’t know why. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I already live with a roommate at my age. I don’t want him to think I never tried to do anything with my life. “I’m just waitressing right now. Kind of in between things, but you know, I needed the money.”

He gives me a friendly smile back. “So is there a certain restaurant I should avoid when I take my other date out tomorrow?” he jokes.

I laugh and stand from the stool. “I see how it is. Well, c’mon, let’s go over to the table so I can find a date of my own then,” I joke back.

We grab our freshly refilled drinks and head over to the table. Jason ordered a round of shots for everyone. Not that he’s a big spender or anything. The shots here are only two dollars. I see a hangover in my future.

Andy fits in well with the group, and I’m really enjoying myself. He wraps his arm around my shoulder on the back of the booth, and every once in a while his fingers brush over my exposed shoulder. I get butterflies every time they do. I forgot what it feels like to have a man’s slightest touches make your heart beat faster.

The only thing that is throwing me off is Katie. I wish she wasn’t here. I know that’s a bad thing to say, but I don’t care. The way she is constantly touching Reed and laughing obnoxiously at him like he’s the funniest guy in the world, it’s rubbing me the wrong way. She clearly doesn’t fit in with the rest of the group, or at least she doesn’t to me. Maybe I’m being a bitch still after that dream I had. I try to just ignore her so I don’t get upset.