But I stopped when a hand landed on my arm. It was the man I’d thought was named Ed. He was short and stocky, wore penny loafers with no socks, and was the kind of guy who was probably called Flounder by his college fraternity. As I turned to face him, he didn’t remove his hand. Instead, he ran a finger down my bare arm, leaving me with the heebie jeebies.
What the hell did he want? I stepped away from his touch.
“Ed, right?” I asked. I’d be sure to tell Devon about him later. He hated when men hit on me, especially the ones he did business with.
“You’re right, sweetie. You’re right.” He jiggled the ice cubes in his glass.
I’m sweetie, now?
“What can I do for you, Ed?” This crowd was generally very polite, especially when one had the urge to slap someone across the face. I was nothing if not a good student.
“Well, Avril, since you’re looking for your hubby, I thought I’d help you out,” he said.
I studied his soft, pale face. What was his deal? Was he married? I couldn’t remember.
“How so, Ed?” I asked. I looked over his shoulder, where all the other men were watching us.
What in god’s name was going on?
“Look, Avril.” He tapped a finger on his lips. “Hey, what kind of name is that, anyway?”
Was this jerk really asking me this?
“It’s French for April,” I told him.
His eyebrows raised. Ugh.
“Okay, French for April. I’m not sure whether you know this or not, but I’ve done a bit of business with your husband over the years.”
Didn’t all these people do business together, on some level?
“Um, I don’t know any details, but yes, that sounds right? What about it, Ed?” I looked at my watch. Lisette’s watch.
He looked back at the group he’d come from, as if to make sure they were watching.
“You know what? I think it’s time for me to go.” I turned, but his hand gripped my forearm, locking me in place.
“Wait, wait. I’m sorry,” he said with a grin. “I don’t mean to waste your time. I just need to talk to you.”
“Me? You need to talk to me? Why?” I jerked my arm out of his grip as casually as I could. I didn’t want to draw attention. That is, aside from his cronies who were already watching our show.
“Avril, I’m gonna do you a favor. Mainly because I think your husband is a goddamn, lying, cheating, fucker,” Ed said.
Oh my god, did he really just say that?
My face was immediately on fire, and if I didn’t sit down soon, I’d be in trouble.
“Um…what…?” I sputtered. “Wh…what are you talking about?” I attempted to steady my voice. It didn’t work too well.
He moved closer.
“Avril, please forgive my foul language. I can see you’re a nice woman. But your husband is balling another woman. I probably wouldn’t share this with you if I didn’t think he was such a dick, one who deserved to suffer.”
My gin and tonic thumped to the ground, the ice cubes rolling across the grass. I took a step back, and my skinny heel caught again. This time, Ed caught me before I tumbled over.
“Hey, be careful. I know this is not easy to hear. But I thought you should know.” He reached into his pocket.
“Please feel free to pass my business card on to your husband so he knows where you got this important information.” For a moment, the smug look on his face faded, replaced by compassion or pity. I wasn’t sure which. “I’m sorry. I really am,” he added.