“Austin, who’s your friend?” my friend Shawn asks, not hiding his eye strolling over her voluptuous figure. “You’ve got to introduce us.”
I still have an arm around Laney, and I laugh at him, putting myself between Laney and him. “No I don’t.” Then turning to Laney, I say, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the wolves.”
Laney’s eyes light up with surprise and I can tell she thinks the whole situation is funny. She’s never thought of herself as beautiful and never noticed when guys were attracted to her. It may have something to do with the fact that I ran off most of the guys we grew up with. None of them were ever good enough for her.
I wait for Shawn to get mad, but instead he looks surprised. That’s too bad. Laney’s going through something serious, or so it seems since she’s not wearing her ring. I’m not about to let her endure random guys like Shawn panting over her. What kind of friend would I be if I did?
We reach the table and as we sit down, I notice Shawn is still eyeing Laney. Narrowing my gaze, I give him a look that tells him to back the fuck off or get something broken off.
Shawn turns away with a look of betrayal on his face, and I know I’m being aggressive when I’m usually not that kind of guy. I can’t help it though. Seeing Shawn look at Laney like he is has my heart pumping hard in my chest wanting to knock him out.
Laney
Austin looks really good, but then, he always has. With a tight hug I fill my lungs with his sexy scent and I’m still a bit lightheaded from indulging myself so much.
Austin is happy to see me, the smile on his face tells me so, and I’m grateful for that since I’m intruding on his date. I’m lucky to have a best friend that cares so much about me. After he runs off his friend, I sit down in the chair next to him as he waves the waitress over. Even doing so, his eyes are still on me.
“And who are you?” a sexy blond woman with a tiny figure asks, looking at me as she slides into Austin’s lap.
I realize this must be his date and I put my hand out and introduce myself to her. “Hi. I’m Laney.”
The blonde doesn’t offer up her name or put her hand out. Instead, she gives me a look that could most definitely melt ice. “I always thought that Laney was a man from the way Austin talked about you.”
My eyes widen and I press my lips together as I look at Austin over Blair’s shoulder.
You’re in so much trouble, Austin.
Austin says, “This is Blair,” to me in explanation.
Blair adds, “His girlfriend.”
I laugh because this isn’t the first time nor will it be the last, I’m sure, that I’m being introduced to a jealous female that Austin is dating. I recover quickly and lie to Blair, “I’ve heard all about you and how pretty you are.” And then I look at Austin with a smirk. “Austin, you didn’t do her justice. She is simply breathtaking.”
By the way he rolls his eyes, I can tell that he isn’t amused. But he should totally be thanking me because I’m saving him worlds of trouble.
Blair preens when I compliment her, but goes right back to scrutinizing me as soon as the compliments stop.
I feel like such a third wheel as I sit here and wonder how soon before I can get up and leave without being rude.
The waitress comes over, ignoring Blair and me and instead looking straight at Austin. I just shake my head, thinking about how some things never change. I get the waitress’ attention. “I’d like to order a round of drinks on me, whatever you got on draft will be fine.”
She nods her head, walking away, and then I smile at Blair. “This way we can celebrate me finally getting to meet Austin’s gorgeous girlfriend.”
Finally, I think I’ve won Blair over, and she starts to tell the story of how she and Austin met. I listen intently, or at least try to. But I can’t help but feel sorry for her. I look between Austin and Blair and know that this is just another notch on his bedpost. He doesn’t do serious. But the only reason I don’t get too sympathetic toward her is because I know Austin. By now, he’s already told her that he doesn’t commit and doesn’t want a relationship. Women just don’t seem to get it or believe it though. They always think they’re going to be the one that changes his mind. But I can tell it’s not going to happen… not with Blair.
Austin cuts in when Blair’s story starts to get too personal. He shifts Blair to his other leg and puts her on the chair on the other side of him and then leans toward me. “How are you doing? You worried me when you didn’t text me back yesterday.”