“And how many of you is ‘some of us?’” I asked.
“Mainly Logan and I. I really thought you wouldn’t disappoint me, Andrea.”
“Well, sorry I didn’t sleep with Lucas’ brother so you could gain ten bucks.”
“Oh trust me. Ten bucks wasn’t the only thing on the table,” she said, grinning.
“I swear, that man turns you into a completely different person.”
“And I love who I am when I’m with him.”
I had to admit, I did as well. Jessica was more playful. More vocal. More confident when she was around Lucas. She fished around in her purse and drew out a ten-dollar bill then slapped it down into his palm. Lucas grinned down at her while she rolled her eyes again, then she shook her head as he bent down to kiss her cheek.
“Can’t wait to see you tonight,” Lucas said.
“Yeah, yeah. But I’m winning the next one,” she said.
“I don’t even want to know,” I said.
“Who’s up for some shots!?”
Jessica and Lucas began to clap as a tray started coming around the poolside. We all grabbed shots and I held it in my hand, my nose wrinkling at the smell. I’d never been a heavy drinker. It wasn’t something I found to be fun. But Jessica reached over and tipped it up to my lips, so I drank it down as fast as I could so it wouldn't spill. The taste was horrible and it burned all the way down. But the second it hit my stomach, my body relaxed.
And another was put in my hand.
I chased the shots back with my sangria, and soon Jessica and I were holding hands and jumping into the pool. We splashed around and I dunked her under water, and every time we came up from breath we took another drink. Someone wrapped their arms around my waist and twirled me around before tossing me back into the water. Jessica kept giggling and making googly eyes at Lucas before he jumped in and slammed us with a cannon ball.
Then, I went to go get some water.
“Looks like you’re enjoying yourself.”
That voice sent shivers down my spine.
“Hello, Everett.”
“Hello, Andrea.”
“Are you enjoying yourself today?” I asked.
“I am. Having a couple of lazy days back to back has been nice,” he said.
“Want anything to drink?”
“Only some water.”
“Same here. I think I’ve had a bit too much,” I said, giggling.
“Not a heavy drinker?”
“Never. Sometimes I’ll enjoy a glass of wine, but I end up buying an entire bottle for one glass and then the rest sits in my refrigerator for weeks.”
“Oh, that hurts my heart.”
“Are you a wine connoisseur?” I asked.
“I enjoy the finer ones, yes.”
“Got any that pair well with Chinese takeout?”