“And you’re the moral compass for everyone when it comes to being faithful, right?”
There was a long pause, and then, “Fuck off about that, already. A person can’t keep on saying they’re sorry over and over for one mistake.”
Lauren let out a breath. “Look, I can’t judge anyone. I’ve broken homes before. But Alex is a good person. She doesn’t deserve this shit, Matt. I don’t know if it helps or not, but I was pissed about the Dante thing, too. Even pissed at Alex. I thought she could’ve done more to divert his attention, but whatever. I know she didn’t do it deliberately and I know she isn’t trying to fuck him. He’s hot and he likes talking to her. Get over it.”
“I will when I know for sure he isn’t a fucking wacko. I’m telling you, there is something about the way he looks at her…”
Lauren groaned. “Oh, Christ. All right, listen. Next week, all four of us are going to T—”
“Four? Who’s the fourth?”
“The surfie you introduced me to.”
“I see. You helped him find what he lost, eh?”
“Anyway…” Lauren ignored the remark. “I’m asking you to pull your head in and be the guy Alex deserves until then at least? Then we’ll see what’s going on with Dante, together.”
“Together?”
“I’ll be there with a guy. Let’s see if that doesn’t change Dante’s mind.”
“So you’ll still be using your wax head to try to get Dante?”
“I dunno, I don’t know what all that is just yet. But it doesn’t matter right now. What matters is Alex’s upset and I want to make it right.”
“So do I.”
“Then prove it.”
Chapter Five
All For One
Alex was trying, she really was, but Ryan was getting on her nerves. It had been exactly a week since they’d run into each other on the stairs, and today Lauren had brought him over to the girls’ apartment for the “official” introduction.
The double date had begun when Lauren arrived with Ryan to meet Matt and Alex for early drinks. He’d seemed nice enough, but Alex’s first warning sign was something she had always been taught her to watch out for: a dead-fish handshake. That, coupled with the fact he got a little too close to her lips when he kissed her in greeting. Really though, she reminded herself, that was all in all not a big deal.
What did piss her off was the inappropriate way he spoke, the insane amount of swearing and that he was plainly hitting on her. He was attempting to disguise it by also complimenting Lauren, who was sitting on his lap.
“Fuck, man,” he guffawed in Matt’s direction. “I thought I was on a good thing, but fuck you are a lucky cunt. If we had a four-way, I think my life would be fuckin’ complete.”
Then again, maybe it was all in her head. After all, Matt was right there and laughing along with the others.
“Take me now!” Matt joked and then shook his head. “Sorry, dude, I don’t share my toys.”
Matt slapped Alex on the arse as he walked out the door, something he knew she hated, eliciting more laughs from the others. Ryan appeared to be bringing out the worst in Matt too; another thing giving Alex hell. He was acting like a dick just to keep up with Ryan.
Alex found herself chanting over and over in her mind, He makes Lauren happy. He makes Lauren happy.
At this rate, it was going to be a very long night.
*
The foursome stepped out of the cab and crossed the street to T. The line that greeted them was as long, if not longer than the last time they’d been here. Lauren did not try to approach the bouncers again. They were the same ones that had turned her down last time.
“So, who brought the deck of cards for the boys?” Ryan asked the rest of them, looking over the line of waiting people, clearly thinking this was a funny question.
“What about for the girls?” Lauren asked, putting her arm around his.
“A double-ended dildo and exotic oils, of course,” he replied.
Lauren giggled. “Typical man,” just as Alex rounded on him, fuming.
Seriously, what the hell was with this guy? She thought.
“Alex?”
Alex turned when she heard the unfamiliar voice say her name. One of the bouncers beckoned her over.
“Yeah?”
“You and your friends can go in.”
“Oh— Seriously?” she asked, frowning. She had never been allowed to cut before. Lauren yes, but not her. She had no idea if this was some sort of gag.
“You don’t have to wait. Dante’s orders.”
“Sweet!”
“Oh, great. Dante Dele-fag-a’s orders. Yay,” Matt lamented loudly.
“Fuck, who cares which cunt gets us in?” Ryan exclaimed joyfully. “Let’s go in!”
Alex felt Ryan’s hand on the lower back, feeling his fingers on the top most part of her bum as he enthusiastically edged her and Lauren forward. Alex shook him off and marched a few steps ahead. The completely unnecessary touch was too much. She didn’t want to ruin the night for Lauren but Alex had pretty much made up her mind. Ryan was a dick, pure and simple, but
