Savvy drove through the busy streets toward Olivia’s house. “Me too. Why did you kiss him? I know you can’t think he’s cute. He’s kind of funny looking.”
“Yeah. He favors Tweety Bird mixed with Mr. Magoo.” They both laughed.
“How could we even think he looks like Wynton Marsalis?” Savvy asked.
“I have no idea. They don’t favor at all. Although Brinson isn’t good looking, I think he’s fun to be around. He has
enough talent to go on the road with his show and make money as a comedian. Lord knows I needed a good laugh after everything I’ve been going through. He’s refreshing.”
“Brinson is hilarious. Most of his material comes from making us laugh at ourselves. He thinks quick on his feet to come up with those jokes,” Savvy agreed. “Aside from his humor though, you need to pump the brakes. Don’t get caught up in his charm and turn him into a rebound relationship.” Savvy parked in front of Olivia’s house.
“Girl, please. Merely a drunk kiss. Nothing more. Not only am I opposed to dating anyone right now, but I’m also not attracted to Brinson. Stop worrying,” Olivia said.
“Okay. You know I must keep my eye on you. It’s fine to have fun. Please be careful.” Savvy let out an exasperated sigh. “There’s something about him I don’t like.”
“Really? I didn’t notice anything. What’s wrong with him?” Olivia turned in her seat toward Savvy. She appeared to sober up.
“When we were at the barbecue place, did you catch how he claimed to be an Alpha? He put his hand up in their sign and said ‘Ice, ice baby. Too cold, too cold’.”
“Yeah. What’s wrong with showing love for his frat?”
“You know how I suggested we all go check out the day party the Alphas were throwing at a bar on 6th Street, he wasn’t interested in going there. Did you catch when I asked him where he pledged? He said at The University of West Oklahoma in 1989. When I mentioned my cousin pledged in the same year at TUWO, he claimed he didn’t know him. My cousin only had four line-brothers. How would he not know who he is?”
“Maybe he forgot. I mean, he drank a lot tonight.”
“He’s way past drunk. He’s also lying. I noticed how he changed the subject after my question and started cracking jokes. I think he’s hiding something.” Savvy shook her head with frustration at the thought.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. We’ll probably never see him again anyway.”
“Are you sure? Did you forget you gave him your number and told him to call you?”
“I did? Oh yeah. I tried to find a way to tell him goodbye without hurting his feelings. I have no plans to speak to him. I doubt if he’ll even call.” Olivia waved her hand to dismiss the idea. “Oops. I forgot. I’m still married.”
“Hmm. Fine time to remember.”
“Hey. Don’t even trip. You’re the reason we even hung out in Austin,” Olivia exclaimed. “After everything I’ve been through with Malcolm, I needed attention from someone other than him.”
“Yeah. Sure. Whatever.” Savvy drove into Olivia’s driveway. “Are you okay to climb the steps to your porch?”
Olivia laughed. “I’m fine. I’m not super drunk. I only had a fun time and much-needed stress relief. Quit worrying about me. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Olivia opened the car door, steadied herself on her feet, and tugged her dress into place. After finding the keys in her purse, she blew a kiss at Savvy, slammed the car door, and stumbled up the steps to the house.
Savvy lowered the window. “Sleep it off and forget about Brinson. I hope this will be the last time I hear about him.” She scolded herself for not ending the night sooner after seeing Olivia’s tipsiness.
Olivia waved her hand with a drunken nod as she entered her house. “Yeah. Okay, Mom. Bye.”
THIRTY-FOUR
Olivia
The rays of sunlight strained against the window blinds and stirred Olivia from sleeping. She massaged her throbbing temples before struggling to rise to a seated position on the side of the bed. A moan slipped from her lips. “I’m not ready to get up yet.”
“I’m not ready to get up yet either,” a gruff voice mumbled behind her.
“Aah,” Olivia screamed. She flew from the bed and turned around in a panic. Brinson laid naked on top of the covers. “What are you doing here?” She spotted her robe on the floor and grabbed it after realizing she also didn’t have on a stitch of clothing.
Brinson squinted against the sunlight and chuckled with a sleepy voice. “I see you slept well. Did you forget about last night?” He rolled onto his stomach to prop his chin on his hands and watch her with his oversized eyes.
Olivia struggled to get her arms through the sleeves of the robe. She turned to face the wall and tightened the belt around her waist. “How did you get into my house? What happened?”
“You don’t remember, do you?” Brinson teased. She peered across her shoulder and he started to sit up.
“No. Stay there. Please cover yourself.” Olivia squeezed her eyelids tight as if she could make him go away if she didn’t look at him.
Brinson laughed with gusto as if he enjoyed her embarrassment. “I don’t know if I should feel offended about you not remembering all the fun we had. I know I haven’t forgotten.”
Olivia spun around. “Do you mean to tell me something happened between us? Please don’t tell me, yes.” She ran a hand through her disheveled hair. She began pacing the bedroom floor from the nightstand to the dresser and back.
“Come here. I have my underwear on now since you seem to be ashamed of something. Sit here and let’s talk.” He patted the bed next to him.
Olivia peeked at Brinson in reluctance. She took a deep breath and made her way toward him to sit with
