The girl on Paul's lap offers."Maybe a bro got game for her?"
Roger and Brandy recognized me outside.What if they aren't the only ones?Suddenly I think of Brutus and realize how hard he works to quietly protect me from all the crazies and overzealous fans.Damn, I should have been more subtle.
Aurei squeezes me."Don't look so concerned."
"Habit," I tell him, and my poker face slides on.
Aurei scoots us off the chair."I'll go find out who it is."Then he sits me back down with a quick peck.
This isn't Vegas, and Aurei isn't a trained bodyguard.I smile up at him, but it doesn't reach my eyes.
I look out onto the dance floor as Toby Keith sings, "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."The whole bar comes alive with patriotic people singing it.
He squats in front of me."Don't worry, Baby Thang.I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I know.I've seen your hidden thunderous side."
"Sit tight.I'll be quick."
"Ok."I give him a closed smile.Watching him walk away, I try to calm myself.Don't be paranoid, Siri.These are honorable military men blowing off steam, and Aurei will take care of them if need be.
When he disappears into the crowd, I turn to see Steve and Paul staring at me, wondering what's going on.I smile weakly at them.
Holy Fuck, I don't want to be sitting here with them and their questions or silent glares while Aurei is gone.Standing, I say, "Excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room."
Steve points to the back left rear corner.
The girl on Paul's lap stands too."I'll go with you.I have to go too."
I look at my new bathroom buddy."Lead the way."
She smiles sweetly."Follow me, Siri.My name is Debbie."
I stop and look at her."How do you know my name?"
She turns around."I heard them say it.Are you paranoid?"
"No, just cautious, but I probably should be."
We arrive without incident to the bathroom.As I pull the door open, the first person I see is Ruth.
Fuck!Confrontation!I should have stayed at the damn table and faced Steve and Paul.
She doesn't see me at first.She is at the sink, washing up.I try to slide to the back of the line behind a couple of big girls, but Debbie announces us."Hey Ruth, look who I found."
Fucking bitch, Debbie!
Ruth spots me, and her eyes narrow, but she doesn't say anything to me.She says to Debbie."How 'bout that."
I smile sweetly at Ruthless, wondering if she has gotten the hint, taken a hike, and seen the kiss.She walks out without saying anything to me.
Maybe she did.
Stupid Debbie gets back in line behind me.I turn my back to her and ignore her completely.
When it is my turn to take a stall, Scarlett comes out and speaks."Fucking hot kiss, Siri."She holds up a video on her phone that shows my hickey and Aurei's tongue being sucked deep in my throat.
"Sweet!"I say, then go in the stall and relieve myself.