“Do you do that every morning?” Amy asked.
“Yep.”
“What do you say to yourself?”
“Me?” I waggled my eyebrows at her. “I say, ‘I am smart, I am successful, I am sexy as hell.’”
Amy burst out laughing.
“It’s true.”
“How did I get such amazing friends?” Amy bumped her hip into mine.
“Back at ya.” I planted a kiss on her hair.
Eva and Jasmine joined us, and we decided to have a round ofshots and then head over to Havana for a change of scenery. After the infusion of tequila to my bloodstream and all the compliments that had been showered on me, I was feeling pretty fantastic, like I was floating down a red carpet, or like I was one of those fembots fromAustin Powerswith superhuman breasts. I wanted to shower everyone with love—including myself. Which is why I sent a secret text as we clattered down the sidewalk toward Havana.
Inside, the dance floor was packed and the gilded bar swarmed with people, every plush red booth full. We managed to squeeze our way up to the bar to order four mojitos. We were just plotting how best to carve out a spot in which to drink our cocktails when Stephen appeared at my shoulder. My stomach did a flip-flop at the smell of his cologne and the sight of him in a gray T-shirt and high-end black jeans. There was truly something about the cut of his jaw, the pout of his lips, and the haughtiness of his hairstyle that made me feel like my insides were melting.
“Hey.” He was panting slightly as he put his hand on the small of my back and kissed my lips.
“That was fast.”
“I was out with some friends nearby, but I’d much rather be with you.” He tipped his mouth to my ear. “You look amazing.”
Goose bumps exploded down my arms and legs. Figuring it would be impolite to jump on him then and there, I pulled away from him and turned to the girls.
“This is Stephen. Stephen, these are my friends, Amy, Eva, and Jasmine.”
Eva looked like she was close to laughter; she said hello and raised her eyebrows at me. Her eyes flicked sideways as she tried to catch Amy’s eye, but Amy was staring at Stephen as though he were made of diamonds.
I elbowed her and whispered, “I know, right?” She didn’trespond but seemed to catch herself staring and hastily gulped down half of her mojito.
A new song started, and Jasmine led Eva by the hand onto the dance floor; Eva waved her fingers at us as she went, very pleased with herself. I have to admit, I was pleased too. I felt a sense of pride that I’d had a hand in creating the adorable couple now grinding before me.
A half second later, my pride was replaced with panic when I realized that by inviting Stephen, I had made Amy the fifth wheel. I cast my mind about for a topic of conversation that would be engaging enough to withstand the allure of the dance floor and the pumping music. But before I could say a word, a tall, dark-haired man with a Hispanic accent held out a hand to Amy and asked if she’d like to dance.
As she whirled away with the handsome stranger, her strawberry-blond tresses flying, Stephen asked, “Which friend is that again?”
“That’s Amy.”
“Ah.” His lips curled. “The sexually frustrated teacher.”
It was then that I noticed with a lurch that Amy’s left hand was bare, her wedding ring nowhere in sight.
Stephen and I danced through two sweaty songs, and then he declared that he was in need of liquor. While we waited for our turn at the bar, catching our breath, we heard someone say Stephen’s name.
We both looked around to see a guy in a bright orange polo shirt with a couple of friends.
“Stephen Branson, is that really you?”
“Brett.” Stephen wasn’t looking altogether thrilled to see the bro in front of us. “How’s it going, man?”
“I haven’t seen this dude in so long,” Brett told me as he claspedStephen’s hand. I grimaced, not seeing a need to reply to this pronouncement. “How’s business?” he asked Stephen with a slight laugh in his voice.
For some reason, Stephen’s face hardened. “Going great, actually. Good to see you, man.” He turned his shoulder toward me, effectively shutting out Brett, who didn’t seem to mind.
“Who was—” I began, but then I stopped. Brett and his friends had moved a few feet down the bar, but he was talking animatedly and gesturing toward Stephen. A moment later, they exploded in bro-y laughter.
