“I couldn’t help but watch that entire thing go down,” Tucker says, leaning into me. “You seem to have gotten him fired up, huh, City Chic?”
“City Chic?” I question.
“That’s my nickname for you,” he says with a proud smile.
I smile in his direction, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, it’s better than ‘freak show.’”
He rears his head back. “Who calls you that? Let me find out, City Chic. I’ll throw some elbows.”
“Relax,” I joke. “I’m just guessing that’s what his nickname for me is.”
“Griffin is an acquired taste,” Poppy chimes in, adding an eye roll.
That’s the second time someone’s said that, and now I’m definitely thinking more and more about how he actually tastes.
“Don’t stress about it,” Tucker says. “He’s just set in his ways and will come around. You’re not so bad, City Chic.” He bumps my shoulder with a grin.
I can’t help but wonder if he ever will.
But I also want to know why the hell I’m so drawn to him.
CHAPTER 24
LET’S SEE IF WE CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT IT.
Griffin
Thank fuck it’s the end of this night.
All tonight did was solidify all the reasons I can’t stand working evenings, and these late nights only confirm more that I’m too old to be dealing with this shit.
More than half the crowd has left, minus a few stragglers and Nan cleaning up the karaoke stuff.
Lily saunters over to me, tripping over her feet before both hands find the top of the bar to help balance herself. She’s totally drunk, and I don’t have the energy to care right now as long as she gets home safe.
“How are you getting home?” I ask her.
She turns, pointing to Poppy. “She didn’t drink, so she’s driving.”
“Good.”
“Hey,” she says, leaning on the bar with a mischievous grin on her face. “Think you can take Blair home? I mean, you literally have to pass her house.” She pauses, a hiccup escaping her. “This way, no one has to go out of their way.”
I roll my eyes.
“Oh stop.” She giggles. “You can tell me if you like her.”
“You’re too drunk for this conversation, Lil.”
“Am not,” she slurs with another hiccup. “But it’s about time you gave it up already. Forget your stupid piece of shit ex-girlfriend.” The volume of her voice rises with each word that spills from her mouth. “Blair is smokin’ hot. And the best part is, she’s not your ex!” she shouts.
I’m taken aback by the tone of her voice.
I know she’s drunk, but this isn’t a side of Lily I’m used to.
“Did you just raise your voice at me?”
“I did.” She nods. “And I will again. Blair is a good person. She’s not going anywhere. Sheboughtthe only house on your block, and you’re stuck with her. I’m stuck with her.” She smiles widely. “I love her so much and I’m lucky to have a friend like her in my life. So I can’t have you chasing her out of town.”
