Feel (33 page)

One of them hesitates before reaching for his wallet, and Jess zones in, “Nope, no need.  Out now, or I call Jason in two seconds.”

It takes half that time for them to head towards the door. 

Turning her attention back to me, she gives a slight shrug, “We have history before our
history
, so I guess I’m the lucky one, or the unlucky one.  Depends on which way you look at it.”

Another group hovers at the bar and Jess mixes their drinks while I finish mine.  Feeling slightly buzzed, I decide it’s time to go home and get a few hours of sleep before I have to be at my first job.  I catch Jess’ attention and wave.  She gives me her puppy dog eyes look which normally suckers me to do what she wants, but I’m immune tonight.  “I’m tired,” I call over the noisy crowd.

“You have no idea how to party.  I’m a complete failure of a friend for not rubbing my live it up lifestyle off on you yet!”

“I won’t hold it against you,” I tease, steadying myself when I stand up too quickly.

“Damn lightweight,” she laughs, “I’ve got to work on that, too.”

“Another night,” I yell to her before pushing my way towards the door.  The cold night air slams into me, and I wrap my sweater tighter around my shoulders. 

“Going home already?” Gavin asks. 

Before I have time to answer, a fight breaks out in line. 

“Break it up!” Gavin yells, stepping in between the two men and grabbing them both by the collars of their shirt, giving a vicious shake.  “You two shake hands now and play nice, or I’ll kick both your asses before sending you home.”

The noisy crowd becomes silent while all eyes are fixated on the two antagonists being helplessly manhandled at Gavin’s will.  The man in Gavin’s left fist swallows his pride first, giving a small nod, and his opponent follows his lead. 

Easing his grip, Gavin releases the men.  “Shake!” he demands. 

The men immediately comply. 

Turning his attention back to me, Gavin grins, “Let me call you a cab.”

“I’m alright,” I assure him, “I only live a couple of blocks down.”

“Damn, woman, you really aren’t from here are you?” he scolds, pulling his cell phone out and making arrangements for a cab to be sent to the bar.  “Stay put, it’ll be here in a few.”

I’m a little leery of arguing with him after what I just witnessed, so I thank him instead and silently wait for the cab to take me home so I can shed this dress, fall into bed, and forget this night ever happened.

Other Indie works:

If you can’t get enough of the drama from Soap Operas, the Family Portrait Series rivals the best of them.  Author Gillian Felix develops characters who are wonderfully woven throughout the Family Portraits novels, creating a web that grabs the characters and the readers. 

Changes (Family Portrait #1)

The Banovic Siblings (Family Portrait #2)

Bastard’s Brew (Family Portrait #3)