he?” Tyler continues to ask. Clearly, she hasn’t filled him in on it yet.
For a guy she despises, she can’t seem to be able to drag her eyes away from him. When she finally does, I can see the color has risen in her cheeks.
“He’s my neighbor. Lives next door to my apartment. Single dad. Blah blah blah.” She rolls her eyes, but I get the sense that she’s itching to look in his direction again.
“So why are you so hot and bothered by him?” Tyler asks, and he gives me a knowing smile. I’m biting down on my lip as I look at Blaire for an answer.
She shrugs and appears flustered by the question.
“That man hates me, okay? He’s called the reception desk twice to complain about the noise coming from my apartment. I mean, I was hosting cocktail parties. What did he want me to do?”
“So you guys aren’t on speaking terms?” I ask.
“Of course not. I wouldn’t speak to a brute of a man like him!” she declares.
“Then why is he walking towards us? Seemingly with the intention of speaking to you,” I add.
Blaire looks up, and I see them lock eyes. Whatever is going on between these two, it is more than hate. I can feel the heat between them the moment he comes close. I don’t blame her for having the hots for a man she can’t stand. This guy is sexy as hell.
“Blaire, why am I not surprised to see you here?” he says in a deep velvety voice. He has eyes only for her, like the rest of us don’t even exist. The smile on his face is teasing and soft.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to imply. Are you saying I drink too much? Because that is none of your business.”
Tyler and I are just standing there between the two of them, completely lost for words.
“What makes you think you know what’s going through my mind?” he asks, and Blaire looks even more lost.
“I know what you think of me!” she snaps.
Why is she being so defensive? Her comebacks are usually on-point.
Trevor takes a sip of his whisky, and the smile on his face widens.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure you don’t, Ms. Crawford. I don’t think you have the slightest idea.”
Trevor has left the scene, but Blaire is still fuming.
“I can’t believe him. Can you believe him?” she hisses.
Tyler and I exchange more smirks.
“I don’t remember him saying anything offensive,” he says, and Blaire empties the remainder of her cocktail down her throat. She pushes her empty glass into Tyler’s chest, and he sighs and shakes his head.
“The next time we go out, you’re the one ferrying the drinks over!”
Blaire lets out a deep breath and turns to me while Tyler makes his way, squeezing through the crowd.
“Do you see what I mean about him? Trevor.”
“I thought he was perfectly nice and well-mannered.”
“Yeah, that’s what he does around other people to make me seem like the bad guy.”
“But we are your friends, Blaire; why would we think you’re the bad guy here?”
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head like she’s trying to push thoughts of him away.
“Whatever. Should we talk about something else? We were talking about you! Why don’t we find someone for you tonight? I could be your wingman. I’m usually an excellent wingman!” She throws an arm around me and gives me a squeeze.
“I don’t think I’m going home with anyone tonight.”
“Oh, come on, Kim. Live a little! Trust me, one-night stands can be the best cure when you’re stuck in a rut.”
“I’ve never had a one-night stand before, and I’m pretty sure I’m not starting now,” I say, trying to slip out of her grip.
“Are you serious? Never?” she asks, shouting over the loud music in the background.
I lick my lips nervously. I know that the multiple drinks have already taken over my senses. Loosened my tongue.
I shrug. “I’ve never actually done it…” I confess.
“One-night stands?”
“Anything,” I say and cover my mouth with my hands like I’m trying to suppress a giggle.
Obviously, if I wasn’t drunk like this, I wouldn’t have this reaction to my big confession. Blaire is staring at me with her brows furrowed in confusion.
“What are you talking about?” she asks, shouting even louder now.
“I’m a virgin!” I scream, trying to make myself heard, and only after the words have escaped my lips do I notice Tyler standing there between us.
He has the drinks in his hands and he’s staring at me with his face