The Lucky Five - By Arow Jones Page 0,42

Part of the… personal relations, and all that.” He looks at me. “Why don’t you two join us? My boys are fixing us up with a couple a tables.” He points over to where Skye is sitting with a couple of guys. In true Skye fashion they are fixed on her every word. I look over to Grayson who seems to be watching the same thing. I nod over to him. He silently agrees. We follow Scott and Lily over to the group.

Some chairs get dragged over. More pitchers of beer come over. Blanche tries to sit on my lap but I set her on a chair and sit on the one next to her, across from Lily and Scott. Everyone is chatting away. I try to politely engage in conversation but my eyes keep straying to Lily.

“I thought you were here with Kenny?” Her eyes dart to mine. Scott looks at her with question.

“I thought you said you were out with the girls tonight?” She doesn’t answer. She just looks at me with daggers in her eyes. Chase and Grayson stop talking. We’re all interested in her answer now. Skye giggles.

“Of course Kenny came with us. Kenny and Lily are like two peas in a pod. Ain’t that right Lily? I’d be jealous if Kenny wasn’t such an amazing person.”

My fists are clenching. Amazing huh? “So where is this Kenny person?” She looks out on the dance floor.

“Oh, uh, right there.” She waves to the crowd. “Over hear sweetie!”

I’m looking for a guy walking over. My knuckles have turned white. Blanche is sighing next to me. She rubs her hand down my arm to coax me. “Honey? That is Kenny.” Instead of a guy I want to pummel I see long legs in motorcycle boots and a tight black strapless mini dress. Her hair is midnight black hair, long and straight, framing a beautiful oval shaped face with bright hazel eyes. Chase stiffens next to me.

She walks over and stands, looking for a seat. Chase beats Scott’s friends to the punch and offers her his seat.

“McKenzie.” She smiles at him and takes a seat. He leaves his hands on her chair, standing behind her. Then he looks at me.

“This is the Kenny you were going to beat the shit out of for spending so much time with Lily?” Snickers and giggles fill the air. I feel like a totally dipshit now but I grin and take it all in.

“Yup.” I look at her and smile. Chase swipes her hair to one side. He leans down and whispers loud enough so Lily can here. The expression on her face is unreadable but her eyes say she wants to kick my ass right now.

“Nothin’ personal blossom but if you had a set of balls JT would be ripping them off of you right now.” She smiles and puts her hand on the hand that is on her shoulder. She turns to me.

“Take this totally personally JT. If you hurt Lily I WILL rip your balls off with my favorite pair of pliers.” Scott whoops and hollers. Others join in the laughter. A smile finally graces Lily’s face but I can see confusion in her eyes. After a long ten minutes of everyone ribbing me for my obvious misunderstanding about Kenny Rob comes over with a tray of tequila shots. He sets it on the table and turns to me.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this rounds on JT. An apology of sorts. He winks at me.” I’m grateful for his generosity on my behalf. He knew since the poker game, which means Kip knew. Son of bitch. I feel duped and totally relieved.

Skye lifts her shot glass to toast. She looks at Grayson. “To lasting friendship,” turns to Chase, “prince charming,” then turns to me “and true love.”

“Here, here.” Conversations resume. Some go off to dance, others drink contentedly. Scott is talking quietly to Lily.

Blanche grabs my arm. “Come dance with me.” I see Lily look over at me. I think I’ve made it obvious what my jealousy was all about. I’m not about to hurt Lily by dancing with Blanche. I pull her hand off my arm.

“No.”

“But JT?” Her whiny voice grates on me. One of Scott’s friends reaches over and grabs Blanches other hand. “Come on Blanche, let’s show him how hot and bothered he makes you.” She pouts at me then turns to him, following him into the crowd of dancers. I’ve no doubt she will try to show off but