Page 114 of Wrecking Us
“I’ve seen him play, yes.” I offer my hand to the guy and he takes it. “In my opinion, you’re way better than that Harding asshole.”
Alex stiffens but Stone smiles with bright eyes.
“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”
“Stone, Trey Kelly. He works for Nutri-Now.”
“Nutri-Go,” Mandy says with a grin.
Alex laughs. “That’s what I said.”
“And this is Mandy—” I say.
“Carvalli,” Stone says. “I know.”
Mandy grasps my side, pulling me close. It’s not something she hasn’t done before, especially in these situations. She’s hot and these guys can be pigs.
I feel her panic and wrap an arm around her reassuringly. She leans into my space and relaxes a fraction.
“We should blow this popsicle stand,” Alex says, draining the last of his drink as I do the same. “Show Stone and Mandy what Vegas really holds,” he says with a laugh, nudging me. “Right, Kelly?”
“Uh…” I clear my throat, looking at Reid and his teammates who are looking at Alex like they just hit the lottery.
“Come on…” Alex pouts. “It’ll be just like old times.”
“Old times?” Mandy raises an eyebrow.
“Oh yeah. Trey and I go way back. Didn’t he tell you?”
“No,” Mandy says, narrowing her gaze. “He didn’t mention you two used to hang out.”
Alex glares at me.
“First you don’t offer me a deal, and then you hide our friendship?” He dramatically clutches his chest. “That hurts, Kelly. Hurts like a fucking bitch.”
Before I can say anything, Reid speaks.
“Got somewhere in mind, Brewer?”
Alex grins. “Fuck yeah, I do.”
Mandy clings to my side, and I feel her tension. Something’s different about her, but I’m not sure what.
She seems… off.
Alex wraps his arms around both of us. He whispers in my ear, “You owe me two drinks for that, asshole.” And then he speaks so everyone can hear him. “You guys ready for the fucking night of your life?”
Alex hasn’t moved from his VIP couch, which he’d secured when he guided himself directly to the podium anddemandeda VIP, and of course, they just gave it to him because he’s Alex Brewer.
Sometimes I wish I had his charisma, his confidence. Swear Alex doesn’t get nervous or anxious about anything. Ever.
Reid hands Mandy her cosmopolitan, and I must be too drunk because it looks like he takes a little too long to give it to her, his fingers brushing hers.
Mandy blushes and takes the drink, then sucks it down in two gulps before grabbing my hand.
“Come on,” she says. “I want to dance.”
It’s the way she says it, like she’d rather be anywhere else than here.
