“You guys keeping tabs on getting laid?” I smile, why wasn’t I in on this action. This sounds like one organized sport I would have actually joined at this crap school.

“Don’t even think about it Stonetti. We wouldn’t let you in giving a hundred point handicap, pretty boy. Chicks love the whole trouble thing you got going on.” Caleb is only half joking when he speaks.

“So who’s winning?”

“Well as of now, Ryan. But he’s got no more chances to earn. Banging a virgin at prom is a premium, but he’s taking Laurelyn, so that’s definitely out,” he laughs.

“So Evan and Kyle are taking virgins and can pull off an upset?”

“Yep. This is gonna go down to the last night of the damn contest.”

“What’s the winner get?” I’m thinking a long term game like this has gotta have big stakes.

Evan smiles. “A dollar.”

“A dollar? Are you f**king kidding me?”

“We’re in it for the game bro, not the cash.”

“Whatever you say man, but both would be nicer in my book.” The bell rings and we all stand. I find Liv and watch as she walks out the door before I even attempt to move in her direction. “Who’s your prom date, Evan?”

“Olivia Michaels.”

Chapter 18

Liv

I’ve taken the book in and out of my bag at least ten times by the time the buzzer rings right at seven. It’s currently hidden in the bottom of my bag, but if he takes more than thirty seconds to get up to my floor, I’m pretty sure it won’t be in there by the time he knocks.

I hear Ally open the door, but I stay in my room a few more minutes to compose myself. Eventually, I hold my breath and force myself out of hiding and make my way into the living room.

Ally is standing in the kitchen pouring a glass of wine while Vinny sits on a stool at the breakfast nook. He turns and stands as I walk into the room, leaving Ally talking to the back of his head.

“Hey.” He stands and watches me walk toward him, a slight smirk on his handsome face. I stop in front of him, suddenly feeling awkward about how I should greet him, but the feeling doesn’t last for long. Vinny hooks his hand around my neck and leans down to kiss me gently on the lips.

Looking up, I find a smile on Ally’s face and her eyebrows arched in question at the greeting I’ve just received. Her glass of wine in hand, halfway up to her mouth, she looks at my face and changes her mind, extending her hand with the glass out to me.

Desperate to calm my nerves, I take the glass and silently thank my best friend with a smile.

“You want a glass of wine, Vince?” Ally reaches into the cabinet where we keep the glasses.

“No, thanks. But don’t let it stop the two of you.” His words and smile said in jest, as I’m already gulping from my glass and Ally is busy pouring another for herself.

Ally and Vinny catch up, lots of talk about his upcoming fight. Most of what he shares, I already knew from interviewing him for my article. I’m surprised when he extends an invite to Ally. “You should come with Liv. I’ll give her a few extra tickets.”

I wonder if Vinny’s aware he just bought my best friend’s unwavering support of my new found relationship with him. She’s a die-hard sports fan, not to mention that she would never turn down an opportunity to ogle men with eight packs wearing only boxers, surrounded by a few thousand manly men hyped up on extra testosterone in anticipation of watching said men beat the crap out of each other.

I finish my glass of wine in record time and interrupt the little love fest the two seem to be sharing. “Who said I was going to your fight?” Arching one eyebrow in question, I turn to address Vinny.

“You don’t want to come?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“So what’s the problem then?”

“You seem to be making a lot of decisions for me without consulting me first,” I fold my hands over my chest as I respond.

“And you don’t like the decisions?”

“I didn’t say that…but...”

“But what, Liv?” Vinny shrugs his shoulders. Clearly he’s clueless as to the point I am trying to make here.

“You’re supposed to ask people what they want before you decide things for them.”

Vinny folds his arms over his chest, mimicking my stance. “Seems like a waste of time when you already know what the other person wants.”

My mouth actually drops open. The arrogance of the man is just so unbelievable. “And what if you’re wrong as to what the other person wants?”

Vinny shakes his head and closes the distance between us, wrapping both his arms around my waist. “I have no doubt you’ll let me know if I’m wrong.” The cocky smile on his face disappears only for a second while he plants a chaste kiss on my lips.

***

I’ve never been to the restaurant Vinny takes me to. It’s small and intimate and would normally be something I’d appreciate, but the staff all seems to know him and I find myself annoyed that it’s clearly a place he frequents with his conquests. I don’t know why it bothers me, it just does. We’re both adults, even I’ve had my fair share of dates and overnight partners. Yet something deep inside me is bothered by knowing he’s been here and done this before…with someone else.

The waitress comes to greet us, and I feel my pulse accelerate when she also greets Vinny, no Vince, by name. She’s cute, although too thin. So much so that I find myself wondering if she has an eating disorder, or perhaps a drug problem, while her and Vinny take a minute to catch up. Careful inspection finds dark circles under her eyes, even though a thick layer of makeup attempts to conceal it.

“So, what can I get you tonight? Beer for you and...” The waif like waitress smiles at me and waits for my response.

“I’ll take a Merlot. Thank you.” I bury my nose in the menu, unable to conceal that I’m bothered by his familiarity with the restaurant, the waitress…the entire dating scene. What girl wants it smacking her in the face as she goes out to dinner with a man she is trying to learn to trust?

“Do you like tilapia?”

“Yes.” I answer, but don’t look up from the menu.

“I’ll order for us then.” Vinny folds his menu and tosses it on the table, as if the discussion we just began already ended.

“I can order for myself.” I’m not successful at hiding that I’m annoyed, even though I really do try.