“No.” She wiped her eyes. “I’m just ridiculously emotional right now. Levi said something kind of like that the night he really let me in.”
Hailey put a hand on her arm. “I’m pretty sure that’s normal. You’re getting married. That messes with your emotions big time.”
I gave Allie an encouraging smile. “Hailey’s right. It’s okay to feel that way.” I assumed Allie was referring to the night she found out he was a Pteron. I wondered why her college friends knew the truth, but Jess didn’t. I figured Allie’s bachelorette party wasn’t the place to ask.
We moved the car and headed over to Bourbon Street. The crowd was heavy, and we stuck close together as we made our way down the middle of the street.
We made a quick stop at Tropical Isle. The claim to fame of the bar was hand grenade drinks that were sweet and served in tall green plastic glasses that looked like their namesake. We probably would have stayed there awhile if Jess hadn’t pulled us out. She was really into the whole karaoke thing. Slightly buzzed, we made our way down to the Cat’s Meow.
Jess rushed up to put our name on the list to sing while the rest of us took a seat at a table. When the other girls went to get drinks, I was left alone at the table with Allie. She seemed upset again, and although I’d have normally left it alone, I felt like I had to say something. “Are you crying?”
She smiled sheepishly. “Maybe a little.”
“Is it nerves, nostalgia?”
“Both. Neither.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I know what that feels like.”
“How are you doing?” She seemed hesitant to ask.
“I’m doing all right. It’s been a little overwhelming…”
“I can only imagine. If there’s anything I can do, you know I’m here. I’ve tried to stay back and give you time with Hailey.”
“Oh no. You don’t need to do that. You’re about to get married, and Hailey’s your best friend.”
“It’s fine. I think you’re good for her too. I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m ditching her.”
“Why? I mean, it’s not like you’ve really been single for a while.”
She sipped her pink colored drink. “It’s just the symbolism I guess.”
When our name was called, we discovered that Jess had written us in as “Allie and her maids.” Who would have thought Jess had that kind of sense of humor? We made our way up to the stage. Normally, I’d have been humiliated, but I realized everyone in the bar was more drunk than I was, and I was with a big group. I stayed toward the back and tried to enjoy myself. I don’t have the worst voice in the world, but it isn’t something to write home about. I doubt anyone cared though. The only people watching were guys, and they weren’t concerned with our voices. Before long, the song was over and we returned to our seat.
“I’m going to go on record to say that’s never happening again.” Allie laughed.
“Sure, sure. You’ll be back to do it on your tenth anniversary.” Anne hugged Allie. “Ah, I can’t believe you’re getting married.”
“Me either.”
The night swirled by in a series of drinks, bad karaoke, and jokes, and before I knew it I was tipsy and having too good of a time. I excused myself and walked out onto the outdoor patio. The second I was alone, I pulled out my phone and called Toby.
He answered on the first ring. “Hey, Casey. What’s up?”
“Hi there!” My words slurred together as I held the phone to my head. I’d had more to drink than usual. “Not much. Just thinking of you.”
“Thinking of me, huh?” He sounded amused.
“Yes. I’ve been thinking about you all night. Well, and last night.” The last few shots had run off with my filter.
“Oh? Two nights in a row, huh?”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I’m hoping you’ll come see me soon.”
“You want me to?” I practically purred the words. I was losing it, and I wasn’t sure how much of it was alcohol and how much was the sexy tone of his voice.
“Yes. Of course.”
“Do you have any info?”
“Yes, but that’s not why I want to see you.”
“You want me.”
He laughed. “Yeah… something like that.”
“Who are you talking to, Casey?” Tiffany startled me so much I nearly dropped my phone.
“Gotta go.” I quickly hung up. “Hey.”
“Hey… who was that?” She eyed me suspiciously.
“Oh. My friend.”
“Does this friend have a name? I mean, you were thinking about him tonight, and last night.”
I laughed nervously. “Oh. You heard that much.”
“Yeah.” She leaned in. “It’s Toby, isn’t it?”
“How’d you know?”
“Just a hunch. Besides, Allie was talking about how cute a couple you’d make.”
“Great.” It’s always great when a guy’s ex wants you to get with him.
“You have a thing for other Pterons, huh?”
I tried to take my jaw off the floor. Was this the same Tiffany who barely made eye contact when she talked? “Is that really any of your business?”
“Sorry. That came out really wrong. I blame it on this.” She tapped her glass.
“I wish I didn’t.”
“Don’t fight who you are or who you like. Life’s so much harder that way.”
“It sounds like you know this from experience.”
“I know what it’s like to hold yourself back because you’re scared.”
“We should get back to the others, but thanks for the pep talk.”
She smiled. “No problem.”
Our next stop was a place Allie definitely hadn’t gone with Levi, but Anne insisted that we go. It was a dance club called Oz. “It’s where we go when we don’t want to be hit on by guys, but want to watch hotties,” she explained. I filled in the blanks myself. It was a gay club.
I laughed. “Why not?”
When the girls got ready to head back uptown to a bar near Tulane called Bruno’s, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. I said a quick goodbye, and I’m sure they all knew exactly where I was heading.
Chapter Fifteen
Toby
I held onto my phone long after she’d hung up. Had Casey really just drunk dialed me and said the things I think she had? The goofy smile was still plastered on my face an hour later. Alcohol can make you say and do stupid things, but it also usually makes people honest. If those were her real feelings, getting another chance with her was going to be easier than I thought.