Bet on It (49)

She knew pity had been the catalyst behind Miri’s first invitation. But Aja had been so overcome with the need for companionship that she hadn’t cared. She still was, honestly, or else she likely wouldn’t have stepped foot in a bar just for the promise of it.

“Hey,” she greeted them shyly once she reached the table.

“Hey, girl!” Jade grinned. “You look cute.”

“Come on, legs!” Miri’s face was impressed as she looked her up and down.

Aja’s face heated at the compliment. She’d bought the romper months ago while drunk on cheap wine and fantasizing about being sexy. She’d been sober when she got it in the mail and tried it on. But it had showed off her thighs and clung to her body in a way that satisfied her until she’d realized that she didn’t have anywhere to wear it. Getting dressed for this night, she’d figured that if she was going out of her comfort zone, she could at least look good while doing it. Even if she had ended up slightly overdressed in comparison to the other three women, who all had on some combination of jeans and tanks or cropped T-shirts.

“Thank you.” She smiled at them, settling into the open chair next to Miri. “And thank you for inviting me out.”

Olivia waved a dismissive hand. “Please. We had a good time with you last week. Plus, I hate odd numbers and these two are always gangin’ up on me.”

“What makes you think Aja is goin’ to take your side?” Miri asked.

“She seems more levelheaded than you two pricks.” Olivia’s tone was snide but playful.

“Pricks,” Jade sputtered, mocking her friend’s word. “Jesus, Liv.”

Olivia’s pale skin flushed bright red even in the bar’s dim lighting.

“Anyway…” Olivia stressed the word, drawing it out as Jade and Miri laughed. “As I was saying, Aja. This group could use a more calming presence, which you clearly are.”

“That’s true though.” Jade pointed a finger at Olivia. “Aja gives me big mom-friend energy.”

“That’s a compliment by the way,” Miri interjected. “Because sometimes I feel like all of us are stuck at seventeen.”

“We’re not that bad,” Olivia whined, then paused. “Are we?”

They all turned to look at Aja, eyes wide, faces expectant. “I mean”—her eyes shifted to each of them—“you all seem pretty responsible to me…”

One by one they grinned, the smiles almost innocent but not quite.

“See,” Miri said. “She’s already lyin’ to protect our feelings. She’s goin’ to fit in just fine.”

Aja swallowed, the welcoming words making her feel more emotional than they had a right to. In an effort not to tear up or say something mushy and out of place, she eyed their drinks. Olivia had a beer, but Miri and Jade were both drinking cocktails that she couldn’t put a name to.

“I’m going to get us a round of drinks,” Aja said, standing up. She’d left her purse in the trunk of her car but had stashed some cash in one of the little pockets on her romper. “What are y’all drinking?”

“I’m drivin’ tonight, so I’m good with the one beer.” Olivia flashed her a small, grateful smile. “You can get me a bottle of water though.”

“I’ll take another Long Island.” Jade sucked down the rest of her drink, the straw making obnoxious sucking noises once she got to the bottom. “I’m in the mood to get a little sloppy tonight.”

“What else is new?” Miri smirked, earning herself a light punch from Jade before reaching into her pocket and pulling out some cash. “You can get me a rum and Coke.”

Aja shook her head, denying the cash. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.”

“Please,” Miri pushed. “I invited you out, I’m not goin’ to let you pay for our drinks. In fact”—Miri stood up—“I’ll go with you. Come on.”

Miri linked their arms and led them towards a clear space at the bar, giving Aja no more room to protest. Both bartenders were busy serving customers, so the women were forced to wait. Aja turned her head to find Miri looking at her, her dark-painted lips curved up softly. She was unsure of what to make of the look, so she returned it.

Miri reached out, twirling a finger around one of the braids Aja had flowing freely, then she tucked it back behind her shoulder. “You feelin’ OK?”

“Yeah,” Aja nodded, surprised to find that she wasn’t lying. “Are you?”

“I’m good. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable. Being out somewhere new with people you don’t really know can be stressful. I wanted to check in.”

Sometimes Aja was positive that she emanated some kind of scent that amplified how anxious she was. But most people didn’t tend to pick up on that scent. And normally, when they did, it was people who struggled as much as she did—like Walker. She wasn’t sure if Miri had been able to sniff it out or if she was a little more thoughtful than the average person. Either way, the obvious care in her tone warmed Aja.

“I’m definitely experiencing some anxiety,” Aja admitted. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been around so many people, but I promise I’m all right.”