The Game (That Girl, #2)(42)

“I’m definitely not on the wasted scale, but not sober enough to drive.”

“Cool. He’ll be off in about twenty minutes and can drive us home in Lynlee’s car, and his buddy will follow us.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

I don’t want to know the wrath of Lincoln if anything happens to Lynlee over some dumbass move like this.

“Oh, I guarantee it. Hell, your kitty would be safe with them.”

“I’ll go gather the girls then.”

Turning around, I see Lynlee and Jewels up on stage singing karaoke. How the hell I didn’t realize it was them, I have no idea. Both of them are up there belting out Like a Virgin by Madonna. Screaming actually may be a better word to describe them, and this is the sure sign Lynlee needs to be cut off. She’d never get up and do karaoke sober.

I notice her phone ringing on the table and see Lincoln’s face on the screen. I do her the honor of answering it.

“Lynlee’s phone.”

“Jazzy?”

“The one and only.”

“What in the hell is that noise?”

I can hear Levi’s voice on the other end asking all sorts of questions. “What’s wrong? Where are they?”

“That, my dear, would be your wife singing Like a Virgin.”

Lincoln chuckles into the phone and then asks, “Where did you guys end up?”

“Well, we went for dinner then drinks, but never made it to the movies. We are at some bar where Jenni’s boy toy works.”

“Maxton?”

I hear the voice in the background roar again. “They are with Maxton. Are you f*cking kidding me?’

“Um, yes.”

“How are you getting home?”

Between the god-awful singing and Lincoln’s reaction, my ass has sobered up enough to drive. So, I swiftly make a change of plans.

“I’m driving Jewels home, and then us to your house. Is that okay?”

“Yes, but don’t you dare go anywhere near Maxton.”

“Okay,” I reply, confused as hell.

I hear some rustling on the other end of the phone, and then a different voice comes on.

“Jazzy, it’s Levi. Don’t you even f*cking look at Maxton or let him know you’re with me.”

“Okay. You two are scaring me. What’s going on?”

“He’s just a puke we grew up with.”

“That’s it?”

“Just leave now.”

“Okay, we are.”

“Text me when you get home.”

“Okay, bye.”

“I’m serious, Jazzy.”

“Levi, I heard you.”

With Levi’s words I decide to just drive their drunk asses back to Lynlee’s and call Jewels’ sitter.

***

“How’s your head, momma?”

Lynlee is still passed out on the living room couch with Jewels at her feet on the floor. They’re both dressed in the same clothes from the night before. I made sure they made it in safe and sound before I went out to my room and called Levi. That included putting up all the sharp objects and hiding the cooking oil. Lynlee was hell bent on cutting up a potato and making homemade French fries. She was pissed I didn’t stop at Jack in the Box for sourdough burgers and fries. I tried telling her the bright red sign was for a vet clinic, not a fast food restaurant.

Finally, I calmed the two down with a bag of chips and bean dip. The bean dip can sat empty on the floor along with several crumbs. Looks like Thorby had his way with their snacks after they passed out.

“Wakey wakey, girls.”

They moan in misery, covering their faces and kicking at the air.

“I’m going to puke,” Jewels announces and runs for the bathroom.

“I’m going to die,” Lynlee adds.

“I actually feel fine. I don’t know what the two of you are complaining about.”

Lynlee sits up, instantly going pale. “You’re a bitch, Jazzy. This used to be you when we were in high school, and I’d be the one making fun of you.”

“I know. I like being on this end of things.”

A few minutes later, Jewels joins the room looking much better and ready for round two. Man, I’m impressed. She looked like the walking death when she went into the bathroom.

“Damn, girl, you look good now.”

“Years of practice, Jazzy.” She grins proudly. “Hey, I gotta go get Ruger.”

“Toodles, Jewels.”

“Call me later,” Lynlee adds.

We watch Jewels walk out. Lynlee flops her head down in my lap with tears flowing from her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Are you going to puke?”

She doesn’t speak, but keeps crying uncontrollably.

“Sweetie, what is it?”

“I want a baby, Jazzy.”

Oh shit, I had no idea this topic was near the front of her mind. I wondered if she and Lincoln had been trying after the accident and her first miscarriage, but it wasn’t one of those topics you could randomly bring up around the dinner table.

“Okay. You can have a baby.”

My words are awkward falling out of my mouth and seem ridiculous. It’s not like she’s asking for a lollipop. She wants a baby.