Love and War | book 1 #Wattys2016 #tbpa2016

>> chapter 10

We were sitting around a round table in some random club in the downtown area of Minneapolis. Like all clubs the music was too loud and the drinks were watered down. I couldn't believe I let Lola talk me into going out but then again she could talk me into anything.

She had this notion that with the right approach I could win Grant from Mindy which I had no desire for. Okay, most of me had no desire for.

Tommy had just returned to our table with drinks and began nervously looking around. "Any sign of Grant?" He asks clearly needing some male company. Clubs were not the married man's scene and I could tell that from his dark blue polo, khaki slacks and dress shoes. Tommy was not in his element.

Lola places her arm around his shoulders and grins, sufficiently tipsy. She was wearing a tight red dress with pumps to match, a denim jacket which she stated made the outfit more casual. "Tommy it's all good. Grant will be here any minute," she reassures.

I held my beer tight between my hands, the chill cooling my skin. I decided on tight dark jeans, black booties, a black blouse, and a dark jean jacket. Simple and cute.

I didn't understand why I felt anxious. My gut kept telling me it was because of Grant but I was trying to rationalize this feeling. Just friends. I tell myself again with a nod.

"There he is!" Tommy announces to us, relief in his voice.

Both Lola and I look in the direction Tommy is headed and we both frown. There's Grant, dressed in a nice jacket and dark button up but what catches our eye is what's next to him. Walking up with him is the blond Mindy who is a bazillion times more gorgeous in person.

They are stopped by Tommy and I hear Lola scoff. I turn to see she is glaring at them over her glass as she takes a sip.

"Of course he brought her," Lola mumbles into her glass and I can't help but laugh lightly.

She quickly turns to me saying, "Do we need to go? I know what happened between you and Grant and if you want to avoid the awkwardness."

"I'll survive. I have to meet her eventually," I shrug. It was honest there was no running.

As I look back Grant is staring at me. I slowly take a swig from my beer not breaking eye contact. He smirks and then leans to speak to Mindy. Her bright red lips spread into a smile and now the two of them are looking at me as he continues to talk to her. I can't help but spurt up some of my beer but try and hide it as I continue to drink.

I finish my drink entirely and then slam the empty bottle on the table. "I need another," I mumble before disappearing towards the bar.

"Hm you actually drinking tonight?" I hear Grant's voice as I signal the bartender.

I reluctantly turn to him and rest my head on my hand, looking at him with a tilted head and my eyebrows raise with curiosity. "I thought why not? It's my first night in Minneapolis," I speak back trying to keep my cool composure. "Shouldn't you be with your blond poodle?" I ask suddenly feeling that the nickname I give her is absolutely ridiculous. She doesn't have curly hair you dope. I mentally kick myself.

He chuckles and shakes his head slightly saying, "Getting her a drink."

The bartender brings my beer and I reach for my satchel. "I got it head back. Mindy really wants to meet you," Grant says, flashing his pearly whites as he snickers at me.

I roll my eyes and head back to the table, drinking my beer as I walk. When I'm back Mindy smiles at me and places her hand out for me to shake. Her eyes are just as crystal blue as they were in the picture and her blond hair appears natural and full. Her red lipstick is matched to her red blouse.