“No, it’s alright,” Jay said, offering another of his kind smiles. The cold water that had been dumped on his crush made the effect of that smile not burn as brightly as it had earlier. Good. A friend. Another he couldn’t be out to, but a friend nonetheless.
“Oh look. Game’s on.” Jay pointed to the TV.
After a few more beers and some wings, they’d both relaxed and had a decent conversation. They’d talked about their days at the local high school, Jay’s kids, and things as trivial as good places for hunting. Landon found himself having a great time. Jay was easy to talk to and didn’t seem to have the good ol’ boy attitude Landon expected from the man at first. Jay had talked about how they’d not forced the kids into church and how he and Bethany had spent a lot of time with a gay couple who lived on their street. That made Landon squirm a little, but it also made him think he might like having Jay around.
They ordered another bucket of beer and Landon excused himself to go to the bathroom. “Gotta break the seal.” When he came back to the table, he was annoyed to find one of the women from the bar had eased over during his absence to squeeze onto the booth seat next to Jay. When he sat back down, Jay shot him an apologetic look, which was incredibly endearing.
“Heya, Landon.” Jay sounded tipsy and his face was wide and happy when Landon sat back down. “This is Felicia.”
“Landon and I are old friends,” Felicia cooed, practically ignoring that Landon had returned. They were indeed old friends. She was only a year older than him and was a notorious bar fly. She’d slept with a few of Landon’s friends and seeing her on Jay didn’t surprise him in the least. Although, he had to give it to her, she had good taste, seeing as she was setting her sights on his new friend.
Landon didn’t respond because it wasn’t necessary, judging by the way Felicia was whispering in Jay’s ear. He rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help smiling at the goofy look on Jay’s face. Too bad Landon couldn’t get that response out of the man. But good for Jay. Someone deserved to get laid and, from the sound of things, it had been a while for Jay. And that moment served as yet another bright, blinking, neon reminder that Jay was very straight.
“Well,” Landon said with a stretch. “I’m actually pretty whooped, Jay.” Landon pulled his wallet out and dropped a couple twenties on the table before standing. “Think I’ll head out.”
Jay jerked his head away from Felicia and frowned. “Wait. Don’t leave. The game’s not even over.” Felicia did not look pleased.
“Naw, don’t worry about it. I’m just tired as hell. May as well head on back to the house.” Landon wasn’t exactly lying. He was tired as hell. It’d been a long week and he’d gone and helped his daddy work on his tractor early that morning. Felicia almost looked like she’d thank Landon for leaving if it wouldn’t be entirely tacky. “Good to see you, Felicia.” She waved dismissively as Landon left.
Landon made it to his truck before he heard his name being called. He turned to see Jay sauntering toward him. “You left your phone.”
“Oh, thanks,” Landon said, taking the proffered device. “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Jay definitely sounded toasted, his speech a little slurred.
“You alright, big guy?”
“I don’t think so. It’s been a while since I drank away from the house. Or more than a couple beers, for that matter.” Judging by how tipsy he was, a while probably measured in years rather than months.
“I’m sure Felicia’s gon’ take real good care of you, hoss,” Landon teased. Hoss? You hang around the saw mill too much.
Jay frowned and looked down at himself. “I think Little Jay is too drunk to have any fun tonight.”
Landon laughed. “That sucks. You need a ride?” It did suck. Landon had been there a few times. The mind was willing, but the body wanted no part of it.
“Fuckin’ whiskey dick,” Jay bitched. “Yeah, I prob’ly oughtta get a ride.” And judging by the stumble to the side, Landon had to agree. Felicia suddenly appeared behind them.
“Y’all alright?”
“Felicia, I think my boy’s had too much to drink.”