Chapter 3

  Katie Benson and Brent Moore-34 and 38 years old

  Katie shot a glance at Brent and leaned over, whispering into his ear. “We are so talking about this when we get home.”

  Brent’s cheeks flustered. A feeling of dread washed over him. He knew what was going to happen. He made an attempt to hide his dread from the rest of the table. “So Jeff, what did Luci say to her?” Brent said, taking a sip of his drink and setting it down. A baffled expression crossed his features.

  Jeff flashed him an unamused look. “We didn’t exactly exchange secrets. . “ He said with a low growl.

  Katie laughed and waved the waiter off. “Awwww. Poor Jeff here needs something to do for the night.” She chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. “Come on, darling. I’ll help you find something.” Jeff grumbled in response and rose to his feet. Katie set her drink down and rose up. “So who am I playing tonight?” she asked him. Katie detested the idea of what he did, but he was Brent’s best friend, so she put up with it. Plus, she enjoyed the chaos ever so slightly.

  Brent flashed a brief smile, watching the two walk away. He glanced over at Nat for a second before letting his head drop. Nat scooted closer and gave him a nudge. “Not looking forward to going home, I’m guessing?” She said, a soft giggle escaping her lips.

  Brent looked up at her with a puzzled expression.” How did you. . . ?”

  “I have a gift for determining the nature of things. Even short conversations.” she said, looking down at him. “She didn’t seem very happy for a moment there.”

  Brent avoided eye contact, turning his head away and scratching behind it. “Yeah. . I mean. . not a lot of women like to see their fiance sitting next to a strange beautiful redhead.”

  Nat flashed him a smile and tilted her head. “Thank you. Not a lot of people see me as beautiful. Some barely even notice me.”

  “What’s not to notice.” Brent replied, giving her a brief smile and looking away. Nat let out a sigh and smiled at him. Brent turned away awkwardly, letting the silence fall between them.

  Katie made herself comfortable at the bar. She threw her hand up, waving down the bartender. “Can I get a Vodka Martini please?” Jeff walked over and took a seat next to her, scooting the chair a little closer to talk over the music that echoed throughout the building.

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  “Vodka Martini? That’s a little stronger than your usual drink. Is something wrong?” He said looking over at her, then at the Bartender.

  Katie folded her arms and leaned over, trying to raise her voice above the noise.”I’m expecting a long night. I need motivation.”

  Jeff gave her a confused look and replied. “Why are you expecting a long night?” Katie simply replied by pointing at the table where Brent and Nat were sitting. “Ohhhhhh them huh? So I’m guessing that means you figured out what happened.”Is that why you’re here with me as opposed to sitting next to your fiance, between him and some girl.”

  “I’m just too upset. I needed to get away from the scene for a little while.” She replied, her gaze focused on Brent and Nat. “What do you think they’re talking about anyways?” she said, giving Jeff a light nudge on the shoulder. Jeff shrugged and waved at the Bartender. “I mean I get that she’s really pretty, but is that all? What even drove him to come over to her?”

  “Vodka Martini.” came the voice of the Bartender, Sliding Katie’s drink over and taking a few bills from her. “And you?” He asked Jeff.

  “Just a beer please.” Jeff replied, smiling at the man, before turning back to Katie. “How long have you been dating guys? Really pretty is more than enough reason for a guy to see something.” Katie chuckled a little. “I may not be the best one to ask. I don’t even see how she’s that pretty.”

  “Ok, you must be sick. First you lose a bet to a complete stranger. Now you don’t even see How Gorgeous she is? How much have you had to drink tonight?”

  “Not as much as you think.” Jeff replied with a laugh.

  “Look.” Nat said, tapping Brent on the shoulders. “Don’t look so disconsolate.It’ll all work out if it’s meant to work out.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re not attached to someone and living with them.” He said with a huff.

  “Darling I live with a lot more than you could ever possibly understand.” Nat replied with a smirk. “Ok I know someone that can help you. He’s a Doctor that specializes in human affairs.”

  “Mortal affairs? What the hell are human affairs?” Brent said, bewildered. “Like some sort of marriage or relationship counselor?”

  “Something like that.” She said reaching into her bra and pulling out a card. “Give him a try. You’ll see results in a matter of days, I promise.”

  Brent took the card and set his drink down with a few bills next to it. “Thanks, I guess. I gotta get going. I’ll uhh. . I’ll look into it.” Nat smiled and nodded, watching the man walk away. Brent gestured to Katie. “ Are you ready to go?” Katie set her drink down and took off scurrying over to catch up with her fiance. “Are you going to talk to me?”

  “We’ll get plenty of talking in when we get home.” She replied, stepping through the door that Brent had opened for her.