by Marji Spicer
“I thought you had to agree to things up front.”
“Normally, yes. It’s complicated. I can’t judge without being there. If I were you, I’d leave things as they are. If something happens, it happens.”
“You’re right. We might not even be able to stand each other long enough for a quickie.”
“That bad, is it?”
“He gets on my nerves, but he’s so hot.”
“Well, keep me informed. I want to hear all the naughty details.”
“I will.”
“Talk to you soon.”
Emma ended the call. She had a bad feeling about this. Joy was not the casual relationship type of woman. Not like Emma. Casual was all she did. But Joy? Joy would get the bad end of the deal. There was something about her voice when she talked about Denver. It sounded like her heart was already involved. Damn! She should never have suggested Joy have a fling. She would call her in the morning and try to talk her out of it.
Chapter Twenty Two
Mark and Krista’s wedding reception was at the local VFW hall. It seemed as if the whole town was at the reception. Pearl and Eunice had decorated the hall and made all the food. It was going to be a buffet-style dinner. Joy looked around the hall. It looked a little tacky, but oddly enough was cute. There were balloons tied to the backs of the chairs. Mason jars filled with wildflowers were on the tables as centerpieces.
The wedding had been small without bridesmaids or groomsmen. Mark and Krista had a table of their own. A couple of pale blue and white paper Mache bells were on the center of the table. They looked like they’d been around since Pearl’s wedding. There was also a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket with two glasses. Joy briefly thought about opening it and chugging it down. She felt on edge. It was all Denver’s fault. She was on pins and needles because she didn’t know how he was going to act.
People sat in little groups and talked to each other while they waited for the food to be put out. Joy sat at a table by herself. No one chose to sit with her. Oh well. She did get invited last minute, and she hadn’t met many people yet. She certainly wasn’t going to make a fool of herself and try to sit with Mark and Krista. Joy didn't realize the whole town wanted her and Denver together. They wanted another wedding next year. So far, all the two did was fight. It was entertainment for everyone who watched them. Since there wasn’t a bar in town, everything happened at the VFW. People would use any excuse to have a party there, and everyone was expected to show up.
Krista had warned her already that if something was happening, you better be there. It didn’t matter if you lived in Bliss for one week or twenty years. You showed up.
Denver walked past her table and took a seat at the bar. He took off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt at the cuffs, and rolled up his sleeves.
Joy couldn't help herself. She stared at him.
“Would you look at those two,” Pearl said.
“Wasting time is all they're doing,” Eunice said.
“It'll happen soon enough. Be patient,” Pearl laughed.
“What we need to do right now is get Joy to loosen up. That girl is wound up too tight,” Eunice said.
Mark took a seat next to Joy and handed her a glass of champagne. “Have you changed your mind about Denver yet?”
“Yes, I mean no. Damn, I don't know what I mean.”
“My advice is to make the bastard beg. Everything has always come too easy for Denver. I’m enjoying this,” he grinned. “Well, I better get back to the wife. Good luck and give him hell.”
“Thanks, I think.” Joy downed the glass of champagne.
As soon as she set the empty glass down, Eunice appeared. She handed her another glass of champagne.
“Thank You,” she smiled.
“You’re welcome. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“I sure am.”
“Good. I need to start getting the food ready. I’ll talk to you a little later.”
“Do you need help?” Joy asked.
“Thanks, honey, but it’s all taken care of.” Eunice headed towards the kitchen area.
Pearl stopped at her table and sat a glass of champagne in front of her.
“Thanks,” Joy smiled.
“No problem. Oh, I see Eunice waving at me. I better help her. I’ll visit with you in a bit.”
Pearl joined Eunice by the buffet table. “We're supposed to loosen her up, not make her pass out,” Eunice said.
“It's only three drinks,” Pearl said. “There are only about two sips in those little plastic glasses anyway. We’ll keep an eye on her.”
Joy started to loosen up and relax. She felt pretty good now. She decided she was going to have fun, after all. Screw Denver! So, what if he ignored her. Who needed him anyway? She did, and she'd love to screw him. She laughed out loud, not caring if anyone heard her.
Denver was talking to the bartender when he heard Joy laugh. She had a very distinct laugh. He glanced her way. Why in the hell is she laughing?
Three empty glasses sat in front of her on the table. She was getting drunk. He was going to have to step in and stop her.
Joy waited, but no one else brought her a drink. She frowned. It is a cash bar. She couldn’t expect people to wait on her. First, she had to go to the bathroom.
Denver sat at the end of the bar by the bathrooms. That figures. She had to walk right by him. Just ignore him. She stumbled a little as she walked past him.
Christ. If Joy kept drinking the way she was, she was going to fall on her ass or pass out.
When she walked by him, he didn't even glance at her. She felt a little let down that he didn't say anything to her. She was ready to fight with him.
Denver no longer sat at the bar when she walked out of the bathroom.
Chapter Twenty Three
Joy stopped to order a drink. “Make it a strong one,” she said with a wink.
She wore a short, low cut, clingy black dress. It did wonderful things to her curves. The bartender was talking to Joy’s chest. She reached into her bra and pulled out some cash. Joy leaned over the bar and whispered something to the bartender. The man grinned. She handed him some money. He tried to give her change back, but she wouldn’t take it.
Denver watched as the guy handed her a pen. She wrote something down on a napkin and gave it back to the guy. What in the hell? That better not be her number.
Joy flirted with the bartender, as she drank her drink. She ordered another one to take back to the table with her.
If she took any longer, he was going to get up, throw her over his shoulder and haul her ass back to the table.
Joy walked back to her table, where Denver had made himself comfortable. She sat down and crossed her legs. “Wrong table, mister,” she said as she lifted her drink to her lips. Denver snatched it out of her hand before she could take a sip. “What in the hell are you doing?”
“You've had enough.”
“Excuse me?” she said.
“You don’t need any more alcohol.”
“I do if you plan on sitting here,” she snapped. “And, I don't remember making you my keeper.”
“Someone has to look out for you.”
She crossed her arms. “I'd prefer it to be anyone but you.”
Denver’s eyes moved from her face to her cleavage. She smirked when she saw where he looked. She turned her head. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d go away.
“Are you going to pout now? Is that it?” he asked.
“I’m not pouting,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out why you are taking it upon yourself to be my guardian. I don’t need anyone to tell me what I can and cannot do. This is why I’m single. I don’t want anyone to boss me around. If I wanted someone like you around, I would have stayed with my ex.”
“It’s pretty obvious that you need someone to keep you in line. Trust me, honey, it’s not a job I would want. I am free tonight, so I can try and keep you out of trouble.” Unbelievable! “I hope you didn’t give that guy your phone n
umber.”
“So, what if I did,” she said. “I think I want to have his baby.”
“I don’t think so, babe. You’re not having his baby.”
Why am I having this conversation with him? She loved baiting him, that’s why.
“We’ll see about nine months from now, won’t we?
Denver’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t test me, honey. You’ve already proven with Pete that you don’t know how to pick the right man.”
“I don’t want a man. I want a baby.” Joy was done talking to him. She stood up. “Do I have your permission to leave?” she asked sarcastically.
“Sure, just stay where I can keep an eye on you.”
Joy grabbed her drink, tossed it back, and slammed the glass down on the table. She bent over close to him. “You are a fucking pain in the ass.”
“And you are falling out of your dress, sweetheart.”
Ooh, she wanted to scream. Joy stormed off after she adjusted her dress. Denver watched her hips sway in the tight dress as she walked away. Yes, he would definitely be keeping an eye on her.
Joy sat down next to Krista.
“What’s the matter?” Krista asked.
“That man is such an egotistical jerk.”
“I completely agree,” Mark said.
After she took several deep breaths, she calmed down. “I’m sorry for complaining about him. Here it is your wedding and all. Please forgive me.”
“Oh, we all have our days. I don’t get it. Denver gets along with everyone. Especially women. It’s just the strangest thing to me,” Krista said.
Joy didn’t want to talk about Denver anymore. “I haven’t met Melanie yet. Is she coming?” she asked.
“No, but she had planned on it. Brandon was sick all night, so she decided to skip coming. Melanie’s not a very social person. I’m not sure what her story is, but I have a feeling she’s hiding from someone. I’ve tried to get her to open up; I don’t want to seem too pushy.”
“I guess that’s all you can do,” Joy said. “I thank you for your friendship and for inviting me. I’m really enjoying myself.”
“Pearl did say that Melanie was going to start waitressing for her part-time next week. Maybe we can meet there for lunch. She’s a nice person. I think we’ll all become great friends.”
“I hope so. Well, I guess I’ll go take my table back now.” Joy walked back to her table and sat down.
Krista leaned towards Mark after she left. “I feel a little guilty.”
“Why's that, babe?”
“It seems like everyone is trying to get Joy drunk.”
“It's the only way Denver will get a chance with her,” he said. “She’s too smart to get involved with him when she’s sober.”
“You love this,” she teased.
“I sure do. It’s about time Denver has to chase after a woman.”
“I hope things work out between them.”
“Honey, you want everyone to get together with someone.”
“That’s because I am so happy with you. I want everyone to feel the happiness that I do.”
Mark grinned and kissed his new wife.
Chapter Twenty Four
It didn’t take Denver long to start talking once she sat down. “By the way, nice fuck me dress.”
“You like it? I like to think of it as a billboard.”
“At least it’s not false advertisement. Nothing is hidden. It’s all right out there for you to see.” Joy rolled her eyes. “What forms of payment do you take?”
“Oh, I don’t charge. It’s free to the right man.” Joy looked towards the bartender. She smiled and waved to him. He grinned and waved back. She could tell Denver was getting pissed. There was a noticeable tick in his jaw.
Joy watched as a skinny woman with straight blonde hair and blue eyes sauntered by. Her white dress was shorter and skimpier than hers. Denver whistled under his breath.
“There you go. She looks just like your type.”
“She sure does.”
The blonde walked to the bar and ordered a drink. When she saw Denver was looking at her, she leaned over the bar a bit more.
Oh please. That trick.
The girl walked towards their table. Her eyes never left Denver. She stopped directly in front of him. “Hi Denver, remember me?” He knew he’d seen her before, but he couldn’t place her. “I’m Clarissa, Mark’s cousin.”
“Oh, wow! You certainly have grown up.”
“Yes, I’m older now.” She glanced at Joy. “But not that old,” she smirked.
Joy ignored the little bitch. Inside, she seethed. Denver acted like she wasn’t even at the table. Her table.
Denver watched Joy out of the corner of his eye. He could tell she was getting annoyed. He was giving her a taste of her own medicine.
“I’ll be in town a couple of more nights,” Clarissa purred. She squeezed Denver’s shoulder. “Don’t be a stranger.”
Clarissa slinked away. Or, that’s what Joy thought of it.
Denver watched her walk away. “It looks like we both have plans tonight.” His didn’t include Clarissa. And, if he could help it, Joys wouldn’t include the bartender.
Joy looked towards the bartender again. “I know I do.”
“Don’t you think he’s a little too young?”
“What in the hell does that mean?”
“He barely looks eighteen.”
“Maybe I like them young. Anyway, younger men are easier to train.”
“What the hell kind of man wants to be trained? Or, can be for that matter? You need a real man.”
She looked around the room. “Would you care to point one out?”
“Honey, you’re looking right at him. I am that man.”
Joy snorted. “Too bad I’ll never go there. You’ll have to settle for the little jailbait.”
“You jealous?”
“Of what, Miss Barbie? Hardly,” she scoffed. Joy was, though. She was jealous as hell.
Pearl rang a little dinner bell she brought over from the diner. “Dinner’s ready. Time to eat,” she yelled.
There was a mad dash for the long tables. It was like a damn game of musical chairs. Joy had no choice but to sit by Denver. Everyone made sure of that.
Joy needed food; she had consumed a lot of alcohol on an empty stomach. She felt reckless and decided to tease Denver a little. She leaned forward in her chair and placed her hand on his knee under the table. She slowly slid her hand up the inside of his leg, just grazing his cock. He pushed her hand away.
“Watch it,” he said. Joy moved her hand back and rubbed his growing erection. Denver almost groaned. He leaned back in his chair. “Have at it, baby.” She pulled her hand away. “For being someone who dislikes me the way you claim to, you certainly can’t keep your hands to yourself. Your words tell me one thing, but your actions say something completely different. You know what they say—actions speak louder than words. Baby, I hear you loud and clear.”
Denver now sported an erection that wouldn't be going away for a while. He was glad he wasn't wearing jeans. He'd be in a bit of pain if that were the case. He wouldn't be able to leave the table for a while. Damn her! He moved around in his chair and tried to get comfortable.
“What’s the matter?” she asked sweetly.
“Denver, would you like to stand and make a toast?” Pearl asked.
Joy looked at him; her lips curled into a smile.
Shit! He was in no condition to stand up. He started to cough. “In a minute,” he choked out. He looked at Joy and raised his eyebrow.
Joy leaned towards him. “Do you need some water for your cough?” she asked. “Maybe this will help with your problem?” She knocked over a glass of ice water right into his lap.
“Damn it," he swore.
“Oh my god, I'm so sorry,” she said. Joy hadn’t meant to knock the whole glass over. She grabbed some napkins, pressed them against his crotch, and started dabbing him with them.
“Damn it,
just get the hell away from me,” he snarled. People were started to stare at them now. She had caused quite a scene. Denver was half hard with a wet crotch. He leaned over so only she could hear him. “You little witch. You're going to pay for this," he said through gritted teeth. He stalked towards the door.
“Hey Denver, there's no need to go off half-cocked,” Mark yelled.
He flipped him off. “Congratulations, Krista. Mark, go to hell.”
Chapter Twenty Five
Joy watched him walk out the door. She had a sinking feeling she might have gone too far this time. She always got her into trouble when she drank. Joy got up from the table and walked to the bar. What in the hell had she been thinking? Had she really just groped him under the table? Just the thought of it made her blush. She sat down at the bar. “Can I get a shot of tequila?”
“Sure thing, doll.”
Joy drank the shot and grimaced. She never could quite get used to the taste. It worked quickly, though. That’s what she wanted. She ordered another one and downed the shot. Might as well get drunk. I’ve already made an ass out of myself. “I’m going to head home. Have a great night, cutie.”
“Are you going to be ok?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Krista watched Joy from across the room. She leaned towards Mark. “Shouldn't we stop her?”
“No, she's going to need all the alcohol she can get.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Don't think for one minute that Denver isn't out there waiting for her somewhere.”
Joy walked over to their table. “Congratulations, you two. You had a lovely wedding. Thanks for inviting me. I had a wonderful time. I'm going to head home now. Sorry about that little scene earlier.”
“Do you need a ride home?” Krista asked.
“No, I'm fine. I walked here. Besides, it's only a couple of blocks.”
It was a quiet, peaceful night. Everyone was still at the reception. She hadn’t even had a chance to eat because of her actions. She’d drank way too much on an empty stomach.