Handing the beer to him, I replied, “Great to see you, too.”
Dodge turned and looked at Sierra who was staring at him. “Why are you staring at me?”
Reaching over I closed poor Sierra’s gaped open mouth. She shook her head and said, “Your hair. You look so good . . . I mean . . . it looks so good . . . better. It looks better b-brown.”
I attempted not to laugh as Sierra fumbled around her words. Dodge smiled, “Thanks, Sierra. It’s naturally brown.”
Not being able to take her eyes from him she said, “Huh.”
Finally she looked away and to the front door when Azurdee and Lark walked in.
Azurdee screamed, Ryn screamed, Lark rolled his eyes and made a beeline straight to the kitchen. Passing Dodge, he gave him a head pop and a quick hello.
We all sat around the island bar and talked, ate, drank, and then ate some more. Azurdee, Ryn, and Sierra were going on and on about some new fashion show. We eventually moved into the living room. I couldn’t help but notice how Dodge kept sneaking a peek at Sierra. She of course wanted to look, but refused to. I knew this because I knew Sierra. It was killing her not to look at Dodge.
The doorbell rang and I quickly stood up. Shit. Oh motherfucker. I had forgotten about Chris. Pushing my hand through my hair, I looked at Sierra and then Dodge.
“Who’s that?” Ryn asked.
Giving her a wink, I didn’t answer as I turned and headed to the door. I had originally asked Chris, thinking Sierra would be here, thinking they might hook up for the weekend. I knew Chris would be attracted to Sierra instantly. Sierra on the other hand was up in the air. She could either be in the mood for a hook up or not want anything to do with Chris. Then when Sierra couldn’t make it, I invited Dodge, thinking Chris and Dodge would get along okay. They both ate, slept, and breathed the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.
Opening the door, I smiled. This ought to be interesting. “Hey, Tristan, sorry I’m late. I got a late start.”
Behind me I heard Ryn. “Chris! Oh my gosh this so great!” Taking Chris’s bag, I motioned for him to head in. He was familiar with the house since he had come with us to the coast every summer since sixth grade.
Walking in, Dodge stood and introduced himself. Okay, so far so good. Lark jumped up and gave Chris a hug as he said, “Jesus H. Christ. It’s been awhile.”