Jake listens as the others talk about Abbie

[NOTE: This chapter happens in parallel with Abbie's narrative.]

"Okay, so Staci and Emily. Did they kiss again last night when they told the story?" said Danny, way too eager to learn more.

"No," said Phil.

"No, because you don't want to tell us? Or no, because Staci's not into women anymore? Or ..." Danny goaded Phil.

"You know, I think I'm going to drop it," said Phil.

Rick smirked. "So maybe yes, he doesn't want to tell us. And maybe yes, Staci's still into women."

Phil blushed a little. "Let's move on, shall we? And let's skip Staci over there because knowing all of you, I'll want to kill you by the time this conversation ends."

"Let's just say," Rick said calmly, "that Staci is, by far, the most beautiful woman at the party."

Phil nodded. "Truth."

Jake looked at Abbie again. Rick wasn't wrong, Staci was stunning. But he couldn't stop looking at Abbie.

"The redhead next to Staci, I just met her today. She was helping Megan with the guest list. I think her name is Amy."

Danny nodded. "I met her when we came in. She and I may have had a moment out in the hall."

"A moment doing what?" asked Arthur. "And I think it's Annie, not Amy."

Rick nodded. "Right, Annie."

Jake listened to all this, debating when or if or how to correct them.

"A moment," continued Danny. "I think she's into me."

"Ha, we'll see." Rick laughed. "And no, it's not Annie. It's Abbie."

Good, Jake thought. I don't have to correct them now.

Arthur nodded. "Right. I knew a girl named Abbie. That's totally her name."

"You knew a girl?" said Danny. "How romantic."

"She's pretty cute," said Rick. "I know I'm married, but damn, that girl is very cute."

Phil stared for a bit, then turned back to the group. "She is, she is. Very different look than Staci, of course."

Arthur looked at Phil. "I don't mean anything by this, but did you ever date a white girl in college?"

Rick cocked his head to the side. "I never thought about it. But your other two girlfriends from college were both Black also." The guys turned their heads casually to steal a look at Staci. Emily was holding and rubbing Staci's arm, though there was no clear reason why.

Phil nodded. "I don't think it was really intentional, but now that you mention it, I guess not. I've dated white girls in my life, but I guess not seriously. Never really thought about it."

"Hm," remarked Danny, not particularly invested. "Well, this one is pretty fire. And if I had my way, I'd be bumping it right now."

The other guys laughed at Danny. Rick said, "Okay, sure."

"You don't believe me? You want me to go up there and get digits?"

"Yeah, Danny," Rick countered. "Go up there and get digits."

"Rick," said Phil.

Rick turned to look at him. He was about to sass him back, but stopped. Jake noticed something between them, as if Phil was sending a message, and one that Rick understood.

"Hey Phil," said Arthur. "It's good. It's just Danny."

Phil nodded. Jake had no idea what was going on amongst them, but it didn't matter. Whatever the history was, Abbie was the present. Jake wasn't sure how he'd feel watching Danny talk to Abbie, but maybe it would be fine. Jake was determined not to make a scene out of it.

Danny stood, gave Phil and the others a look, and stepped up to the bar. He nodded politely at Staci, and then spoke to Abbie. No one could hear what he was saying, but Abbie smiled and nodded. As they chatted for a bit, Abbie kept smiling. At one point, she shrugged, after which Danny pulled his phone from his pocket. Abbie spoke briefly, and Danny typed into his phone. After that, he politely shook her hand and returned to the men's table.

Jake continued watching Abbie, and saw that she leaned in to Emily and asked a question. Most likely, she was asking about Danny, but still, the mystery of it all was exciting. Jake felt a small twinge of what might have been jealousy, but then remembered that Abbie was there with him, and even if she did talk to Danny, even if he asked questions and she said yes, it was still Jake she was going home with at the end of the day.