Free 8 Weeks by Bethany Lopez Page B

of weeks. Usually, they guys were hounding me to come out and hang, and I was blowing them off to spend time at home with Shelly. Now ... I was the one who was eager for a night out, and off of Scott's couch.
    This was why I was at the bar an hour earlier than our scheduled meet time, nursing a seasonal beer and munching on some chips and salsa.
    I'd become a fucking loser.
    "Hey, Cal," a high-pitched voice called from over my shoulder.
    Shit, I thought as I recognized Melody Cannon's squeal. Why won’t this chick just leave me alone?
    "Melody," I said rather harshly, hoping she'd take a hint.
    She didn't.
    "You here all by your lonesome?" she asked, lifting herself onto the barstool next to mine, uninvited.
    "For now," I said vaguely, turning back to my beer.
    "That's a shame. You shouldn't be alone at a time like this."
    I didn't take the bait; I ignored her and pretended to be caught up in the act of dipping my chip in the salsa.
    "I mean," she went on as if we were having a conversation. "What with Shelly upset with you about your ... indiscretion. " She leaned over to me, whispering the last word, and it took every ounce of control for me not to shove her off of the stool.
    I guess word had gotten out about the reason why Shelly and I were separated. I'd known it was bound to happen sooner or later, but now that Melody knew about it, it wouldn't be long before the whole town did as well.
    Just what I needed.
    I tried to turn farther away from her, hoping she would eventually shut up, otherwise I was going to have to walk out.
    "Anyway," she continued. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, Cal. I understand that men have needs, and I won't hold your mistakes against you."
    Melody ran a finger along my arm, and I felt my body shiver in disgust. I heard her hop off of the stool and giggle.
    "See you around," she said before she walked away.
    I don't know how long I sat there, scowling at my beer after she left, but was startled when a strong hand clapped on my back.
    "What'd that beer do to you, man?" TJ asked with a chuckle. "How long have you been here?"
    I shook my head, eager to forget Melody and spend time with my buddies.
    "Not that long," I answered as I stood. "Let's go grab a table."
    TJ walked up to the hostess, leaned in and said something, then gave her a wink and headed back to a table in the corner with a good view of the big screen.
    "You make plans with her later?" I asked with a chuckle as we sat.
    "Jealousy doesn't suit you," TJ said wryly, causing me to laugh.
    It was a good laugh too, the kind that starts deep in your belly. It felt really good.
    We watched the TV in silence, so caught up in the game neither of us noticed when Scott walked up to the table.
    "Is someone gonna move over, or am I sitting at the bar?"
    I looked up sharply, surprised at Scott's tone, and then the look on his face.
    He looked pissed.
    I scooted over to give him some room, watching his expression as he told the waitress to grab him a whiskey on the rocks.
    "Everything alright, brother?" I asked, seriously concerned. Scott didn't get ruffled very often, and he only drank whiskey when he was really pissed.
    Scott just grunted and shook his head.
    "Something at work?" TJ prodded.
    Scott looked up at TJ, then over at me. "Nah, nothing at work."
    "What is it?" I asked again.
    Scott looked at me and his face lightened up a bit. He rubbed his hand across his face before replying, "It's not that big of a deal, and I hate to complain and sound like a pussy, especially with everything that you're going through right now, Cal ... But, fuck ... Victoria is driving me insane."
    TJ and I shared a moment while Scott's head was down, and I knew my eyes were as wide as his were. Scott had never said anything negative to us about Victoria before. It was hard to believe, but it was the truth.
    "What's going on?" I asked him, trying not to sound too excited that Victoria may finally get what she deserves.
    The boot.
    The waitress brought