Player's Guide To Catfishing (PLAYBOOK #1)

CHAPTER 53: Vegas baby! Anything can happen

ODESSA

"Look who finally made it." America hands us each a flute as everyone in the room stares at us.

"Hello," I awkwardly smile the same time Jessica waves confidently.

"Just in time for dessert too," Mecca walks to John B, who downs his drink after greeting us with a nod.

"Hurry up, you late comers."

Tommy is holding a champagne bottle that explain his bloodshot eyes. He gives me hug while slapping a loud kiss on Jessica's cheek.

"Where's Liam?" Jess is the one to ask when we sit opposite to each other on the table.

"Getting you guys some food. He should be back any—" Tommy is cut off by Liam walking in holding two plates.

"Shit," I curse under my breath because shit.

Liam looks dapper in black slim fit dress pants, a matching blazer with velvet collars and a button-down black shirt that is open to show his gold chain and peaks of the ink on his chest.

Instead of dress shoes, he is wearing black and white chuck Taylors that make me smile for some reason. His hair is parted on the side and cut into fresh layers with a few inches trimmed off.

"Nice," Jessica is looking at his black time piece that match the small hoops on his ears with the right one dangling 21 shaped charms.

"America already said you guys had some burgers but I got you fries and wings to fill you up, just save space for dessert."

My smile grows because I forgot how sweet he can be, "thanks" Jess and I say in unison when he gives her the food first.

When he looks down at me, he suddenly frowns. This table consists of 11 guests, 4 of which are girls and the seating arrangement seems jumbled.

I don't understand why Liam mouths "move" as I'm between Tommy and JJ but it's his birthday so I switch with Tommy, which lands me next to him as he sits by the head of the table.

Now the seating arrangement is Liam and on his left is me, Tommy, JJ, Barbie and someone I think is called Goose. On the other side is John B, America, Jessica and two guys I recognize from the team, Terry and Issac.

Apparently not everyone could make it because finals have already started for some people but they are throwing him a birthday bash once he returns.

"Who are the birds?" Goose winks at Jessica and I when we start eating.

"The girl in green is Vecker and that's Jessica," Liam gives him a look I don't understand because Goose rolls his eyes and raises his hands up.

We finish eating quickly due to Tommy's help, which is picking at my plate and constant badgering at Jessica but JJ and John B bring a basketball and tequila bottle shaped cake with the number 21 candles lit on top once the waiter clears up.

After singing and taking videos, the waiter cuts some slices as we all take a shot to celebrate Liam's birthday.

"Let's share a slice, it's not wise to have too much sugar and tequila at the same time." Liam hands me a fork with a nervous smile.

"Of course," we sit down and distinctive chatter spreads around the table. "So 21st, how are you feeling?"

Our body language is awkward for obvious reasons.

"I must be drunk already because I'm actually excited," his smile makes his defined jawline look edible. "You look amazing by the way, I love the green on you."