Less Talk - A Hangman Story

Part VIII

Jake senses Bradley stiffen in the seat to his right and suppresses a scowl. He's been regulating the outward expression of his feelings for you since the day you met, so what's a couple more hours?

Bradley cranes his neck, watching you step out of the car while Mustang examines his taillights with a frown. You shut your own door and join him near the trunk when he finally straightens his back. Then the two of you head for the entrance.

"I fucking knew it," Bradley mutters.

Jake releases a steady breath, trying his best to mask his own misery. "Are you gonna tell me what's going on with her?" he says casually.

Bradley looks at Jake with a sour expression. "You spend more time with her than I do these days. You tell me."

Jake swears under his breath as Bradley rises from his chair. For a moment, he considers completely ignoring you and your piece of shit excuse for a boyfriend. ­Ex-boyfriend, he reminds himself adamantly, finally getting out of his seat. He's not sure why Bradley's so distraught by Mustang's presence, but he's getting tired of all the mystery.

He looks up when you walk into the restaurant, his eyes meeting yours the moment you enter. You've got your arm hooked through Mustang's and Jake nearly sits back down.

But the smug look on Mustang's face makes him reconsider. Jake Seresin isn't one to shy away from a fight, if that's what it comes down to. And whatever your reason is for arriving with this jackass, Jake deserves to know it. He steps around the table and marches alongside Bradley as he approaches the two of you.

You glance between Bradley and Jake innocently, as though you've absolutely no idea why the two men are stopping you before you even reach the table.

"Is everything okay here?" Bradley asks commandingly, his eyes sliding between you and Mustang.

You give him a jolly smile that is so far from genuine, it borders on comical, and say, "Of course." Jake narrows his eyes at you, but you avoid his gaze and blink up at Mustang instead. "Shall we find a seat?" You're carrying a gift bag that's big enough to fit a small toddler and you look as though it might tip you over at any moment.

"Hold it," Jake says sternly.

Mustang gives him a sharp look, but Jake keeps his eyes on you. You meet his gaze reluctantly.

For a split second, Jake wonders if he's the crazy one. If he's been so infatuated with you that he's completely misread the situation. Maybe he's got no reason to be upset. Maybe it was just a kiss. Two, he reminds himself adamantly. It was two.

You transfer the gift bag from one hand to the other impatiently and shake out the unburdened arm.

Jake reaches for the gift bag and takes it out of your grasp, holding it out to Mustang pointedly. This idiot can't take a hint, apparently.

Mustang stares at the bag and then blinks up at Jake, so Jake shoves it forcefully into his stomach. "Try to make yourself useful, son," he says flatly.

Mustang takes the bag obediently even though his features are still twisted in confusion.

"Can I steal you for a minute?" Jake asks, returning his attention to you.

Mustang snaps out of his trance and steps forward as if to assert his dominance, but you place a hand on his arm and nod mutely. "I'll meet you at the table," you say gingerly.

Jake gestures for you to lead the way, not even bothering to grace Mustang with a farewell.

You take a few steps away and stop, but Jake is right behind you and gives you a slight nudge to keep you moving. You glance up at him and he nods toward the back of the restaurant. You oblige, navigating the narrow spaces between the tables on your way to the rear while Jake keeps a couple of fingers on your lower back.