Page 75 of The Chase

I swear he went slower. “What’s your damage?”

“We’re getting drunk tonight, and you’re taking forever!”

Noah shook his head and finally hurried his ass up so we could get to the bus outside.

When we made it back to the hotel, Noah, Benny, Riley, and I headed to the bar. I ordered an expensive scotch, and we all got hammered. Except for Benny because he was such a lightweight and was still nursing his beer.

I snapped a picture of him and sent it to my sister.

ME: Your man has been drinking this beer for an hour!

ROXIE: HAHA! He’s so weak.

ME: How did you end up with such a lightweight?

ROXIE: More beer for me! But also, who told that man he’s allowed to wear that suit like that?? Ugh, he’s so hot.

ME: EW!

ROXIE: HAHA. Sorry dude, don’t text me hot pictures of my man. Buy him another beer and give him shit for me?

ME: ALWAYS!

I didn’t have to buy him a drink, though, because Riley bought a round of shots for the table.

Riley nudged his best friend. “Come on, dude, drink up. You’ve been nursing that beer like a college freshman at their first party. We’ve got shit to celebrate!”

Benny made a face. “It was one game. It’s not like we’re in the playoffs yet.”

“Not yet! But we needed that win, boys!” I cheered.

Noah clinked glasses with me. “Fucking right!” Then a serious look came across his face. “Can I ask you guys something?”

I arched an eyebrow at him. “What’s up?”

“I asked Dinah’s brothers for permission.”

“Permission for…oh!” Riley exclaimed, and his eyes widened at the realization. “Dude, don’t tell me that. I can’t keep that shit from Fi.”

“Is it too soon?” Noah asked and stroked his beard nervously.

“Nah!” I said. “If you hadn’t taken so long to make a move, you’d probably already be married by now.”

“What if she says no?”

Riley and Benny shook their heads in unison. “No way, man. She loves you,” Benny said.

I squeezed his shoulder. “Yeah, dude, it’s gonna be great. How are you gonna do it?”

He smiled. “Probably take her to that Thai place she loves and ask her there. Is that too cliché?”

Riley shrugged. “Don’t look at me. After that douche nozzle left Fi at the altar, I asked her if she wanted to marry a different groom. To which she said YOLO.”

I laughed. “You never told us that!”

He shrugged. “I like to keep some things a mystery.”

“I can’t help you. I’m never getting married,” Benny said and shuddered.