Page 21 of Keep Vegas

Hayden puts his hand up, and then they all do.

“Fuckers,” I hiss.

Dax smiles and says, “Yeah. We did. But you do what you like. Now who has money on tonight?”

We’ve bet on lots of shit over the years.

Colt leans forward. “What’s the over/under?”

I say, “On what?”

Robbie answers while crossing his tree trunk legs in a delicate manner. “Whether you get married again tonight.”

“Not fucking happening. Never again. And, dude, I’m still married.”

Dax says, “Technicality.”

Hayden crosses the room and does a pivot. “Love ya, man, but you can’t stay single.”

Colt fills in the blanks, “You can’t be alone.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Law fucks everything and Hayden bedded most of Boston to get over the love of his life. Which didn’t work. And Robbie’s never been alone. Like ever. Colt, my man, you’ve been married up since like we met. Dax, you would be alone if you stopped puppy dogging back to your on/off woman. So, fuck off, dudes.”

All of them are laughing. Hayden squats down in front of me, and says, “Six months.” Then pops up and walks back to his chair. He’s nimble as fuck and always moving.

“Is that your bet when I get married again?”

Hayden offers up, “Interesting idea, but no. That’s the longest you’ve been alone since high school graduation. You’re a serial monogamist. You have to have someone.”

I guess I started holding on to one person after the only person I ever wanted let me go.

Dax stretches his legs out, and says, “Third divorce before thirty and toss in the two other engagements. It’s like you have this desperate need to lock it down before it gets away.”

“I’m thirty tomorrow and won’t be divorced. Technically only two divorces in my twenties.”

“And two failed engagements.” Law adds.

“Well…” I don’t like how that hits my gut.

Robbie’s lips curl up like the Grinch. “A wager, gentlemen?”

Law jumps at the chance. He’d do anything Robbie says. “Stakes?”

Robbie stands and taps his fingers on his lips. And everyone is staring at him. “I’ve got it. Tony, you stay single for one year and I’ll give you a million dollars.” We’re all wealthy in the room. Some by sports, others by family money, and the other two by hard work. Colton’s a genius investor and will never go along with the number, but he has that kind of cash.

Colton yells, “In.”

“What the fuck is happening?” I jump up.

Dax laughs and says, “Oh, I’m so in, little brother, you can’t go a week without getting serious about a stranger.”

Hayden says, “I’ll take that bet. I could use a million dollars. We’re getting married at some point. And my house in France needs a new kitchen for the second floor.”

“What are you assholes proposing? Because it sounds like I’m going to take a million dollars off of each of you.”

Robbie says, “Fat fucking chance.”

“A fool and his money will soon be parted.” I cover my heart while I say this to them. I seriously am done with people in my space and telling me I have to go to dinner with people I don’t actually like or attend functions to be seen on her arm.