Everett brushed off his hand without even ncing his way, continuing to down his drinks. He had a stomach condition, and drinking like this was a one-way ticket to the hospital. If anything happened to him here, Jaime feared he''d have both Everett and Josh gang up on him as payback. Jaime wasn''t exactly a powerhouse. He could not stop Everett, so he just grumbled, "Bro, you''re my only friend. Can you chill for a bit? You''re harder to handle than all my girlfriends put together!"


    Everett shot him a frosty look and finally said, "Either shut up and drink with me or get lost."


    Jaime was at a loss. He knew this was beyond him and figured it was time to call in reinforcements.


    Scratching his chin, he cautiously suggested, "How about I call Selena to take you home?"


    Whenever Everett had too much to drink, he always preferred Selena toe and get him. She never seemed to mind, either.


    Jaime wasn''t sure what the spat was about this time, but as folks say, couples argue at the head of the bed and make up at the foot of it. Most issues could be resolved with a bit of passion. Or maybe a lot.


    Hearing this, Everett paused, his eyes growing even colder. With a sardonic smile, he said, "She''d probably be thrilled if I never came back."


    She didn''t try to stop him when he left and was likely thinking it was for the best! It had been over two hours, and Everett had not heard a peep from her-no calls, no texts.


    So much for being sweet and caring; it was all a sham! She just didn''t care anymore, and her indifference was driving him mad.


    Jaime listened closely, his mind struggling to process everything. Then he asked sincerely, "Everett, what did Selena do wrong? Isn''t this what you wanted? Someone to meet your needs, take care of you, be easy-going and not clingy, always be there when you need her, and invisible when you don''t. Where else are you gonna find a wife like that?"


    Everett''s grip on his ss tightened. Jaime clearly didn''t have a clue, and his words were grating on Everett''s nerves.


    Just then, a slender woman with long ck hair and a white dress walked over. She had that girl-next-door look that made every guy do a double take.


    Jaime recognized her as Nadia, the


    rising star who''d just hit it big with a fantasy series. Known for her beauty and Sweet voice, she was the current talk of the town.


    Holding a wine ss, she smiled in a way that made her eyes dance.


    Basking in his charm, Jaime thought he''d barely sat down before this chance encounter fell into hisp. He struck a suave pose, ready to


    ept the drink from the lovelydy.


    But Nadia didn''t even nce his way and went right past him to stand in front of Everett.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Smiling with dimples, she said, "Mr. Bet, may I have the honor of buying you a drink?" Jaime''s smile froze.


    ''Well, she''s got guts,'' he thought.


    She was trying to flirt with Everett, the king of cool, especially when he was in a mood! She was definitely in for a challenge.


    Jaime could only sit back and munch on imaginary popcorn. He was eager to see what would happen next.


    Everettzily lifted his eyelids and nced at her.


    Nadia''s face was all innocence, but her eyes were full of allure. She''d even put on a particrly captivating shade of lipstick, making herdips look incredibly kissable.


    Pouting slightly, she cooed, "Mr. Bet, please give me a chance, will you?"


    A chill flickered through Everett''s eyes, yet he seemed slightly amused. After a moment, he simply said, "Sit."