Hopeless

“Well, if we’re all laying things out on the table,” Sloane says. “Since Harvey brought up Jasper and me . . .” She places a small black-and-white photo on the table. “I’m fourteen weeks.” She glances at Harvey, so happy that she’s fucking glowing. “Brought the sonogram so you can see there is indeed no tail.”

“And quite frankly, if Sloane can marry her cousin, I figure I can—” Harvey starts up again, and I groan. Jasper’s head drops, his palms pressing into his eye sockets while Sloane bursts out laughing, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “Then I can be with Cordelia.” “She’s not my cousin,” Jasper huffs through a laugh.

I glance over at Cade. “Sorry, man, this is my two weeks’ notice.” He just grunts. “That’s fine. You’re the worst employee I’ve ever had.”

“Take Cade with you,” Willa whispers as loudly as possible to Rhett from across the table while bouncing a baby on her lap. “A tag team situation. And I’ll watch. Or referee. Whatever you call it, I don’t care. It’s hot when he gets mad, so I’m all in on this idea.”

Rhett laughs. “No chance. You’ll kick my ass with your James Bond shit. I’m wild, not stupid.”

Stirred to action by that thought, I clank my knife against my glass. “Everyone shut up! I have an announcement to make.” Winter scoffs beside me, but everyone else quiets down.

Beau: Everyone better show up tonight. Harvey: YES, SIR. Beau: You can’t say that. Like, ever, Dad. Harvey: Why not? Harvey: . . . Sir? Beau: You just can’t. It’s off the table now. Jasper: REPORTING FOR DUTY, SIR. Rhett: SEE YOU FOR DINNER, SIR. Cade: WHY AM I RELATED TO SO MANY IDIOTS, SIR? Beau: I hate you all. See you tonight.

“Don’t laugh. It’s diagnosable.

“Why are you bringing me tips?” “Because it was your shift.” “I quit.” “I worked it for you anyway.” She sniffs and her nose wiggles as she glances away. “Didn’t know you could bartend.” “I can’t, and Gary was really mean to me all night.”