Third Wheel

Must be the alcohol

Arriving at the table Kacey sits opposite Daniel at the booth allowing Honey to be beside Daniel. A waitress arrived taking Daniel’s order. Kacey thought of the novelty of the situation, she never saw Daniel in this light. Women across the room glances once in a while to catch a glimpse of Daniel. Even the waitress is batting her lashes.

“Did you want to order?” Daniel asks Kacey looking up from the menu

“Oh, I’m good.” She quickly dismisses Daniel. He hands the menu over to the waitress and off she goes.

“So Daniel, I’m assuming you’re an architect.” Honey starts the conversation

“Yeah, Spencer and I met in college, been friends since.”

“So do you and Kacey work together or something?” Honey tries to connect the dots

“As of now, we don’t.” Daniel says as the food and drinks arrive

As of now? What does that mean?

“Kacey.” Honey snaps her out of her trance

“What?” Kacey asks and Honey and Daniel smiles

“Oh- sorry. I was trying to remember if I had ordered the rug for my client.” she covers up

“Classic Kacey.” Honey says endearingly

As dinner progresses and the drinks keep coming, Honey’s questioning becomes bolder than the last.

“So Daniel, do you have anyone waiting for you at home?”

“Honey.” Kacey protests

“What, I’m just curious. Well, do you?” Honey presses for an answer

“Aside from my dog, no there’s no one.” Daniel looks straight at Kacey

I’m so sorry Kacey mouths and Daniel gives a smirk that sends shivers down her spine.

Must be the alcohol Kacey assures herself.

"You have a dog? I don't remember seeing her- or him in your apartment." Kacey tries to recall

"Him, Ranger. He was in my room having a slow day." He says

"Uh- when did you go to his apartment?" Honey is now intrigued

"Oh- on saturday, Sophie and Spencer took me to a night out and we ended up staying at Daniel's apartment." Kacey quickly answers before Honey gets the wrong idea.

"Oh, that would have been fun." Honey says

Kacey admires Honey for her commanding presence, it's because of it that she gets to relax and just enjoy moments without being the center of attention. Daniel on the other hand, for reasons of which he can’t place a finger on, can’t help but crave a peak at Kacey in every sip of his gin. Must be the drink Daniel tells himself.

“Sir, just a heads up, our kitchen is closing soon. Is there anything else you’d like to order?” says the waiter

“Ladies?” asks Daniel

"Nope, We're probably heading out soon, May we ask for the bill?” Kacey asks the waiter

"Everything's been taken care of.” Off the waiter went

"But -” Kacey looks at Daniel who acts like nothing happened.

"Oh, Isn't that sweet, but we must insist on paying you back.” Honey says

" It's been my pleasure, plus I believe I interrupted your catching up,”

"Well, coffee then, but since I'm leaving tomorrow, Kacey shall be my proxy.” Honey proposes

" I might just take that offer.” Daniel says looking at Kacey intently

Wait. What just happened? Did Honey just arrange a coffee date? Kacey asks herself.

Kacey, feeling light headed, holds open the front door as Daniel helps an extremely intoxicated Honey out the door.

“I’m so sorry, she usually doesn’t get this drunk. I mean we don’t usually get this drunk.” Kacey slurs a bit struggling to hold it together. She lets off a giggle or two at the sight of her best friend dangling on Daniel.

“Happens when you’re with good company,” Daniel assures Kacey.

“Let me give you guys a lift, where’s Honey staying?" Daniel asks Kacey, who's busy booking a ride

“At the Vermillion.” Honey gives a drunken smile

“It’s settled then, that’s on my way home.” Daniel says moving toward where he parked his car.

“No. No. It’s ok, I can just book us a ride.” Kacey says

“I don’t think you can grab a ride at this hour.”

“I’m sure there’s bound to be one that’s coming. We’ve imposed enough on your night already.” Kacey explains

“You can’t get a ride or a cab at this hour, I insist. Plus Spencer’s going to kill me if he’ll know I left you here.”

“Only if you insist. I’m really sorry.” She says as she checks her watch.

3am. Great,I still have a meeting tomorrow, no not tomorrow later. Damn it.

Kacey scolds herself in the front seat of Daniel’s car.

“Anything wrong?” He asks glancing her way

“Uh- um just a bit chilly, but it’s fine we’re almost there anyway.” She says

At the stop light Daniel reaches for something behind Kacey, she freezes as his intoxicating scent mixed with liquor perfume envelops her senses. He rummages in what feels like forever, as Kacey struggles to keep herself together. I’m never drinking like this again, all my senses are heightened.

“Here.” He says sitting back in his seat, giving Kacey a jersey jacket.

“Uh-thanks, you don’t really need to.”

“It's just a jacket, Kace.” He looks straight into her eyes, as she feels her blood rushing to her face. She then quickly puts on the jacket trying to not let Daniel see her blush.

“Thanks.” She says settling back down her seat all cozy, warm and totally enveloped in his sweet scent.

In a few minutes, they reach the porte chochere of the Vermillion. Daniel, parked at the unloading zone, rushes to Kacey’s side but she was already helping Honey out of the backseat.

“Had a good nap?” Kacey asks Honey as she smiles endearingly at her

“Here, let me help.”

“No. No. Really, we’re ok, thanks so much again. For everything.” Kacey says as Honey grogily hangs by her side.

“Thanks.” Honey goes rouge and sneaks in one last hug from Daniel.

“Oh-so sorry. Come on, Honey. Say good-bye” Kacey says, pulling her away from Daniel.

“Bye, mon cherie.” Honey calls out loudly heading towards the front door

“I’ll wait here.” Daniel calls out to Kacey.

“No, it’s fine, I’ll stay with Honey. Thanks again. Good night.”