Unexplainable [Original Version]

[chapter three: "reunion from hell"]

After Joli has pacified a few of her former classmates, we manage to sneak into the main area, where the food and booze is set up. Joli scans the area for a moment before leading me over to the tables of drinks and instantly grabbing one of the glasses of wine.

"You okay, babe?" I know she's not, but I've got to ask.

"Of course, Scott. I definitely am. I'm just, uh, really thirsty, that's all."

Jolene Milford does realize that she can't blatantly lie to me like that at this point in our friendship, right? I see right through her. Instead of giving her a sarcastic reply about how she literally could've had any type of drink, but she chose an alcoholic one at six in the evening, I just nod and grab a bottle of water instead.

I don't particularly want to stay completely sober tonight, but if Joli is already drinking, what choice do I have?

"You want to sit down? You look damn hot, but I don't imagine standing in those heels all night is going to be much fun."

Joli smiles and agrees before leading us over to one of the tables that were set up. More and more people start to file into the room as it gets closer to seven, and with each person that walks in, I see Jolene grow a bit more anxious. What is she waiting for?

"Holy shit! You're Scott Hall! Babe! Babe! Come look at Jolene's new husband! It's Scott Hall!"

I had nearly spaced out when I hear a woman frantically calling to who I assume is her husband. The woman is obviously ecstatic to see me, so I take the toothpick from my mouth and flick it at her.

"Hey yo."

As the woman swoons, Jolene can't help but giggle. I send Joli a grin as I take out another toothpick from behind my ear and place it into my mouth.

"My wife is a huge fan." The woman's husband reaches out a hand as he smiles at me. I chuckle and shake his hand. "It's nice to meet you!"

"Likewise." I turn so that I can face the couple better; they're obviously not the source of Joli's anxiety, based on her reaction to them, so I might as well be as nice as I can be, right?

"I'm just so excited that I'm actually getting to meet you. I mean, I know you and Jolene have worked together on television a lot, but I never would've expected our little Jolene Milford to be married to-"

"We're not married, actually." Jolene pipes in, smiling at her former classmate. "I'm still completely single. Scott is one of my best friends, though."

The woman seems completely shocked by Jolene's words. She looks between the two of us before shaking her head, looking like she's a bit disappointed.

"That's a shame, Jolene. That's a real shame. I bet you two would make some really pretty babies." I fuckin' choke on the water I had just started to drink and Jolene's face goes red. She's probably not wrong, but I'm surprised the lady actually pointed that out!

"Babe! Don't say that." The woman's husband seems to be a bit flustered by his wife's words, like Joli and I are. "I'm sorry, Scott and Jolene."

"No problem." I laugh; it's all in good fun, right?

"Are you really still single though, Jolene? Have you tried to get into any relationship? You've been divorced for about seven years now and you're working in a company filled with wonderful guys. I honestly thought you would've been married again by now, since things with-"