Vincent didn't know why he'd invited you to this party. If it could even be called a party.

He told himself that it was because you were the only waiter at the bistro. You were good at your job and would be the best option for extra help at his apartment. It was just overtime, extra hours. It had nothing to do with how handsome you looked in the uniform. Or how your laugh sounded when Richard told a story from college.

Because you were a man. And Vincent was a man, and he was dating that Manon girl.

Manon, who just saw Vince as a quick rebound. A good lay. Manon, who never shut up about her doofus ex, Rody. He hadn't invited her to his little party. But he had invited you. And the sight of you laughing with Richard was starting to make his blood boil in his veins. Richard was just some rich boy from Vincent's old math class. You didn't know him like you knew Vince, you shouldn't be laughing with him right now.

Vince had only drank one glass of the chilled red wine in the kitchen. But his brain was already fuzzy as a pleasant hum vibrated in his bones. He'd never been able to hold his liquor, and it was about to bite him in the ass. Because now he was jealous, insecure, and drunk. And his old "friends" were all starting to leave.

Meaning soon it would just be him and you.

"Bye," Richard winked at you, grabbing his coat. Vincent clenched his fists at his sides. His onyx eyes were sharp as steel as Richard finally walked out the door.