The first time I’d been in this bar, Tenor had carried me out as soon as he’d realized I didn’t like all the attention. I had only likedhisattention.
More tears piled onto my eyelids. “I really fell for him, Madison. And I keep telling myself he’s no different than the others, but what if I’m wrong? I feel wrong. I want to be wrong. But how do I know?”
She shook her head, interest and concern lighting her eyes. “I have no idea what happened, but I’m the last one who should begiving relationship advice. My ex-husband cheated on me with someone I considered family.”
“Oof—that sucks. Now you’re out a husband and a friend.”
Sadness darkened her brown eyes. “It’s not like I have a well of friends.”
I snorted a little too loud, thanks to the Malibu. “Right? I have none. Want to be my friend?”
Her smile was real but a little shy. “Sure, Ruby. I’ll be your friend.” The sadness lingered, like she thought that once the drinks wore off, I’d think differently.
She really was nice. The resting bitch face she had was admirable. Mine was a resting Snow White face and it hadn’t served me well.
Through my third drink and part of a fourth, I poured my heart out to her. Tonight, she was my only friend. Wynter and Summer had promised nothing had changed, but I couldn’t hang out with them and talk about my life when their brother had broken my heart.
What if I had broken his?
All the Coke and alcohol caught up with me, and thankfully, it was enough to distract me.
“I’ve gotta go pee.” I wobbled to the bathroom. Shit. I was dizzy. Twice, I hit the sides of the stall, and if I had been sober, I might’ve gagged. Gross. Social media wasn’t going to remodel the old, cramped bathrooms.
I squinted at the words scratched into the wooden stall door.If you’re reading this, blow him.
I giggled and a sob came out. I couldn’t blow him. I’d ruined it. Tenor had reached out in the sweetest way, and I had retaliated by being a dick back. He’d trashed the book, and then he’d trashed me.
I had been too late.
I did not deserve him.
I cried and sniffled as I washed my hands. I zigzagged back out. Madison cast a furtive glance my way and did a double take. “Aw, Ruby.”
She pulled me into a hug. Not only was she taller than me, she was strong as hell. I got crushed in her grip and I savored it.
“I’m sorry. Thank you for sharing with me.” She sounded so formal.
I slid onto my stool and nearly careened off the other side. I righted myself and waited for my vision to settle.
Another Malibu and Coke was slid in front of me.
“Th-thanks.” I reached for it, but Madison snatched it away.
She pushed it toward Allen and gave him a warning glare. “She’s cut off. Give her a Coke.”
“No,” I pouted. I was freshly drunk, but I agreed with her. If he kept feeding me drinks, I’d keep drowning my sorrows and that was so unlike me. As it was, I was stuck in Flatlanders for hours until I sobered up. “The last time I got drunk, I crawled into Tenor’s bed and got myself off.”
Allen paused midpour.
Oops. I shouldn’t have said that out loud.
“He was so sweet about it.” Another sniffle squeaked out.
Madison rubbed my back.
Allen sidled in front of me to talk to Madison. “Can you guys sit in a booth or something? My dream lady’s back in town and the crying girl is going to scare her away.”
I was a girl and some other stranger was called a lady?Fuck you, Allen.
