I roll my eyes as Charlie smiles over at Elliot, lifting his chin in challenge. “How much?”
“Fifty. It’ll round up the pot for what you owe me from last night.”
“Done. There’s no way he’d be so fucking stupid.”
“We shall see my friend.”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bet on my odds, thank you very much!” I feign annoyance.
“Not you, little Pixie. Just dickhead Hemmings. You going to come for a drink or are we dropping you home?” he asks.
“Drop me home please, Ell.”
I feel exhausted as I lug my overnight bag out the back of Elliot’s car. I fell asleep on the ride home and now all I want to do is climb into my bed. Mason will have Ellis until a little later and I feel for him, he’ll be just as tired as I am.
I go to my apartment to drop my bags off then shower and change, then I make my way to Joey’s, hoping he is home.
Before I knock, I try the door but it’s locked, which isn’t out of the blue for Joey. Pulling out my keys, I unlock the door and enter his apartment.
I instantly know he’s home.
The smell of something smoky assaults my senses, and the darkness from the closed curtains make it hard to see into the room.
“Joey?”
He doesn’t answer me, and I huff as I step inside and turn on the light. Joey isn’t in the lounge and apart from his discarded hoodie, everything is how I left it on Thursday. Trickling water sounds from the bathroom, and I frown as I move in that direction, pushing open the slightly ajar door.
“Joey?!” I panic.
I run to him, pushing on his shoulder as his head snaps up out of the water.
“What the fuck, Nina!” His eyes are wide and red-rimmed, his body jolting up in the bathtub.
“You were fucking asleep, Joe!” My heart is erratic in my chest, my hands shaking. “Your face was all but under.”
“It wasn’t.”
“Yes, it was!” I snap. “Jesus! Do you know how dangerous it is! You could have…”
I cut myself off, feeling awful for what I was about to say. He just lost his brother.
“Say it,” he spits, rubbing at the end of his nose with his palm.
“I’m sorry.”
“Died,” he mutters. “I could have died.”
I roll my lips. “When did you get back?”
“Last night.” He looks up at me and then drops his eyes quickly. “Good night?”
My shoulders drop as the guilt sinks in. “Yeah, it was amazing.”
He nods his head, water dripping from his hair onto his chest.
“I know you’re hurting, and I can go, but?—”
“I’d prefer it if you did.”
