Wants him to feel humiliated just as he humiliated me.
Wants him to wake up in jail and alone.
But part of me remembers the idealistic version of Joseph. And that’s the part that won’t let me abandon him like this.
“Yes,” I say softly. “He’s with me.”
The officers exchange a look, reassessing the scene now that I’ve claimed him.
“He’s extremely intoxicated,” the female officer warns. “Are you sure a slight-built girl like you can handle him?”
“Yes,” I say quickly. “He got bad news today. It hit harder than I expected.”
It’s close enough to the truth to sound convincing. The officers soften a fraction.
“All right,” the male officer says. “Make sure he gets upstairs safely. Hydrate him. Keep him on his side if case he vomits again.”
I nod, though my stomach turns at the thought.
“Get up, Joseph,” I say, crouching. The alcohol fumes hit me before my fingers even touch him. “Joseph, you have to get up.”
He groans, head rolling toward my voice
“Maddie?” he slurs.
My throat tightens. “Yeah, I’m here.”
He tries to stand, but his legs give out beneath him.
I slip my arm under his and guide him toward the elevator. Snorty's carrier hangs over my other shoulder.
The officers watch until we step inside.
Only when the doors close do they walk away.
The elevator hums upward as Joseph sags heavier against me, like dead weight.
Snorty looks aat me through his netting with quiet anxiety.
The elevator hums upward as Joseph sags heavier against me, dead weight.
“Okay,” I say aloud, feeling along his pockets. “Where’s your room key?”
He doesn’t answer so I pat him down.
Wallet. Receipts. More receipts. A single breathmint wrapper.
Then finally, a key card. It responds to my own floor. I guess his company housed him in the VIP floor, too.
Once we reach the floor, I find his suite. I maneuver him toward the sofa. His head lolls back as I drop him on the cushion.
Snorty yips to be let out. As soon as I unzip his carrier, my Frenchie trots over to observe Joseph.
“Maddie…” Joseph murmurs, reaching for me with a helplessness that brings out my maternal core.
I loosen his tie and unbutton the top of his shirt to give him air.
“Let’s get you breathing normally first.”
