“Shut up, Nate,” I throw back.
“Ryan, be nice to Tillie, okay? She’s struggling as much as you are,” Oliver says.
“Doubtful,” I declare and rise to my feet, walking out of the boardroom to head up to the fire escape to get some much-needed fresh air.
***
Lunar and Danger were far too loved up at home. I couldn’t stand being around them, so I left. Told them I was going to see Matt and Nate.
I am not.
I made my way to a quaint little pub, found a nice, comfy stool on the dimly lit side of the bar, and started wasting my night away. I don’t want to deal with couples, people’s sympathetic looks, or their fucking criticism. I just wanted to find a place to come and forget everything. It wasn’t my intention to drink. That’s not why I went to a pub. But after being here for an hour, the smell of liquor got to me, and I thought one wouldn’t hurt.
Now I’m so many in that I haven’t kept count.
My head is foggy, my stomach is heavy, and my throat is burning as I sit at the bar with my head on my arm, just trying to keep breathing.
I’m wasted.
“Excuse me, have you got a light?” a smooth, sexy voice asks.
I glance up, my eyes roll back in my head, and I hiccup as I take in the two, no, one… wait two, no, there’s one woman in front of me.I think!As my eyes clear, I realize she’s a bombshell—red hair, smoky eyes, flaming red kissable lips, and a tight as fuck red dress. Everything screamsfuck me. I lick my lips as she stands with a cigarette hanging between her two fingers while she smirks at me.
I shake my head and sigh. “Sorry, love, no flame to light your fire.”
She tilts her head to the side. “Shame, you’re a looker. Would’ve been nice to roll around the sheets with you.”
I scoff out a half laugh. “Honey, I’m too drunk even to know if you have a twin standing there or if I’m seeing double right now.”
She giggles, shaking her head. “Wow! You really are wasted, and you don’t look so good. How about I help you to a cab? There are photographers outside. I think they’re here for you,” she offers as my stomach churns.
“Shit! Thanks. I’d appreciate the help.”
She assists me up from the seat, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders as I wobble on the spot. “Easy, sailor.”
As I try to right myself, I chuckle, and she supports me while I stumble out to the front. When we reach the door, the cameras flash and go berserk. The lights blind me, making me falter and flounder, and the woman helps by holding on to me. People call out my name, making my head fuzzy. Everything is a thick fog. I feel sick as she moves me to the closest cab. The girl opens the cab's back door, and I accidentally fall backward, grabbing her, which sends us both into the cab. She drops on top of me with a squeal, our faces mere inches apart. We both laugh as I sweep her hair from her face, mainly to get it out of my face, and we both laugh at the silly mistake.
“It was nice to meet you, but you need to get home,” she says, sitting up. Then she pulls me with her so we’re both sitting before she steps out and bobs her head back down to look at me.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Drink water.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say with a two-fingered salute as she shuts the cab door. I fall back down on the seat, close my eyes, and quickly tell the driver the address before I fade in and out of consciousness.
I make it home just in time to race to the bathroom and throw up the night’s efforts, which continue into the wee hours of the early morning.
***
A harsh coldness against my face startles me as I jolt awake. My back twinges, and my stomach muscles ache. My eyes flash open, and shiny white porcelain stares back at me. I furrow my brows, wondering what the hell I’m looking at. Blinking my eyes a few times, I try to gather my bearings. My body’s aching in the most horrendous way. My head pounds, my muscles are cramped. Everything is disobeying my brain. My mouth is fuzzy and dry, and as I take a deep breath, a foul odor assaults me. My stomach churns, and memories flood back, hitting me like a tidal wave.
Me.
Heaving.
In the toilet bowl last night.
I’m in the damn bathroom.
