“Home,” I grind out.
“Aren’t you going to pay for my drink?”
I lift a hand in a silent wave.
Layla sputters. “I’m starting to get annoyed, Nat.”
I really don’t care.
“Aren’t you supposed to be extra nice to me so I keep my mouth shut?”
My body freezes in place.
Although everything in me wants to leave, I turn slowly around. My grumpy expression deepens when I see Layla’s victorious smile.
She pats the seat next to her and tilts her head, flapping her eyelashes. “Come on. Have a seat. Have a drink with me. Arealdrink.”
I’m about to force myself to join her when Riley stumbles past the bar.
Cordelia sees me and her eyes brighten. “Oh, hey!”
“Goodnight, ladies,” I say with a smile, trying to hide the fact that I’m being blackmailed by my heartless ex-girlfriend.
“Have you been drinking?” Cordelia asks, her eyes darting to the counter.
“No, I just… had business here.”
“Then you should take Riley home.” Cordelia pushes Riley at me as if she’s a ball on the playground.
Riley stumbles, but in three giant strides, I’m there, ready to catch her. Thankfully, Riley keeps her balance, but she seems like she can barely stand on her own.
“Mm, what’s happening?” Riley asks, pushing her hair out of her eyes and squinting at everyone.
Cordelia smiles tipsily. “Riley, Nathan is going to take you home.”
“No, I don’t like Nat. Nat is bad for me.”
I cringe.
“Do you prefer I take you home?” Cordelia asks, looking concerned.
Riley nods but, to my surprise, she wraps her hands around my arm and rests her head on my shoulder. “I don’t want to go with Nat.”
“Okay, then. Come with me.” Cordelia beckons her over.
Riley tightens her hold on me and refuses to let go. I hold my breath as she nuzzles into my shoulder.
“Riley, do you want to go with Nat?” Cordelia asks again.
And again, Riley denies it.
“Then let him go,” Cordelia says patiently.
“No.” Riley hugs me tighter.
“I think she wants to go with Nathan,” Renthrow tells his girlfriend.
Cordelia eyes me. “Nathan, can you…”
