My stomach repels the vodka I drank at Gwen’s house when we were getting ready, and the wine coolers I inhaled after I got here. Warm hands hold my hair back as I expel the contents of my stomach in a wave of gross projectiles. It feels like I’m spewing my entire insides as it just keeps coming, and it’s so disgusting. I am never drinking alcohol again. Sweat beads on my brow and rolls down my spine as I continue retching. I’m too sick to feel shame, but I know it’s waiting in the wings.
“Shit, babe.” Renee kneels beside me. “What can I do?”
“I’ve got her,” Callan says in a gruff voice. “Maybe just find her something to wear, yeah?”
“Oh my gawd, Azzie.” I wince as I continue retching, Gwen’s screech pummeling my sore head. “What the hell happened?”
I’d like to know that too.
“Everyone needs to get out,” Callan says, taking charge. “Give her some space.”
“Where is Joe?” Gwen asks, and my stomach churns into knots as it starts coming back to me.
Drinking as I changed into the minuscule costume Gwen got me for Halloween, because it was the only way I had the courage to come out looking like this. Continuing to drink as Gwen drove my car here. She didn’t touch a drop, promising to be my designated driver tonight. Stewing in anger, remembering Callan kissing Ana and agreeing with my bestie that I needed to make him pay.
Using Joe to do that is where the plan came unhinged. I didn’t even have to do anything. As soon as he saw me, he was all over me, dragging me onto his lap, kissing my neck, grabbing my ass, and staring at my boobs while telling me how much he loved me and wanted me. When he kissed me, I wanted to tell him to stop because his lips were all wrong, and I realized I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to kiss anyone else. But I was too drunk, and the words didn’t come out right. I vaguely remember him asking if I wanted to go upstairs, but that’s where my memory ends.
I have no clue how I got into this bedroom or how Callan ended up in here.
“Hemsworth is getting what’s coming to him,” Callan supplies as my stomach finally settles and I stop retching. Renee is gone, leaving Gwen and Callan in the bathroom with me.
“Sounds fair,” Gwen says. “I should go make sure they’re not killing him.” She crouches down over me. “I’ll get Renee to comeback. Don’t forgive him, babe,” she whispers. “Remember how he was all over Ana earlier.”
“I wasn’t,” Callan grits out, and I guess Gwen isn’t being as quiet as she thinks. “Shewas all over me.” With gentle fingers, he turns my head so I’m looking at him. Sincerity bleeds from his eyes and his tone. “What you saw was her throwing herself at me and kissing me without invitation or permission. I pushed her away, but I’m guessing you didn’t see that before you drove off.”
Gwen purses her lips, and it’s clear from her expression she’s not buying it. I’m not sure I’m buying it either, but my head is as fucked as my stomach, and I don’t have the energy to think about it right now. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep for eternity.
“I’ll get Renee,” Gwen says, straightening up.
“I’m here,” Renee appears in the doorway, holding a bundle of clothes. Thor stands behind her, and I see Scott hovering behind him.
“Let’s get you up,” Callan says, bending down. “Can I lift you?”
I should say no, but I’m nodding instead. Notes of sandalwood and orange hit the back of my nose as he scoops me into his arms. Heat surrounds me as he cradles me in his embrace, and all the hurt and pain return like a punch in the gut. My skull is pounding, my temples throbbing, and my stomach wobbles, empty but still sensitive. At least I feel more sober, but with that clearness comes a heap of shame and guilt. What was I thinking tonight? I should’ve just stayed home like I planned. Then none of this would’ve happened.
“Can you stay with her?” Gwen asks Renee as Callan walks toward the bed.
I feel his scowl before it appears on his face.
“I’ve got our girl,” Renee confirms.
“Are you okay?” Scott asks as Callan gently places me on the bed.
“No, but I’ll be okay once the alcohol haze fades.”
“We were worried.” He smiles at me, and Callan’s scowl turns into a full-blown glower. Not sure why he’s pissed at my best friend’s boyfriend. It’s not like he had anything to do with this.
“I’ll check on you in a bit,” Gwen says, tugging on Scott’s arm. She blows me a kiss. “Try to behave while I’m gone.” She waggles her brows before wiggling her fingers at me, and then they exit the room.
Thor closes the door after them, approaching with a bottle of water. He hands it to me. “Drink this. It’ll help.”
“We should get you out of those clothes.” Renee grimaces as she runs her eyes over the puke splatters on what I assume is Thor’s black shirt. “You two go get coffee.” She waves her hands at Thor and Callan.
“I’m not leaving her.” Callan crosses his arms, looking ready to dig his heels in.
I’d really love to know where he came from and whether what he said is true.
“You don’t get a choice, Callan.” Renee squares off with him. “You gave up that right when you broke things off with Astrid.”
