So, I’m careful not to move, but now I’m awake.As gently and slowly as I can, I open one eyelid, but just halfway.A hotel suite comes into view, lit up by sunlight blasting through the open curtains.
“I hate sunshine,” I try to say, but my throat is too dry and the words come out strangled and hoarse.I need water and ibuprofen.I need my stomach pumped.Or maybe a time machine to go back and tell myself not to drink like an idiot teenager.
I moan in agony and shut my eye again.
That’s much better, but I still need water.The alcohol has sucked all the moisture out of my body like a Shop-Vac.The roof of my mouth feels like sandpaper.
“Shut up.I’m trying to sleep.”
The voice comes from behind me.I’d know that voice anywhere.It’s Summer.
Oh, that’s right.She was also drinking last night.We were drinking together.
And we had such a great time!Until something happened.What was it that happened?
Oh no.
Did I kiss her?How could I do that to her?I crossed a line that can’t be uncrossed.She’s going to hate me forever.I’m surprised she didn’t stab me while I was sleeping.
Turning my face into the pillow, I moan again.
“I’m trying to sleep!”
I think Summer intended to yell her complaint, but it came out as a croak.Oh, that’s right.She got completely falling-down sloshed last night.It’s a good thing I was there to keep her from doing anything stupid.
“What the hell, MacLaine?”she squeaks.
The mattress bounces up and down, which is not good for the gut.
Hold up.
She’s in my bed?
“Why am I naked?”she asks.
“What the fuck?”I bolt upright, blankets flying.
Ignoring the stabbing pain in my head, I see Summer clutching the duvet to her chest.She’s covering herself, but I still see the elegant curve of her back and the top of her ass and thighs.She’s right.She’s naked.
She’s beautiful.
Keeping one hand clutched to the duvet, she cups the other over her eyes.“Declan!Put something on.Look at yourself, dude!”
I look down.I’m naked, too.I pull some of the duvet to cover my important bits.“What the fuck, Summer?Why am I naked?Why are you naked?Why are you in my bed?”
She’s still covering her eyes.“Please stop yelling.Your voice is cracking my skull like an egg.”
“You can open your eyes.I’m covered.”
She opens her eyes.
Then, she slowly turns.She looks at me.
And I look at her.
We stay like this for a long time.
Areallylong time.
