A little concerned by how drunk she looks, I ask, “Is everything okay?”
“It’s all good.” She nods toward her company. “Nick has been entertaining me.”
So far, I’ve ignored the guy, but now, I don’t have any choice but to greet him. “Hey, Nick.”
His gaze drops to my hand on Riley’s waist then climbs back to my face.
“It’s been a while,” I say, ignoring the way he scrutinizes us. “How have you been?”
“You two know each other?” she asks, glancing between us, a deep crease between her eyebrows.
“Yeah,” I confirm.
He rubs the back of his neck. “I didn’t knowyou twoknew each other, but yeah, Hayden and I have met on several occasions. If I’d known, I would’ve mentioned it.” A sheepish smile crosses his face. “I kept it to myself because I wanted to make a good first impression and not sound like a clout-chasing asshole.”
She shifts to face him, and the move causes my hand to slip from her hip. “You certainly made a good impression.”
The fuck?
“I’m glad to hear it,” he murmurs, eyes glued to hers.
He’s glad to hear it? I am not. Frustration bubbles in my gut, but I slip my hands deep into my pockets and clamp my mouth shut. Fuck, am I jealous. Not that I can act on it. I already ruined one fun night for her. I don’t want to repeat my mistakes.
“I should probably leave you two alone?” Why am I asking? It shouldn’t have been a question.
She surveys me, but her attention quickly snags on something over my shoulder. “I’m sure your fans would appreciate more time with their favorite celebrity.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Probably. If you need me, I’ll be around.” I take one step back, then another.
Before I turn on my heel, Nick calls my name, halting me.
“I’m sorry about what happened to Owen,” he says. “My condolences to you and his family. He was a very talented guy, gone way too soon.”
My heart thuds painfully against my rib cage, and the live music turns into white noise. Hands trembling, I shove them into my pockets again. His words are genuine, but they land like a punch to my gut. So far, tonight has been a nice little break from my grief and my depression, and then, with a few simple words, he single-handedly tossed me back into the ocean of sorrow and regret. Not on purpose, but still…
“Thanks,” I mutter. “I better go.” With that, I whip around and beeline toward the restrooms.
For several minutes, I stare into the mirror, studying my reflection as if it will change now that the pits of my own hell have been opened again. I quietly count to a hundred. I want to go home, but Riley’s having a good time, and I can’t fail her again.
“Suck it up, dude,” I hiss at my reflection. “Stop being such a buzzkill. Let the girl enjoy herself. She doesn’t deserve to be dragged into your mess.”
When my fingers finally stop trembling, I head back out into the chaos. Breaths sawing in and out of my lungs, I make my way back to the bar. Halfway there, I find Riley, but this time, she’s alone. I come to an abrupt stop and assess her. She’s facing away from the bar, her posture tense.
Before I can make my feet move again, she sees me and strides my way.
“Ready to go home?” she asks.
I slide a hand down my face, confused. “Are you? I thought you wanted to stay.”
She shrugs. “Not in the mood anymore.”
Something must’ve happened while I was in the restroom, but I’m honestly too eager to get out of here to ask.
Without another word, I lace my fingers with hers and pull her toward the exit. She follows me easily, her hand comically small inmine. TJ claps me on my shoulder as we pass, shouting his appreciation. I wave but don’t slow down, too desperate for fresh air.
Thank fuck I asked Wyatt to drive us tonight. My thoughts are too chaotic to allow me to think straight. Once we’re settled in the back seat, I turn to Riley. “What happened with Nick?”
She lifts one shoulder. “Nothing.”
