Their table had been taken by another group. Desiree led her closer to the dance floor where a two top had just been vacated. They took their seats and Desiree people-watched, seemingly ignoring Lucky and sulking. She was really good at that.
The guy who’d come up to Lucky earlier appeared with a buddy and asked for a dance. Lucky took a chance and danced with the handsome ranch hand out for a good time while Desiree hung back with the friend. Lucky’s partner tried to get a little handsy, but she backed away enough times for him to get the hint. After a couple of songs, they went back to the table.
Desiree and her guy were sitting close together, chatting and laughing, their chemistry palpable.
Lucky was parched after dancing and downed most of her drink in a few gulps. “God, that’s good.”
Desiree eyed her. “Looks like you were having fun.”
“I’m trying.” She really wished she didn’t have so many hang-ups.
“Let’s hit the ladies.” Desiree slid off her stool. “You boys want to get us another round?”
They enthusiastically agreed and waved for the waitress.
Desiree turned to her. “Finish your drink.”
Lucky took the last sip, knowing she should never leave her drink unattended.
Desiree looped her arm around Lucky’s and they headed across the dance floor to the restroom.
Lucky did her business, then met her friend at the sink where Lucky washed her hands, really feeling the alcohol now.
Desiree didn’t look at her.
“Please don’t be mad about Lincoln. I was only trying to h-help y-you.” She suddenly felt lightheaded and dizzy and leaned into the counter.
Desiree didn’t even look up from her phone as she texted someone. “God, you’re such a lightweight. It’s time to go.”
“I thought we were having a-another r-r-round-d.” Lucky planted her hands on the sink and looked into the mirror, seeing nothing but a blur of lights and her outline. Lucky felt even woozier. “I think I’ve h-had t-too m-much to d-drink. The wine thing was s-stronger than I th-thought. I-I need the restroom.” She turned back to the toilet.
Desiree snagged Lucky around the waist and turned her toward the door. Lucky blanked out, then had a vague sense of the hardwood under her feet moving. Or maybe her feet were. It was hard to tell up from down and in between anymore.
Time disappeared again and she was lying on…a table, looking up at wood beams, her calves and feet dangling off the end, swinging back and forth.
“Finally,” Desiree shouted, rousing her. At least it sounded that way in the quiet room.
“Are you finally going to let me see her?”
Wait. I know that voice.
Panic made her heart stampede in her chest as the ceiling turned into a kaleidoscope of swirling wood beams.
What’s happening?
Why can’t I focus?
What’s wrong with me?
He can’t be here.
I don’t want to see him.
It can’t be him.
Lucky let her head loll to the side. She spotted him by another door, standing in front of Desiree. “W-what’s h-he d-doing here?” She tried to get up, but just fell back down, her heart racing, her limbs numb. She wanted to run. Needed to run. Far and fast and never look back.
Oh god, he’s going to kill me.
