“Yeah,” he boasts smugly.
“How did you win? What was your method? What algorithms did you use?” I’m not as interested in math and statistics as sciences, but maybe underneath his tough exterior, he’s actually intelligent.
“What? No. I just know my players and my team. It’s like they spoke to me.” I sag at his response, deflated by his ego. “Now Ernie. He lost, and I got to choose his punishment. We went to a club, and I made him hook up with the ugliest, fattest bitch I could find.” Disgust at his words overwhelms me. He doubles over laughing at the memory, a hiccupping sound.
When he sits up to face me, I notice for the first time how bleary-eyed he is. This man has definitely had a couple of drinks already. In fact, I’d bet more than a couple.
“That’s…” I can’t even find the words to respond to his nasty words.
“Well, I had to make sure he did it. So, he recorded the whole thing. It’s disgusting.” He makes a choked sound, then stands abruptly. “I need a refill. I’ll get you one too.”
Before I can turn down his offer, he’s gone. And I’m left with an impossible decision. Do I leave right now and escape while he’s not paying attention? Or do I stay and do the polite thing and turn him down to his face?
I’ve been bailed on mid-date, and it doesn’t feel good. But this man is awful. A huge sleazebag. He would deserve it if I snuck out on him. Plus, he’s drunk. And men can be dangerous when they’re offended and inebriated.
Quickly, I gather my purse and slip out of the booth. I sneak my way through the bar. With the door handle in reach, a hand grabs my arm and pulls me against a hard chest.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Chris demands. His grip on me tightens to the point of pain, but I don’t flinch. Instead, I turn around and expertly muster a sincere look.
“I am so sorry, Chris, but my dad just texted me that he’s coming to my house for a surprise visit. I have to leave now to go let him in.” I’m beyond impressed by my lie. I’ve never known my dad, but he doesn’t know that. The lie ensures that Chris won’t follow me home. Because the only thing that can scare a drunk man is another man.
Chris’s eyes sharpen though. “I don’t think you’re telling the truth. I think you’re a lying bitch trying to bail on me while I’m buying you a beer.”
It’s getting hard to breathe. I can barely hear over the blood rushing to my head. Dark memories threaten to surface, but I know I need to stay calm until I can escape.
“Chris, please let go of my arm. I need to go home to my dad.” I soften my tone until I’m practically whispering to him. Feeding into his ego.
His eyes tighten as he inspects me. “When does your dad get to your house? You could stop by my place on your way home.”
Frantically, I glance around the room, begging anyone to intervene. But no one seems to care. None of these men will step in.
Deciding to fight back, I twist my arm until his grip loosens, and he drops me with a hiss. “I’m leaving now. Goodbye, Chris.”
Almost running, I race out the bar and down the sidewalk. But before I can even inhale the cool air, I hear the door slam open behind me.
“Come back here! I wasn’t done with you!” Chris bellows. He’s gaining on me, his heavy footsteps following behind.
And at that exact moment, I feel the two beers hit me. I try to turn into a parking lot, only to wobble, causing me to trip. I manage to stay on my feet, but the second of unbalance costs me dearly.
Chris grips me and pulls me upright. “I don’t think you’re in any position to drive. Tell your dad that you can’t make it. I’m going to take you home with me.”
“NO!” I demand, fighting his grip.
“Shut up, bitch–”
“I believe the woman said no,” a firm but smooth voice cuts off Chris.
As if a figment of my imagination, my neighbor stands behind me in all his glory. From his glasses to his green sweater, he’s just as dreamy as always. I blink a few times, trying to make sense of his presence.
“Mind your own business. She’s drunk–” Chris bites back.
“If the woman is drunk, then I will order her a cab home. She said no, so she will not be going home with you.” The air of authority in his voice sends chills down my spine.
Chris sputters as my neighbor carefully pries his hand from me. Once freed, I immediately step into my neighbor’s personal space. Being bold, I wrap my arm around him and get close. Chris glares at me with a shocked look of betrayal mixed with something dangerous brimming beneath the surface.
“Oh, there’s no need for a cab. You can take me home,” I tell my savior. Then, turning to a red-faced Chris, I explain. “This is my neighbor and running buddy. Don’t worry, he’ll get me home safely.”
My neighbor straightens at the words. I feel his sharp inhale more than hear it. In an instant his arm surrounds me and pulls me closer.
