Her voice is low and soft. I feel my hair get swept away from the inside of the toilet. She gathers it up and tucks it down the back of the t-shirt I’m wearing. It’s not mine.
Throwing up some more, I groan pitifully. A warm sensation caresses my back. It’s Eden’s hand. She’s rubbing slow big circles, and it’s really comforting.
“It’s alright. I think you’re nearly done. You’ll feel better with it out of your stomach.”
I’d feel better if I could somehow make the past twelve hours disappear or reset. Then I wouldn’t have to turn around and see the look on Eden’s face. I can’t imagine she’s impressed.
The state I’m in is one of the many reasons she doesn’t like parties. How could I possibly ask her out now?
“Can you stand up?”
Using the back of my hand to wipe my mouth, I nod. The movement doesn’t have me scrambling to vomit again, so that’s progress.
My limbs feel shaky as I cling to Eden’s outstretched hand. Her other hand is still on my back, soothing my clammy skin.
“Want to get back in bed? It’s still early and I think a bit more sleep would help.”
She’s right, it is still early. The sun is barely over the horizon. Without a word, I start my way back to the bed with Eden at my side. She’s practically propping me up. I swear to God I won’t touch a drop of alcohol for the rest of the year.
I moan as I slip back into bed. The softness of the mattress feels so good. My head sinks into the pillow and I can already feel myself drifting off.
The bed dips. Opening my eyes slightly, I watch Eden gently maneuver herself under the covers. She was wearing pants, which both thrills me and disappoints at the same time.
Maybe a drunk fumble was my only shot with her. Then again, I would probably drop out of high school and run away if that’s what happened. Eden isn’t someone to have a quickie with. She’s long-term goals. Well, for me anyway.
The heat of her body has me feeling dizzy. I never knew the closeness of another person could make me feel like this. It’s electrifying yet calming.
“Try to sleep, Sloane,” she says softly.
My eyes lock on hers. This could’ve been the moment. If I didn’t have vomit breath and a raging headache, this could’ve been the time I made my move.
Sofuckingangry at myself.
“Hey,” she says, and I feel her run a thumb over my pinched brow. “Stop worrying. Just rest.”
Another pass with her thumb, then another. Wow, it’s super relaxing. I can feel my headache receding slightly with every stroke of her soft hand.
When my eyes open again, the sun is much higher in the sky and I’m alone in bed. I feel so much better for getting a little more sleep. My abs hurt from retching earlier, but that’s my punishment for being so stupid. The spot where Eden slept is still warm. I’m kind of grateful she’s not here. It gives me a little time to compose myself.
Or not.
The bedroom door opens, and Eden steps through it wearing one of Bryce’s t-shirts. It has to be his because no one else I know loves Elmo like he does. He doesn’t give ashit that he’s nearly eighteen and still loves a children’s TV character, and I applaud him for it.
She’s carrying a tray and wearing a smile. She’s so pretty.
“Morning. Feeling any better?”
My face heats, but I try to push past it. The damage is done now. “Yeah, a little.”
“Good. Let’s get some sustenance in you.”
Setting the tray next to me, I spot a mug of coffee, a plate with a sandwich, and a plate of scrambled eggs on it.
“I went the traditional English way of soaking up a hangover. Grease!”
My stomach revolts a little at the thought.
Eden laughs. She must have seen my face go green. “I know it’s probably the last thing you want, but trust me: a greasy bacon and sausage sandwich with ketchup will cure you. I added my secret ingredient too.”
