“Empty,” I reply, my voice hoarse. “I feel fucking empty.”
Claire gives me a knowing look. “There’s your answer.”
Several rounds later,the room is spinning. My head has taken on that pleasant, fuzzy feeling where everything is wobbly and soft.
“I think we should call it a night,” Jax says, placing a hand on my shoulder to steady me when I start to sway on my barstool.
“Jus’ one more,” I insist, raising my empty glass.
“Nope. You’re done.” Claire plucks the glass from my hand. “Time to go home, big guy.”
The thought of going back to Jax’s place, to that empty guest room, makes me anxious. Then the back of my neck tingles, and I know where I need to go.
“My place,” I blurt. “Take me to my apartment.”
Jax frowns. “I thought your apartment was getting renovated.”
I shake my head, immediately regretting doing so when my head feels like it’s going to pop like a balloon. “Pretty sure it’s done.”
“You sure you don’t want to stay with me?” Jax asks, concern written all over his face. “You can stay at your place tomorrow.”
“I’m good.”
“Okay,” Jax sighs.
Claire and Lizzy help us out to Jax’s truck. As soon as I’m in the front seat, I promptly slump against the window, the glass cool and soothing against my forehead.
“You’re gonna feel like shit tomorrow,” Jax mutters as he drives.
“Already do,” I mumble.
After we park in front of Skin & Ink, Jax helps me out of the truck and up the stairs.
Fumbling with my keys, I drop them twice before Jax lets out an exasperated sigh and takes them away from me.
The door swings open, and I step inside. Every light is on, and the place looks... good.
Books fill the shelves lining the back wall, and a red throw blanket is lying over the back of a brown leather couch. A 60-inch flat screen sits on top of more bookshelves that are shorter than the others, lined up next to each other to form a makeshift entertainment center.
Framed posters and art hang on the walls. The floors look like they’ve been refinished, and the kitchen has been updated as well.
“Wow,” Jax exclaims. “The place looks good, man.”
Despite my inebriated state, somehow I knew this would all be here.
“Weird,” I mumble, running my hand along the back of the couch. “This is exactly how I imagined it would look.”
“Whoever did the renovation did a great job,” Jax says, looking around appreciatively. “You want me to hang for a bit?”
I shake my head, surprised when the room doesn’t spin as bad as it did before. “Nah, I’m good. Just need to sleep it off.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Thanks for the ride.”
Jax looks skeptical, but heads for the door. “Call me tomorrow.”
“Will do.”
