Page 21 of Rush

“Speaking of bars,” Missy says, obviously unaware of the tension between us, “we’re going to check out this new club tonight. Ares got VIP tickets. You should come with us.”

Shit.

“Oh. Um…”

“If you don’t have plans already, that is.”

I could say I have plans. I should say that. But I don’t want to lie to Missy. She’s being so nice to me. And it’s not like Ares won’t tell her anyway after we’ve left here.

Honestly, I’m half-expecting him to say it now and beat me to it.

But I won’t give him the satisfaction.

I am who I am, and I shouldn’t be ashamed of that.

I’m sober now, and that’s what matters.

I look up at Missy and try to smile, but I’m not sure that I pull it off. “Bars aren’t my scene anymore. I’m in recovery. Six months sober. But I really do appreciate you inviting me.”

“Oh,” she says, her bright eyes dimming a little as they move to Ares, who’s surprisingly staring at me.

When she looks back to me, the expression on her brow…it’s like she’s just figured something out.

That I’m a mess. A loser. And definitely not the kind of person she wants to befriend.

Oh well. It was nice while it lasted.

“That’s amazing, Ari. Not the drinking problem, of course.” She slaps a hand to her head. “Sorry. That came out sounding wrong. I meant, you being sober. That’s a big deal. You should be really proud of yourself.”

Warmth glows in my chest. The only other person who’s said that to me is Luke.

“I am.” I smile.

I don’t look at Ares, but I can practically feel him burning holes into my head with his fire eyes.

“Have you celebrated the milestone?” she asks me.

“Um…no. Well, Luke, my sponsor, brought in a cupcake for me when I received my six-month chip, so there was that.”

“Okay, so we’re totally doing something. Oh, I know! We should go to the movies. Have you seen The Greatest Showman?”

I shake my head.

“Me either, but I’ve heard it’s amazing.”

“Honestly, you don’t have to change your plans on my account.”

“She’s right. Listen to her,” Ares says low.

Missy gives him a dirty look. “It’s just a club. It’s not going anywhere. You can use the tickets anytime, right?”

He folds his arms. “It’s not the point.”

“It’s totally the point. But, if it bothers you so much, you still go. Ari and I will go to the movies together.”

His eyes flash to me, a look of distrust in them. Then, he heaves out a sigh. “Fine. We’ll go to the movies.”

He doesn’t trust me with his sister.