Текст книги "Slider "

Автор книги: Stacy Borel

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“HEY, ARE YOU ALMOST READY?” Macie hollered at me from the living room.

“Yeah. Give me a sec,” I yelled back.

It was two weeks later, and the girls were all in my living room. Sometime in the last couple of weeks, it had been decided that not only was this a bachelorette party, it was doubling as a slumber party. Because I was the driver for the evening, my house was the obvious choice. Now here I sat, alone in my bedroom, feeling overwhelmed. I’d been having small panic attacks throughout the day that I’ve had to trample back down. I didn’t exactly hate people being in my house, I just didn’t like it. I knew I was being ridiculous and letting my anxiety take control. I’d taken a Xanax about an hour ago and it was just what I needed to settle my frazzled nerves. I looked up in the mirror at my reflection and tried to conjure the girl that I once was—a carefree spirit that loved being spontaneous and wild. What stared back at me was a control freak with eyes too wide, dressed like a grandma going to church. Sighing, I stood up and went out to meet the girls.

There were five of us all together: Keegan, Macie, Jordan, Erin, and me. Jordan and Erin were girls from our L & D floor. They were a lot of fun and were the type to roll with the punches. Erin’s a stocky girl with chestnut brown hair and eyes. Her hair was cut into an adorable little bob and despite being slightly overweight, she had more self-confidence than all of us put together. Jordan was Erin’s polar opposite in looks. She was tall and lanky with long blond hair, similar to Keegan’s. Except where Keegan’s was wavy and thick, Jordan’s seemed thin and fine, and she was a bit more reserved. I, personally, liked both of them and was glad they were able to come. Several other girls had been invited as well, but the party either conflicted with their shifts, or they couldn’t find a sitter for their kids. That’s what I should have done. I should have offered to be the babysitter so I could have avoided tonight all together.

“Alright, hookers, time to make a toast,” Macie said, grabbing a couple of shot glasses and filling them up with grape flavored Vodka. I lifted my glass of water in the air. “To my bestie, Keegan. May she get completely wasted, lose her panties, and kiss a stranger tonight.” They all laughed and cheered, throwing back their drinks.

“Annabelle, is that what you’re wearing?” Erin asked, genuinely intrigued.

I glanced down at my floral print dress. “Yes. Why?”

Jordan and her snickered. “Honey, nobody is going to be looking at you when you have a dress on that goes to your knees, and a neckline that covers every inch of cleavage.”

“Good. I don’t plan on having anybody looking at my legs or cleavage.”

“Why?” Jordan chimed.

I sighed. “Girls, whatever little thoughts you have conjured up in your heads, stop it. I have no intention of finding a man tonight.”

“Such a waste,” Macie said as she tossed back another shot. I had no idea how many she’d had, but she appeared to be happy as a clam.

“Y’all, it’s not a waste. Tonight is about Keegan, not me. Besides, I’m comfortable. So can we get this ball rolling?” I argued.

“I think you need to change into something more . . . comfortable,” Erin said.

“I just said this is comfortable,” I grumbled.

I didn’t like where they were going with this. I watched as all four of them glanced at each other and smiled. They were like a group of she-devils scheming. Whatever they were up to, I wasn’t going to be dragged to the fiery pits of hell with them. I had a plan. This dress was part of my failsafe.

Keegan all of a sudden looked at me and poked out her lip. “Can I dress you into something a little more clubish? Pretty pretty please?”

“Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding me? Sure, sic the bachelorette on me to make me feel guilty. Well, it’s not going to work.” I picked up my purse and crossed my arms.

“Come on. Just this once. I know you have something hiding in the back of your closet that deserves to be aired out,” Keegan said.

“Every girl does. But I don’t want to wear it.”

“Can I at least see it?”

“No.”

“Just let the bride see the dress, then we will go,” Macie demanded.

I sighed. “Fine. I’ll show it to you and then we are leaving. Deal?” I glanced around the room. All four of them made a motion to cross their hearts. I knew better than to trust them.

Thirty minutes later, they had me in the skin tight black number that I kept in the back of my closet. The top of the dress was low with a square neck that pushed my breasts up and made them spill over the material. It had capped sleeves and the length of the dress went to the middle of my thighs. I put on a pair of black pumps and then pulled my hair down, combing it out to give the illusion of soft waves. I held up my hand and drew the line with the make-up. Erin wanted to darken my eyes and add red lipstick, but I refused. Accepting that I wasn’t going to allow them to take their shenanigans any further, they all nodded, finally appeased with the way I looked. I think they assumed I wasn’t confident in myself or that I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. That wasn’t it at all. I knew I had a great body. It’s why I bought the darn dress in the first place. It flattered my every curve. But like most women, I had an outfit that was just for me. Something I kept as a “just in case” but never had an occasion to wear it. I had no doubt I would attract the opposite sex if I wore the dress. I just didn’t want too. Especially not tonight when I had four other people to keep an eye on and out of trouble.

“We are fuckin’ hot!” Macie all but yelled when we stepped out of the house. I would have shushed her if I had neighbors to worry about, but I didn’t. The closest person lived a quarter of a mile up the road.

The girls all giggled and loaded into my car. The ride into downtown Athens didn’t take very long. I may live in the country, but I was on the outskirts of the city. As we arrived, I spotted that they had valet parking. With a quick look around, I knew I’d was never going to find a spot on my own, so I went ahead and pulled up. We all climbed out and I think every male eye turned in our direction as if honing in on a prime cut of steak and their mouths were watering. I gave my keys over to a young man and he handed me a ticket. There was a line that trailed around the building and I almost got giddy. If they saw how long it was going to take to get inside, maybe they’d feel deterred enough to want to go back home. At least I would feel safe and comfortable there and not so out of control. Instead, just as I was about to turn and suggest it, Macie was talking to one of the bouncers at the door. He was eyeing her up and down and she had her hand on his shoulder. Oh no, the look on his face said this wasn’t going to go in my favor. Sure enough, she whistled to get our attention.

“Let’s go girls.” She motioned us inside. The bouncer moved the velvet rope out of the way to let us by. Several people in the line grumbled. I didn’t blame them. I’d like to know what Macie said to convince him to let us in.

As we walked up a few steps, there was a girl with a stamp pad standing in front of a cash register. We paid our cover fees and worked our way into the warehouse. The music behind the closed door was a dull thumping. The base rumbled through the floor to my feet. But that was nothing compared to how it felt when you walked inside. Standing on top of the steps and looking down, I could see everything. Strobe lights flashed in every direction and flickered off and on according to the beat. There was a large DJ booth that sat above the dance floor while several people worked up there. To my right and left were two bars. The establishment was so huge, it didn’t surprise me. The sea of people in here likely required a couple of places to get drinks. Looking into the corners, there was one section that was roped off with very few people occupying the space. It looked like a VIP section. The other corners had cushioned seats that lined the walls.

The girls were bouncing in their heels with excitement. They were ready to head to one of the bars and get something to drink, while I, on the other hand, wanted to hightail it out of there and get into some comfy pajamas and cuddle with Chaz. There were too many people here. What if we somehow got split up? What if someone slipped one of the girls a Roofie and I didn’t see it? What if one of them decided to go home with some random strange guy and they drove drunk? The Xanax I’d popped earlier was doing nothing to my overly shot nerves. This crowded cesspool was a nightmare. I hadn’t really planned on being surrounded by this many people. When I googled the Warehouse, it showed photos, but none of them displayed this many people. This was madness. As we started to step down, I grabbed Keegan’s hand. She linked hands with Macie and Macie did the same to the other girls. We formed a chain as I led them through open patches when the crowds would break apart. As soon as I reached the bar, the rest of them circled around me.

“Alright, what do you all want?” I asked.

“I say we do a shot together. Lemon Drops, y’all down?” Erin yelled over the music.

“Yes!” Keegan stated. “Why don’t you do one with us, Annabelle. It will help loosen you up.”

I shot her a look. She knew most of my issues, and I had a feeling I wasn’t hiding my mood very well with her. Not wanting to dampen her evening, I agreed to take one shot. It was her night, and frankly one little drink wasn’t going to cause me to lose my inhibitions. Jordan squeezed her slight frame in between several people squished together at the bar, and placed our order. Once the drinks were made and we all held one in our hands, Keegan grinned at me, letting me know I had made her happy. She knew I wasn’t going to get trashed tonight, but she liked seeing me let loose.

This time, Keegan stepped up and said, “My turn to toast.” We raised our glasses. “To good friends, lasting relationships, hot future husbands, and a lifetime of love.” Clinking glasses, I was just about to tip my head back when something . . . or should I say, someone caught my eye. The other girls had yet to notice me staring, but it didn’t take long for Macie to catch my line of vision.

“Well, what are the odds? Looks like a Brooks brother can be found in every little corner of this God forsaken town,” she said with clear disdain.

Jordan, Erin, and Keegan all turned their heads to see what she was glowering at. About twenty feet away stood a very tall, and exceptionally well dressed, Turner. He was wearing black slacks and a slate gray button down shirt. His eyes were looking down at the woman in front of him that was all but dry humping his leg as she danced. Personally, I wouldn’t call it dancing, it looked more like she was convulsing while standing upright. His features were smooth as I took in the square line of his jaw, and the way he absently nodded at her. He wasn’t listening to a word she was saying. Couldn’t she see his blank expression? Despite my disinterest, I felt a pull, preventing me from taking my eyes off of him. Like an invisible tether that drew me closer even though my feet never left the spot they were standing in.

“Oh look . . . another one.” Macie’s disgust was palpable. For whatever reason, she wasn’t a fan of the four brothers that everyone in this town seemed to know, or want to have some part of. We all stood and watched as two more barely dressed women approached. “It’s like flies on shit. They just can’t get enough of it.”

Erin busted out laughing. “Girl, I know you didn’t just refer to that man as shit. He is anything but. I’ve seen him around the hospital and I’ll tell ya right now, if I ever had a chance with that man, I sure as hell wouldn’t say no.”

I glanced at her, as a pang of jealously shot through me. Oh, I just bet you would. I silently thought. I bet every woman in this bar would take a ride on the “Dr. Turner Brooks train.” Everybody but me, that is. Just as the thought came and went, he lifted his head. Ice blue eyes that almost seemed to glow in the flashing strobe lights zeroed in on mine and everything around me stopped. I heard no music, I saw no woman grinding on him. In fact, I didn’t even see people. In those short seconds before Keegan stole my attention, it seemed as if I were standing alone in a room with Turner and I was seeing him for the first time after seven and a half months. But who’s counting? He held me there, unmoving and unable to turn away. What happened to my indifference? There certainly was something about him, wasn’t there. Tilting my head to the side, I watched him as his eyes stayed glued to mine. I wish I understood men more. I wonder what he’s thinking, I thought curiously.

“Earth to Annabelle.” Keegan spoke loudly into my ear. I cut the invisible line that entranced me and looked over to her. “I’m going to go say hi. Do you want to come with?”

Of course she would want to say hi. It was her future brother in law. I thought about it but decided to remain where I was. “No, I’m good. I think I’ll keep an eye on Macie.” It may have been an excuse, but at least it was a believable one.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” She pushed her way through the crowd and approached Turner.

I watched their interaction from where I stood. She hugged him lovingly, and he responded back with a smile that was actually real. Not like the ones I saw him give the people around him that vied for his attention. He kept his hand on her lower back as he spoke closely to her ear. Their conversation seemed easy and not forced. I wondered how well Keegan actually knew Turner. Did they hang out on the weekends? Did they chat outside of family gatherings? I’d grown curious about him as the months passed. Not enough to go talk to him, obviously. But I did find myself occasionally thinking about him. What was it that drew so many to him? Money could certainly be one reason, but I knew in his case it was more than that. The Brooks brothers were a force to be reckoned with. I suppose I never really paid enough attention, but now when I heard their names, I perked up and listened. Women were dying to get their hands on them, and others mourned the loss of Camden to the single world as if he had died. It really did make me want to roll my eyes. But it also plagued me with intrigue.

Just as I was about to pry my inquisitive eyes away from Turner, Keegan pointed in the direction I was standing. Oh for the love of God, I wanted to hide. What was she doing? I started to twist around to look at the other three girls. Maybe she was pointing at them. But then I saw a small tilt of Turner’s mouth rise. There was no denying that he was looking directly at me. He gave me one sharp nod and then looked down at Keegan without waiting for me to nod back. That small acknowledgement was enough to cause a case of butterflies to rise up in my tummy.

Feeling frustrated by my reaction, I decided to make my way over to the others to see if they could distract me. Macie was hanging all over some guy that looked like he just came from the beach and . . . oh my God is he really wearing a Hawaiian shirt? Ugh, she must be really trashed if she thought this one was a winner. As I approached Erin and Jordan they grinned at me and asked if I was having a good time. I gave them an overly enthusiastic thumbs up. They must have either believed me or didn’t know me well enough to realize I was feeling out of place. I awkwardly stood with the three of them and the beach bum for about ten minutes when I felt a light tapping on my shoulder. I twisted around and saw a cute waitress with a tray in her hand a vibrant blue drink sitting in the middle of it.

She picked the glass up and handed it to me. “Compliments of the gentleman.” She pointed in the direction of Turner.

Keegan was nowhere around him. I didn’t give any thought to where she could have run off too. Instead I found myself watching him as he eyed me from across the room. I tentatively took the glass from her hand and didn’t bother saying thank you before she walked away. I watched with a raised brow as Turner lifted his own drink in the air as if to toast to me, then sipped it with a smile. I felt irritated that he was presumptuous enough to have a drink sent over to me. Only overly cocky men did this kind of crap. When he brought his glass away from his mouth, he regarded me, waiting for me to take a drink of my own. I had two choices. I could down the drink and try to act smooth and unfazed. Or I could hand it over to one of the girls, giving him the brush off, and try to ignore him for the rest of the night. Option two seemed appealing, however the shot I’d taken from earlier mixed with the Xanax was making me feel a little braver than normal. Option one it was. The ice clinked in the glass as I brought it up to my lips. Taking a small sip, a cold citrus flavor washed down my throat, bathing my tongue in a delicious tropical mix. Mmm, it was good. Damn it! Maybe if I drank it slowly enough, the ice would melt and dilute it. I already had that warm sensation your legs get when you know the alcohol is doing its job. I took another sip of the little blue cocktail and decided I liked it.

I didn’t want to down the drink too quickly. Not just because I needed to keep my wits about me, but also because I wanted to savor it. There were a dozen women in this room that would fall over backwards if Turner gave them the slightest bit of attention, and for whatever reason, he was giving it to me. I knew the reality of the situation. I was a challenge. I’d turned him down. I was like Mount Everest and he saw me as something to conquer. Men loved a good game. It didn’t matter though. I wasn’t the hungry, little fish ready to devour the worm. If he thought I was, he was in the wrong damn pond. So I’d take his drink, allow the delectable flavor to wash through me, and I’d go about my business. Meeting his stare, I tipped my head in thanks, then turned away. I refused to give him any other acknowledgement.

Funny how that was my resolve, but over the course of the next half hour, I’d swallowed the last drop and I found myself dancing in a sea of people I didn’t know. GDFR was playing entirely too loud and sweaty bodies were bumping into mine. I didn’t mind though. I was in my own little world. The heat and the alcohol burning in my veins made for a concoction that had me swaying my hips. I felt amazing. And damn it if Macie didn’t do good when she made me change into this dress. I was feeling sexy and confident.

“Keep it up, Annabelle, and I’ll be taking you out of here and somewhere more private where not every male eye is on you,” a deep voice near my ear hissed.

Twisting around to see who it was, I was slightly unbalanced. A strong hand gripped my upper arm and prevented me from falling over. Turner was gazing down at me with heat in his eyes. Those baby blues looked straight down at my exposed chest. Honestly, I’d lost track of where Turner was in the crowd and was only concerned with feeling good in the moment. Seeing him this close, and feeling him touching me startled me.

“Excuse me?” I tried to sound stern but it just came out breathy.

He clenched his jaw and his eyes roamed my barely covered body. “You heard me. You’ve only had two drinks since you’ve been here. Did you drink before you came?”

I jerked my head back and tried to regain my footing so I wasn’t leaning into his hand. “No. And how do you know I’ve had two drinks? You only sent me one.”

“I saw when you came in.”

“Really?” I said with mild irritation.

“Yes.”

Hmmm, what does one say to that? I was slightly overjoyed that he noticed when I came in. With all the attention he’d been getting it’s a wonder he even saw past the swarm of . . . what did Macie call them? Oh yes, flies.

I pulled my arm out of his hand and stood as tall as I could. “Well, thank you for your concern, but I’m fine. Just enjoying the music.”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “I can see that.”

“Is that a problem?”

“It is when you’re dre . . .” Turner wasn’t able to finish his sentence before a blonde with long wild curls stepped in front of me as if I wasn’t standing there.

“Hey there, handsome. What’s a guy like you doing all alone?”

He looked at her as if she was a nuisance he would shoo away. “Actually, I wasn’t alone.”

She smiled up him with wonder in her eyes. Turner was apparently the answer to her loneliness for the night. Did she even hear what he just said? By the way she was inching closer, I’d say no. It didn’t take long before another blonde approached but didn’t say anything. I didn’t understand how these women couldn’t read his expressions. His face was puckered, like he’d just bit into a sour lemon.

Lifting her glass, the presumptuous one said, “I’m running a little low. Mind buying both of us a drink?”

My mouth dropped open. Turner gave her a slight head shake. “Nah, I’m good thanks.”

Well, at least he was being polite.

“Awe, c’mon. Maybe it’ll loosen you up enough to dance.”

“I don’t dance.”

The one who’d remained quiet up until this point piped in, “Everybody dances with enough liquid courage.” Her smile looked like it came straight from a temptress in hell.

He wasn’t backing down. “Not happening.”

Poking my head around the mess of curls from the first woman, their temporary distraction gave me enough time to absorb the sheer beauty of Turner. Standing this close, he had the most perfect shadowing of facial hair I’d ever seen. It was a darker color which complimented the sandy blonde hair he’d styled. Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I swear I could smell him. It was something I’d never smelled before. Definitely some sort of aftershave, which was weird because he clearly hadn’t shaved, but not a cologne my nose was recognizing.

Interesting.

“Run along girls, he’s not interested,” I stated in an overly bold manner, getting them to realize I was there.

One with wild curls turned and sneered at me. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I was never one to cause a scene, but my annoyance had reached its peak.

The other blonde had the nerve to laugh. “Wow, since when did Warehouse let uptight bitches in?”

I could sense the tension flowing off of Turner and he was about to step in. No sir, this chick was making it personal now. “Probably about the same time they let easy bitches, with bad roots in. Now run along, I’m sure there are a dozen other men who are desperate enough take you ladies home tonight.” I leaned forward, just to push my point. “Make sure they have their beer goggles on. Between you and me, you’re both prettier from far away.”

I was certain that last comment was going to earn me a slap or hair pull. Fortunately for me, Turner chose that moment to step in front of me, momentarily blocking my view.

“I think y’all are done here,” he stated firmly.

If looks could kill, I’m sure both he and I would be a melted puddle on the ground the way their laser eyes were shooting beams at us. Of course, that could have just been the strobe lights that suddenly shifted to all red. Or maybe the alcohol really was getting to me.

When they walked away with their dignity tucked between their legs, Turner had a very amused expression plastered on his face. “A little possessive don’t you think?”

“No idea what you’re talking about.”

A deep chuckle bubbled up his throat. “You might as well have hiked up your leg and marked me.”

Okay, that pissed me off. Even through my nice little buzz I had going on, he wasn’t going to throw around those kind of assumptions. “No, not even. I just don’t like presumptuous women that think they can march around flashing their assets and can get whatever they want.” I then added for good measure, “And I hate men that fall for it, even more.”

I was glaring at him, but it wasn’t even phasing him. His amused appearance remained. Before he could come back with something that I knew would cause me to give him a tongue lashing, Keegan came bouncing up to my side.

“There you are! I was wondering where you went.” She sounded out of breath, but she looked at Turner out of the corner of her eye.

I faked a smile. “Here I am.”

“What are you doing out here by yourself?” she asked.

I gestured to her brother in law. “I’m not by myself.”

Her smirk indicated she knew exactly why I was out here with Turner.

“I liked the song that came on, so I came out to do a little dancing.”

Her head tilted to the side. “Mhmm. And you dance?”

“Of course.” I twisted my hands together. “It just takes a bit for me to get comfortable.”

“Or a fruity cocktail.” Turner piped in.

Clever man. I bit my lip to hide my smile. I may find him slightly annoying, but his sassy comebacks were entertaining me.

Keegan’s eyes darted between Turner and me. “Uh, am I missing something?”

I shrugged. Turner put his arm around Keegan. “How about I buy you a drink, Beautiful.” He changed the subject.

“I could certainly use another one,” she said emphatically. Although I could tell she was three sheets to the wind and probably teetering on waking up with a killer hang over in the morning.

Turner flagged down a waitress. He handed her his credit card and said, “She’s closing out her tab, put all their drinks on this.”

I could have sworn she said she wanted another one. What was he doing?

Keegan placed a hand on his shoulder and got up on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek. “You’re sweet, Turner, but you didn’t have to do that.” Turner saw she’d reached her limit as well, and she was too drunk to even notice he didn’t buy her another.

Peering down at her endearingly he said, “If my brother just saw you do that, he’d have my ass, you know that right?”

She laughed. “Yep. But he’s not here, so it’s fine.”

He shook his head. “Alright, so enough sweet talk. I think it’s time to get your girls home.”

“Oh it’s okay, Annabelle is the designated driver tonight.”

At least I had the sense to look guilty. Turner cocked his head to the side watching me. “Hmmm, well, that might be a problem.”

Keegan’s glassy eyes were trying to focus on me. “Why’s that?”

“I may have pushed her over her limit,” he admitted.

“Hey, I’m a big girl, I could have refused the drink.”

He raised his brow. “You wouldn’t have.”

“Awfully sure of yourself.”

“Maybe, but I know women, Annabelle.”

His arrogant remark washed over me, reminding me just who he was, and what his last name was. The fun little charade was over, and I needed to remember that I wasn’t interested. Based on how he sank down into his shoes, I think he realized his comment may have come across more crass than he’d intended.

Too late.

“I think it’s time for that ride home now.” The coldness of my voice was heard loud and clear. He effectively categorized me with every other woman in here that had approached him throughout the night. I was ready for my pajamas and my bed.

I walked away from Turner and Keegan and went to the other girls who were now doing body shots off a girl that was lying across the bar. I told them we were wrapping up our night. The bride was done and needed to get some sleep. They bitched and moaned about it, but I refused to leave them here, and wasn’t going to stick around this place any longer than I had too. I’d taken one for the team, and then some. I’d fulfilled my bridesmaid duties and partied hard, but I was done.

When I stepped outside for some fresh air, Turner was following behind with a very inebriated Keegan. He leaned her up against a brick wall and told me he was going to get his truck. Glancing around at my surroundings, we were the only ones on this side of the building. The air was thick with humidity, and after being in an overcrowded room, the temperature felt about the same. I should have asked the bartender for a bottle of water before I left. Leaning against the warm stone, I reached over and brushed Keegan’s hair out of her face.

“You doing okay?”

“Yep.” She hiccupped.

I laughed at my friend. Despite how my night was closing, I was glad I had her, and that she asked me to come. I didn’t question though, that Camden would have had all of our asses if he saw her like this. The door that we’d just came out of flew open and a loud Macie, Erin, and Jordan all filed out with a couple of male tagalongs trailing. Oh if they thought they were all coming to my house, they would be sadly mistaken. Macie was about to dive into a heavy make out session with Surfer Boy, while the other man was sizing up which one of the other two girls would be a for sure deal for him. He was leaning toward Jordan when a black Escalade pulled up to the curb. Turner got out, and rounded the front of his vehicle.

“Ladies,” Turner stated, but was looking right at the one about to devour Macie.

She stopped what she was about to do and childishly stuck her tongue out at him. “Party pooper.” Clearly she heard the warning.

Rolling his eyes, Turner scolded, “Get in the car, Macie. I have a feeling my brother would rearrange that kid’s face if he saw what you were about to do. So don’t make me do it for him.”

“No fun.” She slapped his butt as she passed Turner, opening the back door, and falling inside.

The other two girls piled in, while Turner went straight for Keegan. He took her by her elbow and kept her balanced as he gently assisted her into the backseat. Looking around, I realized there was only room left for me up front with him. I really should have drank more. The two guys threw out a couple not so friendly words toward Turner before they disappeared back into the building. I stared straight ahead as he got into the driver’s side and we began moving forward.

“I’m going to need you to direct me. I don’t know where I’m going.”

I nodded, knowing he saw. I should have thought ahead and just called a cab. I didn’t like that Turner would know where I lived. I’m sure he wouldn’t just show up uninvited, but it still was an uncomfortable feeling.

“Go past the hospital and take your first right.”

The girls in the back were all giggling and talking about their night. I was glad they all had a good time, but I knew come morning, I’d be passing out aspirin like it was candy and bottles of water. One of the many reasons I didn’t care to go out and party. Clearly my buzz was gone.