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Gabriel's gaze cuts to me, and I see the question in his eyes—how does someone like you have a friend and, more so, a friend like this?
I pull Mira's hand back. "Okay, introductions over. I came to get you, Mira. Let’s go, please."
"Why?" Gabriel says with that teasing voice of his as we make to leave, "You don't want your friend to dance with my friend and have a good time? I can assure you that he's harmless. On the other hand, it could be that you've realized this is not your type of scene, and you're in a hurry to get out of the noise."
What did I expect from him?
I want to ignore him like I would anyone else getting on my nerves, but Gabriel doesn't just get on my nerves. He crawls inside my skin.
"I thought he was a friendly dude," Mira whispers.
I snicker loud enough that he can hear me. "Friendly? Don't let the smile fool you. He's a grumpy annoyance."
"And there's someone here who is about to run home so she can get her beauty sleep."
Before thinking it through, I'm already turning and speaking to his face—"Fine, then. Caleb, you want to dance with my best friend, don't you? I know you're responsible, so I'll leave her in your hands.”
She's visiting, so make sure to get her home." He nods. "I need to find the bar and get a drink."
I storm off, not caring if anyone sees me—not that anyone would. The bar is bright enough that I see it from afar. I hurry there, snagging a stool before someone else does.
"Vodka soda with a lime," I demand. "Please."
He nods and makes the drink while I deal with the annoyance making my brain burn. How dare he?
I was willing to be civil when I saw him, and he said, "You." With that scowl on his face, that makes him think he's better than everyone else. Well, I might take it when we're at work, but I'm not going to try and be civil outside the workplace.
"I will crush him like a bug—"
"I'm assuming I'm the unlucky person you want to crush like a bug?"
Speak of the devil, and he appears, sitting next to me.
"What do you want? I am trying to enjoy myself," I immediately pounce. "Tell me you didn’t follow me here just to make more snide comments."
He waves his hand, beckoning to the bartender. "You can rest easy. The only reason I said that was because you were going to ruin the night for both our friends. I didn't want you to do that on my behalf."
On his behalf? This man must have some giant ego issues. I wonder how many people have had to bend to his wishes to make him who he is today.
He doesn't know that his position or status doesn't move me when I've been in circles with men from countries all over the world, with wealth and power.
"I didn't do it on your behalf," I correct him. "I needed Mira to hold my purse while I used the restroom, so I took her hand. I don't know why you think I'd factor you into the equation."
The bartender brings my drink and takes Gabriel's order. I hold my drink and wonder if I down it all here or take it and leave. Without another thought I tip the glass back and let it pour down my throat, realizing too late that the bartender made this one strong and most of it was vodka.
The harshness hits my throat hard, leaving my chest burning and my stomach hot.
"Are you okay?" Gabriel asks.
I push his hand away when he reaches out to touch me. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me I’m a big girl.”
The corner of his lips curls. "Ok, but your eyes are teary, and your cheeks are red. Did you have to drink it all in one go?"
I nod. "Yup. You see," I point at his chest, "the faster I drink it, the quicker I can get away from you."
"It's me you don't want to be around, then. Not that you needed your friend to hold your purse."
The vodka must be hitting me already because my words come freely. I laugh loudly.
