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I need to get out of the house.
With quick steps, I make my way into my room and pull on a pretty, loose dress before grabbing my keys, purse, and phone. I don't know where I'm going, but I don't care. I just need to clear my head and get out of my house.
I rush out to my car and drive aimlessly without a destination. I turn on the radio and listen to some upbeat pop music about love. I try to relax, but I can't stop thinking about Clifton, wondering what he's doing. This is silly - I'm acting like some lovesick little girl experiencing her first heartbreak.
I finally stop at a little bar that serves food and decide that I can take an UBER home. Maybe a drink will make me feel better. I head inside, feeling the pulsing music all the way down to my bones. The place is full of mostly young and attractive people, some dancing, others flirting, still others drinking. In one corner, a couple of guys are playing some kind of drinking game, and I wonder if I stumbled in on someone’s birthday party or something. As I take a seat at the bar I feel out of place, but I don't care.
The bartender comes by, his gaze on me.
“Something strong,” I say.
He nods, setting up some shots for me as I slip cash across the counter to him. Without worry, I take the first shot and give my body a moment as the fiery liquid burns all the way down my throat to my belly. When was the last time I ate?
Almost instantly, I feel warm. I down another shot. Then another. The world begins to tilt and spin, and I shake my head as a welcome numbness fills me.
I glance over as a handsome, dark-haired guy drops into the seat beside me.
“I'd ask to buy you another, but I'm not sure that's a good idea.” He says the words with a devilish grin, and I nod. He's not wrong.
“Are you running from something or someone?” He doesn't sound concerned. Just curious.
What do I have to lose by telling him the truth? Then again, I kind of just want to have fun and forget about everything. I lean in close to the guy. “Actually, I'm totally on the run from the cops right now.” I press my finger to my lips and he laughs.
“Cute and funny, you’re dangerous. I’m Jacks.” He offers his hand and I shake.
“Emma.”
“Cute name. What do you do for a living, Emma?”
“Why, you looking for a sugar momma?” I ask.
He laughs again. “No, it just seems like a good icebreaker.”
“I am... a librarian.” If the guy doesn't get the reference, he's not the guy for me.
“I love that,” he says. “Have you come here before?”
I shake my head no.
“Do you want to dance?”
A glance at him and hesitate. I don't want to dance. But I don't really want to talk either. “I think I've had a couple too many for that,” I say instead.
“And you’re honest. Triple threat lady.” He gestures at me with his cup as if saying cheers and I try not to be bored. There’s nothing about this guy that makes me want to continue talking to him. He’s boring and his intentions are far too obvious.
I want to get out of here. Coming out was a mistake. I just want to go back to my empty apartment, and I think the dead flowers would make better companions than this guy.
“I’m going to go,” I say, and he looks surprised.
“Already?”
I nod. I’m not leaving soon enough, in my opinion. With that, I leave the bar and head for the door. Pulling up my UBER app on my phone, I request a ride, well aware I’ve had too much to be safe behind the wheel.
Not even ten minutes later, I'm back in my apartment and pouring myself a glass of wine.
This is the only companion I need. Well, wine, snacks, and a comfort show. The world can eff off.
Chapter Twenty-seven
