“Dia could use a vacation. Not sure Manchester is her top choice, but I’m sure she’ll be good.” Marcus slaps me on the back.
“Thanks, that would be great.” I look around at these men that I’ve only known for a little while. I hope they really do come see us. I think it will help Claire adjust to our new life. The only thing I regret about moving so far is that she won’t have her friends with her anymore. Truth be told, I’ll miss them too, even Colin. The arsehole!
Two hours later, I’m still barely clinging to the last of my chips. Claire was right, Matt is a savant with cards. He seems to focus on liberating Colin of his cash, however, more than the rest of us.
We’ve polished off the bottle of Highland Park, the Chivas Regal, and the Macallan. These guys are all lightweights, I’ve decided. After another hour and a final bottle of Jack, I’ve made most of my money back.
When Izzy returns, I help her first pour Grayson into his bed before putting Marcus and Colin into Ubers. I have to find Marcus where he’s curled up in one of the lawn chairs in the backyard.
“How come you’re not falling down drunk like the rest of them?” Izzy asks as I wait outside with Matt. Lily is on the way to collect him before heading back to their apartment.
“I guess I can hold more.” I’m not completely sober, but I can function pretty well considering how much we drank tonight. “I think my metabolism burns it off faster.” She shrugs at me before turning toward the house.
“Can you handle helping Lily with him, so I can go to bed? I’ll be up half the night in the bathroom, so any extra sleep is appreciated.”
“Of course, have a good night,” I say before helping Matt sit down on the front porch. He leans over, hurling into the bushes before sitting back up.
“Now you see why he can’t be sent home in an Uber,” Izzy says, pointing to Matt. I hang on to the back of his shirt as he hurls again. “Hey Alex?”
“Aye.” I turn to see her studying me.
“You’ll take good care of Claire in England, right?” I nod. “Because if you don’t, pregnant or not, I’ll come over there and kick your ass.”
“Aye, ma’am. I’ll take very good care of her,” I assure her. She studies me for a few more minutes before she continues. What is with these people continually threatening to kick my ass?
“Claire seems like she can take on the world, but sometimes she doesn’t believe in herself as much as we do.”
“I know. I promise I’ll be good tae her.” Izzy nods before walking inside, leaving me with a heaving Matt. I’m positive I’ve been threatened by all of her friends now.
When Lily arrives, she lets me wrestle him into her car. With a wave, she drives off leaving me to wait for my ride.
Arriving home, I find Claire already curled up in bed. Running through the shower, I slide into bed behind her.
“Did you have a good night,” she asks, snuggling against me.
“I dinnae lose all of my money, so I think it was a good night.” Spinning in my arms so she is facing me, she narrows her eyes.
“How come you’re not falling down drunk like everyone else? Did you not drink?”
“Aye, I probably had an entire bottle. But I’m Scottish,mo ghaol, it’s an embarrassment for us to naw be able tae hold our drink.” She laughs softly before turning back over to curl up.
“Is there anything you can’t handle?” Claire mumbles at me with a yawn.
“With ye beside me? Nothing,” I whisper softly into her hair as she slowly falls asleep in my arms.
I wake up the next morning to a slight hangover. It’s nothing I can’t handle with a run through the neighborhood. Most people try aspirin to cure a hangover, but I’ve always found sweating it out is a better cure.
Throwing on my sweats, I grab my shoes before walking into the living room. Claire is standing in the kitchen, her phone to her ear.
“I’m gaun for a run,” I say, tying my shoes. She holds up a hand to me, motioning me to wait.
“As far as I know, I’m slated to get my master’s at the ceremony. Of course I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something. You don’t need to…” She looks over at me while she listens. I’ve stopped working on my shoes to watch her. “Great. I look forward to seeing everyone,” she adds before hanging up.
“Crap!” Claire exclaims. Turning to me she asks, “Can I run with you this morning? I could use the stress relief.” She doesn’t wait for an answer before walking back into the bedroom.
“Something wrong?” I ask as she walks back into the small living room.
“You can say that. My family is coming to the ceremony.”
