“Goodnight, Marlon.” She rolled her eyes and started to close the door. “Go home and get sober.”
“Wait—” I stopped the door. “I came to talk to you.”
“Tomorrow.”
“Rory.” I dropped my hand and my guard at the same time. “Please.”
She looked me over again.
“…damn,” she said under her breath. “I’ll call you later, O.”
She hung up and put her hand on her hip.
“You actually look tired now.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Long day.”
She stepped back, opening the door wider. “Come in.”
With a nod, I walked past her and she closed the door behind me. ]
“Let’s get you cleaned up.”
There was something different about her energy tonight. Like she was actually being strict with me and she was over the games.
I didn’t argue because I didn’t have the energy to. She took my hand and led me toward the bathroom.
Her place was different from the first night. She had it suited to her taste. Pinks and reds and blushes and roses. And the whole place smelt like a bakery. I walked into a damn Avon catalog.
“In here,” she led me to the tub. I watched her robe raise up when she bent over to twist the faucet. The bathroom filled with the sound of running water. She adjusted the temperature, testing it with her fingers before nodding to herself.
“Sit,” she said, glancing back at me.
I pulled my shirt off, dropped it to the side, then kicked off my shoes. She didn’t rush me. I kept my eyes on her as she grabbed what she needed. By the time I stepped into the tub, the water was ready.
I sank down slowly, letting it hit my back, my shoulders, easing some of the tension I’d been carrying all day.
She handed me a towel and I threw it over my face, leaning my head back against the edge. The door opened softly. I didn’t move the towel, but I heard her come back with the faint clink of glass.
“You sober up?” she asked.
“Wasn’t drunk.”
“Whatever, Marlon. Look. Just drink this.”
I lifted the towel slightly. “What is it?”
“Drink.” She forced it in my hand.
I took a sip and it was strong. “Fuck! Is that gin?”
“Yeah, so?” She shrugged. “You’re supposed to keep drinking when you’re drunk or you’ll have a hang over. Everybody knows that.”
I gagged. “That’s the bullshit they tell y’all now? You know that’s how alcoholism starts right?”
“Okay then don’t drink it!” She grabbed the cup out my hand and poured it down the sink. “I swear! Everything I do is a problem! Next time?—”
“Aurora,” I said calmly. “You’re loud.”
