Nick smiles. “Because you and I are having a good time.” He leans forward to kiss me again.
I turn away from him. “Sorry.” Then I rise abruptly from the table. “I have to go now.”
“Where are you going?”
I don’t answer this.
“Eric—”
Then I remember Christian’s jacket. He forgot to take it with him. I grab it quickly as I head off, ignoring the calls from Nick behind me. I’m too dizzy to even hear what he’s saying. The lights are harsh inside the restaurant, blinding me a little. I find the elevator and head outside again. All the street signs are a blur. I can’t even tell where I’m going.Which way did Christian go? I need to give him back his jacket.
Maybe I should try calling him. I pull out my phone, bringing up his name. It rings for a while, but he doesn’t pick up. I try a second time but still no answer. I put my phone away and look around. His building isn’t too far from here. Maybe I should just drop it off at his place. As I turn the corner, someone appears beside me.Nick must have followed me outside. When his face comes into focus, I realize it’s someone else.
“Haru… is thatyou?” I blink a few times, making sure I’m not seeing things. I step toward him, stumbling.
Haru catches my arm. “Careful there—”
“What are you doing here?”
“I was looking for you,” he says.
We haven’t seen each other in a week. I want to hug him tight, but it’s hard to stand straight. The sidewalk feels like it’s moving beneath me. Haru holds his grip, keeping me steady.
“You’ve been drinking,” he says.
“I’m totally fine.”
“How about we get you home.” He wraps my arm over his shoulder.
But I slip away from him. “I’m going to Christian’s place. I have to give him back his jacket.”
“At this hour? You can do it tomorrow.”
“What if he needs it tonight? I promised to give it back to him.” I’m not sure if I’m slurring my words, so I try to speak slower. “I have to go see him.”
“Does he know you’re coming?”
I don’t answer this. I just stare at the jacket.
A silence passes. Haru holds out a hand. “Let’s get you home, okay? We can even put on a movie—”
“I don’t want to go home. I need to give him back his jacket.” Why doesn’t he understand this?
Haru sighs. “Eric, you’re drunk.”
“I’m not drunk.”
I walk away from him. But Haru steps in front of me, his voice more serious. “I think it’s time to go home.”
“What are you, my conscience? I told you,I’m fine.”
“Eric…” he starts again.
But I don’t want to hear it. I stumble down the block until Christian’s building comes into view. Haru follows along, making sure I don’t fall. Thankfully, it’s the same doorman from last time. He just tips his head as I make my way to the elevators. I press the button and step inside. But Haru doesn’t come in with me. He places both hands on the doors, keeping them open.
“You’re not thinking straight right now,” he says.
“Let go of the door.”
