Page 13 of Melt His Heart

The night goes on, and Sam does, in fact, yell that we should get into a drinking game. I can definitely see how he and Carson are close friends; they’re two peas in a pod. I think it must be nice to have a friend that’s there for you and just to have in your company. I never really had that, nor do I think I ever had the time to think about whether I even wanted it or not. I guess I really did just become content with being a lone in my career.

But this is really…nice.

“Come on, Julian!” Sam smacks my back lightly, and I laugh, already feeling slightly buzzed on my third beer. My head lighter.

“Sure. Let’s see who’s the better athlete,” I joke, rolling up my sleeves. Carson and Sam both laugh, cheering me on.

“Well, look at you!” Sam grins.

“Let’s team up.” I nudge Carson with my shoulder.

“Obviously.” He smirks, “We gotta kick their ass.”

We both burst into drunk laughter.

I’m having so much fun.

* * *

Either the party came to an end, or I just got drunk enough for Carson to declare we should start heading back to my flat. We’re stumbling into the chilled night when he says, “See, wasn’t so bad?”

I’ve never seen him drunk before, but he definitely is because he trips, making me giggle.

“You wanna see me fall so bad, don’t you?” He laughs.

“Kinda.” I tease, giggling again. I’m pretty drunk myself; hockey players definitely know how to throw them back. They sparked my competitive side, I guess. I felt like I couldn’t let them outdo me. So I didn’t back down when it came to the drinking games. We make it to the doors of my building.

“Well, I’m glad you had fun,” Carson says quietly, his eyes a little misty but firmly focused on me.

“Oh, Carson, do you…want to come inside for a while, you know, and sober up…” I shift around nervously, tugging at my sleeves.

“I mean…sure. If that’s ok with you, Julian, I can definitely chill in my car.” He starts.

“No, no, don’t be ridiculous, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to,” I say.

“Aww, see you do care about me. Thanks, Julie.” He smirks at me, and I can’t believe I really like his stupid little nickname he has for me.

“Oh god, let’s get inside, goofball, it’s a bit chilly.” I groan as I start off in the direction of the front doors, and he follows behind me.

We step into the lobby, and we’re greeted by the woman at the desk with a nod. We both politely nod back before stepping into the elevator, holding in our laugh, trying not to look like two drunk idiots. I’m not even sure what’s so funny.

“Can’t believe I’m gonna see your apartment.” He chuckles.

I glance at him with a little wonder because why does he want to see my flat?

“Well, believe it, I guess,” I say as we exit and head to my door. I open it, kick my shoes off, and start unraveling my scarf, letting out a little sigh of relief. It’s been a long night. My social battery is definitely in the negative. I’ve done enough socializing tonight to last me for decades.

“Wow…” Carson says, looking around while also removing his shoes and placing them next to mine.

“A loft, that’s so you.” He says.

“And how would you know?” I laugh.

“I know enough. Also, the pink?” He smirks, “You’re adorable.” He adds, and I turn away, blushing.

I lead him over to the kitchen and grab two bottles of water for us. I hand him one and start to drink mine.

“Thanks, I think I’m gonna need this.”