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“I might have finished off a bottle of vodka before heading out.”
“Jesus,” I said. “No more for you.”
“Pfft.” Scarlett slung her arm around my shoulder, yanking me to her. “Did I tell you about my momma?”
“Scarlett.” Lilly flashed me a sad smile. “I don’t think now is a good time.”
“Lilly, Lilly, Lil, did I ever tell you how much I love you, girl?”
“Okaaaay, let’s head inside.” Lilly hooked an arm around Scarlett’s waist, and between us, we walked her to the line.
“Straighten up and look pretty,” Lilly said in a hushed voice as we reached the front.
“I’m always pretty. Besides, Joe will let me in. Hey, Joe.” She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around the hulk of a guy’s neck. He caught her awkwardly throwing us a ‘what the hell’ look.
“Scarlett. Looking good.”
“Thanks, hot stuff. We’re celebrating.”
“We are?”I mouthed to Lilly while Joe held our friend at arm’s length, something clouded in his eyes. “You take it easy tonight; this won’t make your mom better.”
“No.” Scarlett thrust a finger into the air. “But it’ll numb me up good. I already feel—” A pained expression passed over her face, and Lilly stepped forward with a groan, wrapping an arm around Scarlett and guiding her inside.
“Watch out for her tonight,” Joe said as I slipped past him. I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me, but I nodded and entered the club.
* * *
“She’s wasted.”I nudged Lilly and nodded over to where Scarlett was draped over some guy as he eyed her low-cut tank top.
“I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“What she said before.” I cleared my throat. “About her mom?”
Lilly’s eyes softened, filled with a sadness I didn’t yet understand. “She’s sick. Real sick.”
“Oh.” My voice was small. I’d guessed it was bad, but I didn’t consider how bad. It explained a lot.
“Hey, don’t let Scarlett see you do that. She doesn't like it.”
“I…”
“Shh, she’s coming over here.”
“Hey, my two favorite people.” Scarlett plopped down next to me and reached over for her drink. “Who’s ready to get our groove on?”
“Scarlett, do you think that’s such a go—”
“Say those next words, and I’m leaving. I’ll do it. I’ll find someone and take off.” Lilly sat back, and I shot her a look. “Becca, new girl, newbie, you’ll dance with me, right? After all, you do owe me. If it wasn’t for me—”
“I come bearing shots.” Jay grinned down at us before placing down a tray of shooters.
“Seriously, she doesn’t need more,”I mouthed to him, but it was too late. Scarlett had a glass in her hand ready to drink. “Last one down buys the next round.”
Lilly, Jay, and Malachi each picked up a glass.
“New girl, don’t chicken out on me now. I need you.” Her head rolled back, and I felt sure she was going to pass out, but she shook her head and rocked forward, bracing her glass in front of her mouth. “On three…”
I picked up the last glass and inhaled. Whatever Jay had gotten was strong, and my stomach instantly lurched, protesting the burn.
