AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Once inside, I look for flights to North Carolina. I need to get as far away from New York as possible right now. Lucky for me, there is a flight leaving at seven-thirty, and with only a carry-on and TSA pre-check, I’m on the plane in no time.
The flight attendant passes by, asking for my order, and I ask for a scotch on the rocks. Not my usual inflight beverage, but right now, I need anything to dull the pain. I savor the burn as the amber liquid coats my throat. The burn only momentarily distracts me from the ache in my chest.
Fuck me, what am I supposed to do now?
Before I know it, my glass is empty, and the attendant is bringing me yet another. This time, a much fuller glass. When I look up at her, she smiles. “Looks like you could use it.” I nod a thank you and take a hefty gulp, praying the alcohol takes over and I no longer have to think or feel anything…
By the time I arrive in Charlotte, I’m tipsy as fuck. I ask the driver to wait outside my building for a few minutes while I quickly change. The guys are all still at The Dugout. So that’s my next destination, and I know they will help erase my memory.Quinn is fucking engaged... I’ve lost her for good this time.
When I arrive, the bar is at capacity, but Reggie, my buddy and head bouncer, lets me slide on past the line. When Lance sees me approach the bar, he lets out a loud cheer.
“Fuck yeah! I'm glad you decided to come out, man.”
I nod at Lance as Paul slides a bottle of beer across the bar top. Taking a swig, I tilt it in his direction. “Thanks, man. Can I get a shot too?” Paul eyes me for a second, then pours me a shot and sends it my way.
Sipping my beer, I'm trying my hardest to listen to Lance go on and on about these chicks in the back. But my plan is to drink myself into oblivion, because I know damn well that’s the only way I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
My phone chimes with a text notification interrupting my downward spiral.
Queenie
What the hell, E! You didn’t even say hi to your best friend before you had to leave… What’s going on?
Pshh… Best friend… that’s all I’ll ever be, and that’s the fucking problem.
I power off my phone without replying. What could I possibly say to her?
Three more beers and several shots later, I feel nothing, which is good, I guess. I don’t even care that one of Lucy’s friends is rubbing up against my side. Normally, I would ninja myself away from their sights, but I honestly just don’t give a fuck anymore.
This blondie next to me is bold, her hand currently on my thigh as she chats to me about some nonsense. Mostly about how she's actually from New York too, but just here visiting some friends. I guess she thinks that will pique my interest. Her hand starts to rub slow circles when she realizes I'm not pushing her away.
Why am I not pushing her away? I should. But then again, I should have done a lot of things in my life. Like tell Quinn I fucking love her before it was too late.
I think this chick’s name is Camilla, or Camille… Cami? Right, it's Cami.
Roger comes up beside me while Cami continues to talk my ear off.
“Hey, man, you good?”
Throwing back another shot, I nod. “Yup, I'm good, brother.”
“You sure? This isn’t like you.” He eyes Cami’s hand caressing my leg.
“Yeah, I'm sure.”
He stands there observing me for a few more moments before another one of our teammates comes up and challenges him to a game of darts. Gripping my shoulder, he gives it a light squeeze. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” I raise my beer to him as he walks away.
Am I that transparent right now? Can they all see the turmoil I'm trying so hard to keep from bubbling over the surface?
Cami grips my chin and pulls my attention back to her. See? Bold.
“How about I help you forget about whoever has you so wound up?” she suggests, and for the first time, I succumb to the allure. Taking her hand, I follow her out of the bar. Several of my guys look at me suspiciously. They know I don’t do this; Roger is right, this isn’t me.
But nothing matters anymore…
* * *
Quinn
