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“I’m not really a sleeper,” I admit with a whisper, taking a healthy sip.
“That explains some of this.”
“This?” I raise an eyebrow at Alex.
“You look like a walking, talking China doll ready to shatter.”
“Jeez, thanks.”
“You’re a knockout Rowan, but friends can spot a façade.”
Friends… the word makes my throat tingle again.
“Me thinks she needs something stronger,” Cruz hums, ticking his finger against his chin. “Maybe a night of shots is in order.”
“No, I can’t do that.”
“Give me one reason not to whisk your fine ass out of here and take you to Tom’s to get plastered?”
At the mention of Tom’s, my stomach pitches. I’m never going back to Tom’s.
“You’re pale as a ghost.”
“I’m no longer a fan of Tom’s.”
“Who turns down a bar filled with hot cops?”
“A girl who made a fool out of herself with one of those hot cops.”
I take another drink and hold out my glass for a refill, my heart racing. Once it’s back in my hand, I blurt out things I’ve been holding in for the last few months. Starting with kicking Craig out and ending with the other night when Ford had another woman in his arms.
“So, you can understand how I totally misread the situation and how embarrassed I am.”
They exchange a look that sets my skin crawling.
“Maybe I should go home.”
“You’re coming home with us,” Alex repeats. “And you’re spending the night. If it’s the last thing I do, you’re getting some sleep.”
“I can’t sleep at night. Nighttime brings on memories. My therapist and I discussed it; this won’t last forever.”
“Okay, we get smashed and watch movies until we pass out,” Alex proposes.
“I can’t ask that.”
“Rowan, doll face, you don’t have a choice.”
My shoulders sink. “I used to be fun. Penis jokes, crass comments, off-the-wall wit—I love it all.”
“Who said you aren’t still fun?”
“Everyone looks at me with such caution. I’m branded with the Scarlett letter of pity and fragility.”
Alex drops his chin to his chest, blowing out a breath while Cruz does the opposite, facing the ceiling.
“We have our work cut out for us.” Alex eyes Cruz. “Good thing we have experience in this.”
“Touché, babe. Let’s close this joint down and get our girls home.”
