Chapter 12
The bar is so loud that every word that Noah or Lily says is drowned out, suffocated under the music and chatter of others, forcing us to huddle together until our noses are practically touching.
Not that I particularly care in my current state. Giggling, I take a long sip of my cosmopolitan … the fifth one tonight. After the day I’d had – anther tense, awkward lesson with Tristan - I was determined to drown my sorrows in a pitcher of pink, alcohol-infused liquid.
And I had done just that.
It was stupid, and irresponsible especially since I’d committed myself to an alcohol ban while I was training … but tonight I just couldn’t find it in me to care. Andre was away tomorrow anyway so I’ve got time to sleep off my hangover before my next session with him.
’Never have I ever done anything sexual outside.’ Lily giggles, her face flushed from the alcohol. Oh yea, we’re playing Never Have I Ever.
I take a sip of my drink, my mind flashing back to that night outside the club where I tasted Tristan for the first time while Noah and Lily laugh as only drunk people can, their shocked faces peering into mine.
Tristan.
A sigh passes my lips as I think of him, but even the heartbreak can’t stop the drunken giggle as I explain. ‘I gave someone a blowjob outside of a club!’
‘You dirty slut!’ Lily laughs.
‘I’m jealous.’ Noah pouts.
I stick my tongue out at them both. ‘Both of you could get as much cock or pussy as you’d like.’
Jumping off of the seat, I stumble as my head goes spinning.
Ugh, no more cocktails Scarlett.
Cocktails are bad … better yet anything with the word cock in is bad. They should define cock as BAD in the dictionary.
‘Whoa!’ Noah grabs my arm to steady me. ‘You okay?’
I smile up at him. ‘I’m going to get some air.’
‘You want me to come with?’
I shake my head and stumble away before he can object. Noah is nice - he’s good and kind and isn’t my professor. Why can’t I be attracted to him instead of Tristan? Messy, complicated Tristan who also happens to be my professor.
I make my way outside, the cool breeze nipping at my skin. Pulling out my phone I click on my message thread with Tristan. The last text stares at me, the sight of it sad to see. Stop - like he can tell me what to do.
I should text him.
I giggle. I don’t know what time it is, or if he’s asleep or if he’s blocked me already after what I pulled yesterday but I type out a message anyway.
Scarlett: Heloooooo it yor turn to ak a Q
The screen is blurry, and my fingers feel numb. I have no idea how coherent the message is, but I click send anyway, giggling as the little whoosh sounds from my phone. Seconds later my hand … no - my phone vibrates. Tristan’s name beams up at me.
‘Hello?’ I slur.
‘What are you playing at Scarlett.’ My name on his tongue sends a rush of pleasure running down my spine.
’I’m trying to get you to playour game. It’s your turn.’ I form the words slowly, my tongue working in overdrive under the strain of the alcohol in my system.
He pauses, and then, ‘Are you drunk?’
‘No.’ I say but a giggle falls from my lips.
’Scarlett--’
’Scarlett.’ I deepen my voice, a mockery of his and then burst out laughing.
‘Where are you?’ He says, a note of worry hidden beneath his stern words.
‘Finally! You’re playing the game again.’ I lean against a wall, the brick scraping my skin, the low-back top not affording me much protection. ‘I’m at a bar.’
‘Which bar.’
‘Nuh-uh.’ I wag my finger even though I know he can’t actually see me. ’It’s my question now.’
I hear him release a frustrated breath and it makes me giggle. You show him who’s boss Scarlett!
‘What’s your question?’
I put my finger to my lips and try to sort through my muddled brain for something to ask him when little miss garter belt pops up in my mind. ‘Did you enjoy your date with little miss garter-belts?’
There’s silence on the other end of the line and then I hear him moving. Bed sheets rustle and then I hear keys jangling against one another.
’Scarlett, I want the name of that bar right now.’
‘Answer the question and I’ll give you it.’ I sing-song.
‘Fine. No, I didn’t enjoy it.’ So, he did go on a date then. My eyes blur with tears before I can stop them, but before they can spill, he continues. ‘Now tell me where the bar is and what the name of it is.’
‘Harleys’ I murmur, my voice quiet as I process the information he’s given.
‘I’ll be there soon.’ He says and then hangs up.
Slipping the phone back into the pocket of my jeans, I try to think through the dizzying haze of vodka and triple sec.
Why didn’t he enjoy it? Did they fuck? Did they do other stuff?
The questions hit me a mile a minute, racing through my hazy thoughts but before I can fall further down that jealous hole someone stops me.
‘Hey, there you are.’ Noah comes striding out the bar, heading straight towards me, his steps a little wobbly from alcohol. ‘Lily’s not feeling too good so I think we should head.’
I blink a few times trying to make my vision clearer before shaking my head. ‘I have someone coming for me.’
‘You sure? Who is it?’
I shiver, and Noah slides his coat around my shoulder. ‘A guy I’ve been seeing.’ I steady my gaze and smile. ‘Don’t worry, I’m safe with him. My friend Ruby has his address anyway if anything did happen.’
‘Okay, as long as you’re happy with that.’ Noah smiles. ‘I’m going to go get Lil and then we’ll head.’
He disappears back inside the bar but reappears not long after with Lily carried in his arms fireman style.
Her head rolls back and when she sees me, she smiles. ’Scarlett! I am so drunk.’
We giggle like it’s the best joke of the century and Noah, the soberest out of the three of us, just shakes his head.
I go to take off his jacket, but he stops me with his hand on my arm. ‘Keep it. Just make sure you don’t throw up on it!’
‘Oh, Kevin Bacon!’ Lily squeals. ‘Won’t you be my daddy.’
‘Oh god.’ Noah groans as I giggle. ‘I better leave. Like now. But message me when you’re safe!’
I nod as Noah disappears into a cab and after one last promise to message him when I’m safe, they finally leave.
And then I’m left alone, waiting for Tristan.