Chapter 24 #2
It’s gonna be a long night because I do have a question to ask Kierra, but it’s gonna have to wait ‘til they’re all a little more fucked up and possibly won’t remember why I’m asking to begin with.
“You look like you’re thinking hard about something,” Kaser says after a minute, and I shrug the suggestive words off.
“No more than the usual.”
“It’s Kian’s birthday, man, and you’re in a totally different world.”
“Yeah, it’s my birthday, and you’re in a totally different world.
” We both turn toward the sound of Kian’s voice as it comes up behind us.
He’s dressed in all black from head to toe—from his hair to his eyes, down to his cloak and his shoes.
His teeth are pointed and sharp, covered in fake blood, and his face and neck are covered in highlighted black streaks and fake veins. Every bit the demon he is.
“Happy birthday, man,” I tell him as he saddles up beside me.
“Thanks. Why’re you trying to ruin it?”
I burst out laughing. Leave it to Kian to be blunt as hell. It’s one thing I love about him—he doesn’t fuck around, ever.
“Not trying to.”
“You never do,” he says, but he’s smirking, and I know we’re good.
“So…” I drawl. “How’s it feel to be twenty-four?”
“Terrible. I’m old and decrepit,” he deadpans, and Kaser bursts into laughter. I follow suit, and soon, the three of us curl into each other laughing so hard, we can’t breathe.
“It really does feel that way sometimes, doesn’t it?” I say on a breathless exhale.
“Like you’ve got room to talk. You’re only twenty-two.”
“Almost twenty-three.”
“In a month,” Kaser argues.
“In a month,” I confirm, taking a swig out of my bottle.
“Anyway, it’s my birthday, so let’s quit talking about Ced, hm? He gets enough attention with his new beau.”
“Hey!” I squawk. I don’t want nor need that kind of attention, and that has everyone in the room looking over at me.
“I’m just sayin’!”
“Well, don’t. I don’t—” But then, I cut myself off because that would be a lie, and I don’t do that.
Shit.
“See?” he teases, and I look to Kaser for help, but they’re just grinning ear to ear and smirking at me over their blue solo cup. A lot of fuckin’ help they are.
Best friend, my ass.
“Anyway…” I try to change the conversation. “Have anything memorable happen tonight?” I ask Kian as he takes a drink from his cup.
“Oh, something memorable always happens, but there were these two girls that started crying the moment they saw me…” he starts, and I grin, knowing I’ve got him distracted.
Over an hour later and everyone is thoroughly wasted—and to be honest, I’m not far behind. I drank way more than I should have, but I had to keep up with everyone else, and when a bottle of rum got brought into rotation and someone mentioned pickle back shots, well…
Who am I to say no?
And so now, here I sit next to Kierra on the reception couch, watching the room sway slightly as she giggles next to me, nursing her drink in her hand.
“Hey, Kierra,” I lean in to ask her in a too-loud whisper.
“Hey, Ced,” she whisper-yells back, then giggles, eyes scrunching shut.
“I wanted to ask you something.”
Her eyebrow lifts comically high as she cracks open one eye to stare at me.
“I thought you were gay?” she deadpans, and I snort.
“Don’t worry, I am. As gay as they come. It’s not about that.”
“Oh, good. Because me, too.” And then, she giggles.
“I wanted to ask you when Mayhem was closed next. I… can’t remember,” I trail off, feigning nonchalance.
“Don’t you ever look at the schedule, Ced? It’s posted in the dressing room.”
“It is?” I ask, mouth falling slack. How have I never noticed?
“Yes, you idiot. It always has been. The next closing day is in a week and a half. We’ll be closed Sunday and Monday for cleaning and some light fixing. Just checking lights and safety stuff.”
“Oh,” I nod. “Is that both days, or…?”
“Just Monday,” she hums. “Cause Sunday, we finally get a day off.”
“Yeah.” I lean back against the couch and let my eyes fall closed. “Finally.”
“What do you mean? You guys get days off every once in a while. There’s no one else to run the front if I need a sick day.” And she sounds so sad when she says it.
“What about Johnny? He doesn’t come in?” Johnny’s the new owner, but we rarely ever see him, if I’m being honest.
“He does, but I always feel like such a bother when I have to ask him, so I always just try to avoid it.”
“Kierra, you’re going to burn yourself out if you keep doing that,” I try to reason with her, but she just shrugs.
“It is what it is.” And then, she tips back her drink and finishes it in a few swallows and stands on her two feet shakily. “Woah, I’m drunk.”
“I’d say,” I laugh as I stand beside her to help keep her steady. I’m drunk myself but probably a lot more sober than she is at the moment.
At least I can stand.
“Thanks, Ced.”
“Of course. Maybe you should crash.”
“I think I’m gonna.”
I take a look around the room and notice most of everyone else is spread out on the mismatched furniture, either sleeping or nearly there, still donning their costumes from Mayhem. It makes me yawn with my own sleepy breath, and I drop back down on the sofa.
“C’mere, Kierra. There’s nowhere else to sleep.”
She glances around the room, then looks down at me before shrugging and plopping down. “All right, thanks.” And then, she leans her shoulder on mine and closes her eyes as she turns her face into my painted neck.
“Mmm, you smell good.”
I chuckle. “Thank you.” And then, with sleep-ridden eyes, I pull my phone out of my pocket to text my little mouse goodnight and let him know he’s on my mind before I drift off into oblivion.