10. A Night to Forget #2
“Amelia, I’m a man,” he had said, “and men admire beauty. But don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world if a woman isn’t interested. Besides, my admiration for you started before I even knew you were involved with Reid.”
Coming back to the conversation, I take a deep breath, then launch into my story. I tell Eric about my tumultuous relationship with Reid, the highs and the lows, the moments of pure bliss that are often followed by heated arguments. Eric listens intently, his gaze never wavering from my face.
His silent encouragement gives me the confidence to bear out my vulnerabilities. When I finally finish, the silence that follows is deafening. For the first time tonight, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I didn’t realize how much I needed to let it all out until just now.
Eric blows out a breath, his eyes darting between mine. “Wow,” he says, the word hanging in the air between us. I can’t help but laugh, the sound echoing in the quiet corner. “Yeah,” I answer, the simplicity of the response encapsulating the complexities of my story.
Eric tilts his head to one side, a contemplative look on his face.
“Amelia, you need to figure out who you are and what you want,” he tells me.
“It seems like you’re trying to be who you think you need to be and you want Reid to be who you want him to be, instead of allowing him to be who he wants or needs to be. ”
His words resonate with me, causing a moment of silence to settle between us. I find myself surprised by the blunt honesty of his observation.
“And also,” Eric adds, breaking the silence, “Reid is an idiot.”
Laughter bubbles up within me, spilling forth as I agree, “You’re right, Eric.” My laughter fades into a reflective silence. “My New Year’s resolution is change,” I confess. “The goal is to find myself, so fuck Jada, and Reid can kiss my ass if he can’t see the effort I’ve been making.”
Eric chuckles, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “I’m glad I could help.”
With the heavy conversation behind us, I propose, “Now that the heavy shit is over, let’s go have fun and bring in the new year.”
As I glance around the club, I suddenly remember, “Where’s Gwendolyn?”
“Gwendolyn left,” Eric tells me. “She was being very demanding. She didn’t take too kindly to me wanting to check on you.”
I laugh again, shaking my head in amusement. “Well, you won’t have to worry about that with me and Hazel.”
Turning on my heel, I beckon for Eric to follow as we head back into the pulsating heart of the club in search of Hazel.
I spot Hazel over by the bar, her vibrant hair catching the pulsating lights.
Motioning for Eric to follow, we make our way over to her.
With fresh drinks in our hands, we venture back onto the dance floor, losing ourselves in the music's rhythm.
We dance, we laugh, and we make memories that will last a lifetime.
Suddenly, the DJ’s voice booms over the speakers, “One minute until midnight!” Cheers ring out from the crowd, the anticipation palpable.
My heart pounds in my chest as the countdown begins.
“Ten... Nine...” The energy in the room is electric, the crowd jumping in unison as they join in the countdown.
“Eight... Seven...” I can’t help but smile, caught up in the infectious energy around me.
“Six... Five...” My heart flutters with excitement, the promise of a new year full of possibilities.
“Four... Three...” I feel a sense of relief, ready to leave the trials of the past year behind.
“Two...” I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the moment. “One...”
“Happy New Year!” The crowd erupts in cheers, confetti raining down around us.
Balloons float up in a flurry of color, and sparklers twirl in the hands of revelers, casting a magical glow across the dance floor.
Amidst it all, Jamie pops out of nowhere, handing us a shot.
With a wink and a grin, he wishes us a happy new year before disappearing back into the crowd.
The rest of the night blurs into a symphony of music, drinks, and dancing. Suddenly, I spot Benjamin threading his way through the crowd towards Hazel.
Hazel’s eyes ignite with excitement as she lets out a drunken cheer, “Babe! You’re here? I’m happy you’re off work, but you missed New Year’s.”
He gifts her a fond smile, “Don’t worry, we can still celebrate when we get home.”
Her response is a loopy grin. Benjamin then swings his gaze towards Hazel and me, informing us it’s time to head home, as we’re clearly intoxicated.
“I knew this would happen. That’s why I came,” he says, laughter seeping into his tone.
Eric pipes up, offering to drive me home, drawing Benjamin’s attention to him. His face scrunches in suspicion,
“Who the hell are you?” Benjamin bristles. “I’m not letting her go anywhere with you.” He looks at me. “Reid would kick my ass if something happened to you.”
Hazel bursts into laughter, explaining to Benjamin that Eric is just my boss. I interject, assuring Benjamin that he should take Hazel home and that I’m fine going with Eric. Benjamin seems hesitant, warning that Reid won’t approve.
The mention of Reid’s name irks me, and I scowl, telling him I doubt Reid would care since he’s living it up with Jada tonight. Benjamin seems taken aback, as if I’d physically struck him.
He stammers, “Reid would never do that.”
A hollow laugh escapes my lips as I reply, “Maybe you don’t know your friend as well as you think, because it was Jada who picked up the phone when I called him tonight, and they’re at a party.”
I don’t give him a chance to respond, cutting him off with, “Now excuse me. I have to get my drunk ass home. Take care of Hazel and tell her I’ll call her later.”
With that said, I stride out the door with Eric.
I tell Eric my address. The ride home blurring into a kaleidoscope of lights, sounds, and a world that just won’t stop spinning.
We don’t converse, the only sound accompanying us being the soft hum of the radio.
Before long, we pull up to my apartment.
Helping me out of the car, Eric steers me into the house.
“Where do you keep the glasses?” he asks.
With a vague wave of my hand, I point toward the kitchen, stumbling toward my bedroom. I collapse onto the bed, my eyes closing as I will the spinning room to still and sleep to claim me. A knock at my open bedroom door causes me to squint open one eye.
Eric hovers in the doorway, a hint of hesitation in his stance before he strides in, disappearing into my bathroom. I can hear faintly the sound of him rummaging before he emerges once again.
He places two pills and a glass of water on my nightstand, his voice gentle as he bids me a good night, adding, “Call if you need anything.”
He assures me he’ll lock the door behind him.
With that, he turns and exits the room, his footsteps growing fainter as he moves away.
As the door clicks shut behind him, I sink into a restless, dreamless sleep, the events of the night falling away into the quiet hush of exhaustion.
The end of the chapter finds me surrendering to the night, the world fading to black.