Page 90 of Unspoken Rules

Both Mila and Tomas are watching our exchange, both still in their seats but neither saying anything.

“It means you’re an ungrateful little shit who’s throwing a temper tantrum, and it’s getting annoying.”

He chokes out a disbelieving laugh. “You serious right now?”

I should probably not have said what I say next, considering Tomas is sitting right here, and this involves his father too, but I am so sick of Chris’s attitude.

“Damn right I am. Your father does everything for you and you’re pissed over something he did ten damn years ago. Get over it. Get over yourself, Chris. Not everything is about you.”

I don’t expect him to lunge for me, which is why he grabs my shirt and pulls me onto the table before I realize what’s happening. It happens so fast. But I’m up on my feet again, on his side of the table, even faster. I react before I think. I swing, hitting him in the face. Then there’s a sharp pain in my jaw and I know he hit me back. People start screaming. The music is still playing. I fall on the table when he shoves me, then onto the floor with a heavy thud. Chris steps over me, but I kick up at him, knocking him away. I get to my feet and back up. He jumps toward me again, and I swing, getting him in the jaw this time. And hard, because my wrist hurts. He flies backward, tripping on a chair and falling on his ass.

People are shouting and yelling. The music is off. And security is making their way over to us. Mila runs over and takes my hand, pulling me back because Chris is getting to his feet. He’s furious when he sets eyes on me. He steps toward me, but a security guy gets him first. Chris whirls and swings on the big guy, but he misses. Another security guy helps that one and they both grab Chris. Another one walks over to me, gesturing for me to follow him, so I do.

“Bryson!”

I look over my shoulder at Mila, whose eyes are full of tears.

“Just stay with Tomas. I’ll text you.”

She nods and steps closer to Tomas, who puts his arm around her shoulder, watching me curiously.

The security guy leads me past the bar, down a hall, and into a small office. I faintly hear the music start back up.

“What happened?” the guy says, gesturing for me to sit in the chair across from the desk. He sits on the other side. He’s young. Lots of tattoos up and down his arms, dressed in all black with the venue logo on his chest. It’s kind of shitty. I should offer to make them a new one.

“He’s my friend. We had a disagreement. It got out of control. I’ll leave, it’s no problem.”

The guy nods, writing something down on a white legal pad. “What was it about?”

“He’s supposed to be sober, and I found out he’d been drinking. Didn’t like it.”

He nods again. Scribbles more. “All right. I need my partner to talk to him and then we’ll see how things will go.”

He means if they need to involve the cops.

“He isn’t drunk or anything.”

He gets up when there’s shouting in the hall. I can’t make out the words but can tell it’s Chris’s voice. I bury my face in my hands, shaking my head. This guy is… Jesus, Chris, what are you doing to yourself?

The worst part is all I can think about is how disappointed Cole is going to be when he finds out.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Bryson

Almost three hours later, after waiting for security to get a story from Chris, me begging them not to call the cops, getting a rideshare to drop off Mila at her house and then me, I’m standing outside the Harper’s.

Mila offered for me to stay there, but I didn’t want to. I just want to get into my bed and sleep for the next month. As I was on my way here, I got a text from Tomas who also offered for me to stay with him, but I denied that too.

I let myself inside and find Cole watching TV. I ignore him and go right upstairs, shutting my door and falling onto my bed.

My life is such a fucking mess.

I’m halfway asleep when I hear shouting downstairs. I jerk awake and run down the stairs, because it doesn’t sound like regular shouting. It sounds like they’re about to kill one another. Worse than last time. And after how the night has gone, I won’t be surprised if they full out brawl.

I find them in the hallway in each other’s faces. They must catch me out of the corner of their eye. Chris turns my way, furious.

“You have the balls to come here after tonight?” he shouts, turning toward me.

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