Page 80 of Stay

Across from me, Noah’s going on and on about something to Charlie’s wife, Sinclair. She doesn’t seem happy and worry creeps into my system. As she takes a sip of her wine, she looks over at Charlie and arches her brow.

It’s a signal for help.

Fuck.

“Come on, baby,” Noah mumbles, all up in her personal space. “Go for a ride with me.”

Sinclair’s eyes widen and she stands. “Charlie. We’re leaving.”

Shit. Shit. SHIT!

Just as Charlie asks her, “What’s wrong?”, Haley taps Noah’s shoulder and there’s a microphone in her hand.

Dread consumes me.

“It’s time for your speech,” Haley says, smiling.

“Right.” Noah shoves out of his seat and stumbles away from the table.

Charlie stands up with Sinclair mirroring him. “Unbelievable.”

I can barely keep up with the number of things going wrong at once. “How about I take it?” I say, jumping into action.

“No, I’ve got it.” Noah sways, and I hold his arm to keep him steady.

“You’re wasted,” I whisper against his ear. “Please, Noah, let me handle this.” I’ve never seen him this shitfaced before. I really didn’t even see him drink that much, to be honest.

“I said I’ve got it.” He shoves me back. “This is my company. It’s my speech. It’s my party.”

He’s making a scene.

“Tamara,” he hollers. “Where are my notes?”

Tamara pushes out of her chair and rushes over. “You didn’t give them to me, Noah.” She looks over at me, her face paling with panic. “What’s wrong with him?” she mouths to me.

I shrug.

“Never mind, here they are.” He yanks his cell out of his pocket and a little baggie filled with white powder falls out with it.

Holy. Shit.

This cannot be happening.

This. Cannot. Be. Happening.

With the long tables, and everybody staring at us, more than a dozen people can plainly see the drugs on the floor by Noah’s foot. He doesn’t notice. And as he stumbles over to snatch the mic from Haley, something in me turns feral.

I don’t want him near her.

I don’t want him here, period.

Jaedyn and Avery are on Noah in a flash. “We got this,” Jaedyn says, steering Noah away. Avery picks up the baggie from the floor and ducks his head, heading out after them. Numbly, I grab the mic and head to the center of the room.

My bowtie is strangling me.

The room’s spinning a little.

“On behalf of…” Fuck my life, I can’t believe this is happening. Clearing my throat, I try again. “On behalf of NGC Architects, I want to thank all of you for your support this year. We’re a tight-knit family who spends a lot of hours working together, and during this time of year, it’s good to appreciate what we’ve created together. I know Noah is grateful for the team he’s built and everyone who trusts NGC to design buildings that have turned Banner Bay into a beautiful, thriving area for so many.” Charlie and Sinclair march towards the door and my heart falls out of my ass. “May the New Year be happy, successful, and filled with love for everyone. Thank you so much for coming tonight and being a part of NGC’s extended family.”

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