Page 16 of Promise Kept

“You know what, Ellis? Fuck you. Fuck off.”

I wiggle out of his grasp and walk toward the door.

There’s just one problem.

I don’t see one door.

I see three doors.

Side by side by side.

One of them is the real door.

The other two are made up from my brain and eyes not communicating the right way due to the alcohol I’ve consumed.

So I’ve got to choose a door and do it fast.

I choose Door Number Three.

There is no Door Number Three.

I reach forward and I’m suddenly stumbling forward, hands out, going what feels like a million miles an hour, knowing I’m now headed right for the giant front window to the bar.

If I hit it… either I go through the window and that’s bloody.

Or I bounce back but the thud sounds makes everyone look at me.

An arm wraps around my body as I’m falling and suddenly I’m floating.

I call out, “Wwwweeeee!” and Ellis growls as he carries me out of the bar.

“I’m taking you home, Larissa,” Ellis says.

I’ve had some exits from bars in my life, but nothing quite like this.

And, oh baby, my dead father’s best friend is taking me home!

4

The Whole “Sex, Love, & Chips” Thing…

ELLIS

She’s on my goddamn nerves as I wait for the car to pull around front.

Wobbly, clingy, throwing her arms around my neck and pulling herself up.

I feel her breath against my neck more than once.

She whispers gibberish and giggles.

I have my right arm around her body and I keep my hand

in the safe zone between her tit and hip.

Ribs are neutral if you ask me.

Even if my racing thoughts aren’t.

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