Page 117 of XOXO

Jackson

The cars blurred past me as I sped to the bar that Tin was waiting for me at. I parked haphazardly in the lot and hurried inside, checking behind me to make sure no one was following me. Through the bodies dancing on the floor and standing around talking, I saw Tin sitting at the bar laughing with a man and a woman. I shouldered my way through the bodies and reached through where the woman stood facing Tin and picked up his drink from the bar top. I vaguely saw his eyes widen as I threw back the drink and signaled the bartended for another one.

“Whoa, Jackson! What the hell?” Tin half chuckled nervously.

I couldn’t answer as I picked up the glass again when the bartender poured and emptied it quick. I felt my phone ringing in my pocket but I was too scared to look at the screen to see who was calling. I raised my hand again for another drink and Tin grabbed my arm and put it back down.

“Bro! What the hell is going on with you?” His face looked worried and I kind of felt bad for him but I was too angry to care. I raised my other hand and the bartender poured another glass. I pulled my arm away from Tin’s and picked up the glass. I stared at the dark liquid and took a breath before downing the glass again. I slammed the glass down on the bar and winced as the liquid heated my chest. I could do nothing but put my head down and try to even my breathing. When I felt I had control, I looked up at the worried gaze of my best friend. I tried to smile but I felt myself forcing it. I looked around and nodded to the woman who still stood there in shock.

“I’m sorry.” I half smiled at her. Her eyes lowered seductively with a smile and I could feel my lip curl. Her smile dropped and she stomped a foot and walked away in a huff.

“Dammit Jackson! Do you know how long I’ve been chatting her up?” Tin sounded annoyed.

I shrugged and took her spot at the bar. “You have no idea what I just went through.”

“I would if you would come and talk like a normal person and not some drunk.”

“Fucking Tricia was at my house.”

His eyes grew wide. “What the fuck did she want?”

I gave a dry laugh and signaled for another drink. Tin looked at the bartender apprehensively and I could only shake my head in annoyance. Just let me get drunk.

“She wants me back. Said she made the wrong choice or some bullshit. I told her to leave me alone.”

“Fuck. Did she leave?”

I picked up my now filled glass and took a sip. “I have no clue. She was still standing there as I drove away.”

“What about Pine?”

I looked at him bemused. “What about her? I’m not going back to that cheating bitch.”

“I mean, have you told Pine about her?”

I swirled the liquid around in the glass as I stared into the swirl. “Not in detail. I thought she was gone from my life. Why would I want to bring her up?”

“True, but I think you should since she’s sniffing around now. I’d hate to see her try to ruin your relationship.”

“Dammit. I was finally in a good place. Why now?”

“She’s always been selfish; this is nothing new.” I could only nod my agreeance. He clapped me on the shoulder. “C’mon, let’s get wasted. You’re already almost there.”

I laughed and lifted my glass to him as I downed it again. I pulled out my phone and saw I had eight missed calls, all from Tricia and groaned. I pulled up Pine’s number and sent her a text.

Me: Hello beautiful. Hope you’re having fun. I miss you.

Pine: Hey yourself. *heart emoji* Everything is good. I’ll be back in three days. I miss you too. Maybe you can show me how much you miss me when I get back. *tongue out emoji*

Me: I’m already thinking of ways. *wink*

Pine: You text me first, you must be drinking.

Me: *laughing emoji* I’m with Tin.

Pine: Oh lord. Be safe and text me when you get home if you can.

Me: Okay. I just wanted to say goodnight just in case I’m to wasted.

---