Page 137 of Foreplay on Words

“The nurse gave you something?” Emory asked too many questions.

I tipped forward on my stool as I tried to nod. “For my anxiety...”

Why was I giggling? Was I giggling?

“For your anxiety?” Nathan asked. That was what I said. Why wasn’t he listening?

“Hold up there, big guy.” I felt Emory’s hands grab my shoulder and pull me back upright.

“The little whiiiite pills make me feel weeeiiiird.” I blinked heavily as their faces swayed, getting bigger and then smaaaaller...

“Evan, we’re gonna take you to my studio to sleep this off,” Emory told me as he snapped his fingers in front of my face again. “Okay?”

“Mmmhmmm...” I blinked heavily and closed my eyes.

“You’ve still got his phone?” Emory asked. I don’t think he was talking to me.

“Yeah, in my pocket,” Nathan answered him.

“You support one side, I got the other.”

I felt myself moving and cracked open one eye, watching the bar pass by as they got me closer to the door. The colors that moved on the walls were freaking me out. I needed to get out of here and snuggle up with...

Chase!

Fuck. She was gonna be mad at me.

The door swung outward into the sidewalk, and I stumbled a little as we crossed the threshold.

“Wait...way...wait... I gotta call Chaser...now,” I slurred.

“I texted her that we found you,” Nathan said loudly. Why was he right next to my ear? Personal space, dude.

“No, no, no. Need to talk to her now,” I slurred as I shook my head. It only made the colors move faster.

“Evan, you’re a little out of it right now. Let’s get you lying down to rest, and we’ll call Chase.” Emory was way too close to my other side. Geez.

“No...now.” I shook my head again but couldn’t hold it up anymore.

“Man, I’m glad I never want kids.” Nathan laughed.

“Did he just stomp his foot?” Emory tried to hold in his laughter.

“Now, dammit!” I yelled but then cringed at how loud my voice was.

“Okay, calm down. I’ll dial it for you.” Nathan told me as he pulled my phone out of his pocket and typed in my passcode.

How did he know my passcode?

“Don’t steal...my...shit.” I narrowed my eyes at him, but he laughed.

“Fine. Take it. Just press call.”

“I know how to use a––oh shit...” As I tried to press the button to call Chase, I felt my knees give out, and the phone started to slide out of my hand.

I watched as it fell in slow motion onto the sidewalk and bounced off the curb. There was a hollow clank noise as it hit, and I heard Emory curse as he let go of me.

“Shit.” Nathan pulled me into his side as I watched Emory approach the curb and look down.

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