Page 7 of Scarred Hearts

Sniffing the glass, I gagged. “Oh God, Chance, this smells so gross.”

“It’ll run down the throat like gangbang cum.” He picked up a shot, holding it up toward me as everyone around us watched in amusement.

“How would you know?!” I countered.

“Fuck off!” he snorted. “To your return,” he furrowed his brow, “for good this time.”

Instantly, I felt sick, but it wasn’t the alcohol. I felt like I’d let everyone down. Chance didn’t even work at the club, but I glimpsed Amber and Kirsten, who were watching with pleading eyes.

“That’s not fair,” I snickered.

“Gia,” Chance reached over, placing his hand under my glass and lifting it to my lips, “drink with me and say yes.”

I tittered, lifting the glass to my mouth and gulping it back at the same time he did. Gagging, I almost spit it out but swallowed it reluctantly. “Oh my God!” I choked, setting the empty cup down. “That was way more disgusting than it smelled!”

“Welcome to drinking with Chance!” Amber held up her shot, throwing it back with Kirsten.

After mixing us two more, and us downing them, the song throughout the club switched to Amber’s headline song that she danced to at Euphoria. She leapt up. “I’m off tonight, but that’s still my cue!” Holding her hand out to Lizzie, she shimmied in place.

“Babe,” Chance scoffed, “anyone but my sister.”

“Geez, it’s not like I’ll get naked… here,” Lizzie joked.

With a wide grin, Amber whirled around to me, pointing as she danced her fingers to the beat.

I shook my head. “I’m good.”

“Come onnn!” she protested. “You won me over with your impeccable dancing skills.”

“Fineee,” I stood, shaking my head.

She took my hand in hers, grabbing Kirsten and Lizzie anyway on the way. Finding an open space not too far from the table, we swayed, twisted, and all four danced as if no one and everyone were watching at the same time.

Kirsten stood behind me, and I bent over in front of her, rolling my hips, pressing back into her. Tonight made me remember how much I loved these girls. I was feeling like myself again in so many ways.

Glancing up, I caught Tyler’s stare. He didn’t seem too pleased that I was hanging out with everyone. Trying my best to ignore his disapproving expression, I stood straight, lifting my arms over my head. I swayed and twirled, pretending he wasn’t present, as I was completely lost in the music.

Now, I was genuinely having the time of my life. These girls were important to me. I needed this night. Amber and I stood with our backs together, winding our bodies in synchronized rhythm, belting out the lyrics.

Moments later, and without warning, a familiar feeling crept up my throat into my chest. Oh no! “Be right back!” I yelled at the girls, then covered my mouth.

Not daring to make eye contact with anyone, I sped through the crowd toward the bathroom. Several men called out to me on the way, but I ignored them all as I threw the door open and found the nearest stall, ducking inside. Closing my eyes, I choked back the vomit before it was too late.

“Are you okay?” Kirsten tapped on the stall door.

“I’m… dying,” I gasped.

She snickered. “I think we should go. You’ve had enough fun for tonight.”

“Is she okay?” Amber asked, her voice echoing against the bathroom walls.

“Fucking Chance,” I gagged, vomiting again. “Please go get my bag and wait for me outside the bathroom. This is… so embarrassing.”

Amber giggled. “It’ll suck tomorrow, but you’ll feel better by the evening.”

“Ugh,” I groaned, vomiting again. “I hate your husband.”

“I’ll go get your bag,” Kirsten announced while Amber continued to laugh loudly.

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