Page 3 of King of the Unsightly

From the crystal chandeliers to the dim lighting, I stuck out like a sore thumb. My outfit didn’t match the aesthetic at all. People in formfitting suits and cocktail dresses occupied all the tables. I contemplated turning back when they skimmed me over. But I wouldn’t let a few pompous-face assholes deter me. And I didn’t have it in me to wait in the dark for a lift to Crest’s, the place I frequented the most in Deanville.

So my options were ... drink and get mean-mugged or sit in the alley and have a bunch of crows shit-talk me?

Obviously, I’d rather drink.

I passed a couple; the man sported a buttoned-up, all-black suit with a cerulean-blue tie and slicked-back hair, and the woman wore a slimming emerald dress adorned in silver jewels. Her long auburn hair rested in loose curls as she twirled a full glass of red wine. She looked me over, but surprisingly, without discontent. The man on the other hand, his look of disgust was palpable.

So I gave him what he wanted.A show.

I flashed him a smug grin and a wink, making damn sure he saw myI Heart DILFsshirt in all its glory. A glimpse of a smirkappeared on the woman’s face, but she turned, giving her full attention to her glass.

Satisfied, I rushed to the restroom. I still hadsomedecorum, no matter how small.

I bent over the sink and wiped the smudged mascara under my gold-speckled, blue eyes, grumbling in defeat. I looked exactly as I did when I broke up with Jared a few days ago. A hot mess. My brunette hair splintered out like I went through a windstorm, and I tried like hell to smooth it down to no avail. My cheeks flushed with color, and my lips were parched, aching for water.

I did the best I could and took out my red lipstick from my jacket pocket and applied it over my full lips. I managed to tame my hair down a bit, making myself appear half decent.

Content with my appearance, I glided out of the doorway and sat on a mahogany barstool. I ran my fingers through my hair and waited for the bartender to notice me.

My necklace came to mind, and I pulled it from under my shirt and squeezed it in my palm; my other hand tapped the bar top rigorously as I traced the key before shoving it back underneath my shirt.

Why would anyone want this piece of junk? With a silver key in the shape of a hexagon and an engraved crescent moon on it, it looked like some cheap knockoff. And it was only a simple keepsake from my mother with some weird written language on it I couldn’t comprehend. Not that I desired to find out what it meant or what Raagini was talking about. It only soured my mood when I thought about her.

The bartender appeared in front of me, and I jerked backward. “What can I get you?”

I rubbed the nape of my neck and eyed the shelves of liquor. “Whiskey and ginger ale.” I desperately craved something strong but also something that wouldn’t upset my stomach, and this was the perfect concoction.

The bartender plopped the drink down with a bored expression—not holding back any of their hostility.

I guess they didn’t like my DILFs shirt either. Go figure.

“Fifteen dollars,” the bartender said in a pinched tone and with glazed-over eyes.

Forcing my jaw not to drop, I handed my debit card over. Small tears welled in the corners of my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away. The thought of my bank account plunging any further crushed my soul.

I’m fine. This is fine. It’s not like I had an eviction notice on my apartment door or got fired for punching some creep who grabbed my ass last night.

Oh, wait . . .

I chuckled humorlessly and rested my forehead on the cool bar top.

Sulking wouldn’t save me or give me my job back. Figuring out my plans going forward was my best bet.

I launched upright, grabbed my drink, and took a sip. Relaxation enveloped me like an inviting blanket as the icy liquid warmed my stomach. My worries seamlessly melted away.

“Found you,” a sultry voice sang behind my ear.

In the Dark

“Get lost.” I slammed my drink down.

Jared poked his head over my shoulder as his black curls brushed against my cheek. He stepped back and his mesmerizing green eyes locked on mine.

I groaned and twisted my body to evade his touch. “Did you not hear me?” I asked, the venom seeping from my voice.

Could he not take a hint? I wanted some peace and quiet, and his presence did neither for me.

“Ouch. I’m devastated.” Jared placed a hand on his heart like I physically wounded him. And man I wish I had.

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