Page 43 of Shattering Nash

“If you could eat flowers last night, you can take two small capsules now.”

I ate flowers last night?Charley barely had any recollection of the night before.

She lifted her hand, swallowed the pills, and chased them with a huge gulp of water. Then another and another. Before she knew it, she’d finished one bottle, and Penny was handing her another. She didn’t feel anything close to good, but at least the spinning and vomiting subsided. She was finally able to think clearly.Kind of.

“Where’s Keely?”

“Dropped her off at Dahlia’s. Figured it was only fair she’d be on alcohol poisoning duty too. She offered to take you, but I figured I’d spare you the lecture Keely is definitely getting right now.”

“I’ve never drank like that before.”

Penny laughed, sipping her coffee cross-legged on the chair across from her. “And it shows.”

This was mortifying, irresponsible, and reckless. What had she been thinking?Nothing, you weren’t thinking, moron.

Charley dropped her face in the palm of her hand. “I’m sorry you had to take care of me.”

“Hey, look at me.”

Charley glanced up to find Penny smiling. “As drunk people go, you were funny, sweet, thanked me for anything and everything I did, then you passed out and made it to the toilet tothrow up. Trust me, you rank high as drunks I’d willingly take home.”

Oh, great. I’ll add that to my resume tomorrow.

“I don’t really remember much.”

Penny’s lips twitched, and her eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. “Want a recap?”

From the eagerness in Penny’s tone, she wasn’t sure she even wanted to know. Unfortunately, Penny took that decision out of her hands.

“You remember going to the X-Lounge, getting into the exclusive VIP?”

Charley nodded. “Nash brought me in.”

Penny snickered. “A decision I’m sure he’s regretting.”

“What do you mean?” She widened her eyes and panic set in.

“Tell me the last thing you remember,” Penny said.

“Keely ordered us those purple drinks.” Her memory was hazy, but something clicked. “They had those edible flowers, right?”

Penny nodded.

“Then um, some guy sat next to me and started talking, but, uhhh…”

The details were semi-fuzzy.

“Security stepped up, and he left. We bullshitted for a little bit, then Keely went to dance. And” —Penny paused, eyeing her suspiciously— “You and I got to know each other a little better. Do you remember that?”

This was awful. Here was a woman who helped her out, took care of her, and Charley couldn’t remember a conversation.

“I’m sorry, I don’t.”

Penny waved her hand, “No worries. But I’m guessing you also don’t remember Keely encouraging you to kiss Nash, and on our way out, you did.”

Charley stilled, her hands uncontrollably tightening over the plastic water bottle. What did she just say? Penny grinned and slowly nodded.

No.

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