Page 54 of Hard To Love

Chapter Eighteen

” So, still haven’t talked to the asshole yet, huh?” Cassie asked while resting her arm along the back of the barstool. We’d agreed to meet at a little trendy bar that was only a couple blocks from our apartment. It had great food, a cozy atmosphere and there was always great live music being played. Except tonight was karaoke night. If I had known that, I would have picked someplace else to go because it was packed with people.

My body leaned back in my chair,refusingto let my thoughts get the best of me. “Nope. Really, what more was there to say?”

The first part of my week was spent avoiding his calls. Apparently, he had a three-day limit. Because, after that he stopped trying to contact me. There had been no other attempts to reach out to me, whatsoever. It was like he completely gave up.

“Liam felt pretty awful about what happened and had no clue about Megan.”

Join the club. I thought as I took the first cool sip of my cosmopolitan.

“So, you’re really just going to let this go, you don’t even want to hear his explanation?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what I want right now.”

The trust I had with him was broken and I wasn’t sure how to get it back. Or if I even wanted it back.

She shook her head, “I still can’t believe how wrong I was about him.”

“You and me both.” I said, trailing my gaze over her shoulder, not wanting her to know that she hit a nerve. Sad and hurt couldn’t even begin to describe how I felt.

“You know what you need?” She grinned while thrusting her drink up in the air “You need to get drunk. Fuck him.”

And that was why I loved my best friend. She always seemed to know exactly what I needed, and right then, I really needed to get drunk.

After the first couple drinks were under my belt, I was feeling pretty good as the effects of the alcohol started to kick in.

A co-worker recognized Cassie from across the bar. While the two of them started a conversation, I politely excused myself, feeling the need to empty my bladder. I took one more sip of my drink before I slid off the barstool.

“Be right back.” I announced while grabbing my purse and making my way towards the bathroom.As I rounded the corner, my cell phone started vibrating in my purse. I reached in and looked at the screen. The caller ID said unknown caller.

“Hello?” I answered, pressing the cell phone firmly to my ear while plugging my other to help me hear over the loud music.

“Emily?” The voice was low and stern. I didn’t recognize it.

“Who’s calling?” I asked, walking though the bar trying to find a place where it was a little less noisy.

“Emily, it’s Colin Newman.” My steps faltered, as it took a split-second to process the name. Considering that I wasn’t Colin’s biggest fan for whatever reason, it made me wonder what the hell he could possibly want.

“What can I do for you, Colin?”

“I got your number off my brother’s phone.” He paused and I could hear him take a deep breath. “I need you to come over to Chase’s apartment, he’s a mess right now, and,” he paused again, “there’s been a huge misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up.”

Even though I had only had two drinks, I knew that seeing him in my current state of mind would be a mistake. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Colin.”

His exasperation traveled through the phone as he spoke. “Emily, I wouldn’t call if I had any other options.”

I tried to not let his words affect me. This was the Colin I knew. Of course, he wouldn’t call me. I was probably his last resort.

This phone call had an entire week’s worth of resolve disappearing in a matter of minutes. Something told me that Chase needed me. I couldn’t explain it; I just knew I had to see him.

“Fine. Just give me a few minutes to say my goodbyes and I’ll grab a cab and head uptown. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thank you.” He mumbled a huge sigh of relief.

I quickly hung up the phone and made my way back to the bar to fill Cassie in on the details of my rather strange phone call. She offered to come with me, but I convinced her it was better if I went and did it alone. I threw two twenties on the bar and stuffed my phone back in my purse.

“I’ll call you as soon as I know what’s going on.”

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