Page 95 of Cinderella Screwed Me Over
My next drink showed up just in time to toast that sentiment.
Guys started swinging by on a regular basis, hoping to score with the drunk chicks. Laura was nice enough to point a finger at me when a tall guy clad in a leather jacket stopped by. “She’s the only one who’s single.”
I looked up at the guy.
The disappointment on his face was clear, which didn’t do much for my already fragile ego. He stood there, looking uncomfortable for a moment.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m not interested either.”
He couldn’t get away fast enough.
A few minutes later, a guy tapped Steph on the shoulder. She rolled her head in his direction, then looked to me.
“She’s getting married,” I said. Words seemed thick and hard to get out. “This is her bachelorette party.”
“How about a last fling before you settle down?” he asked, grinning at her.
“Sorry, buddy. It’s a girl’s night, and she’s not interested in cheating on her fiancé.” I gave him the scoot signal, sweeping my hand through the air. “So get lost.”
He muttered something less than flattering under his breath before walking away.
I flung my arm around Stephanie’s shoulder. “I wonder what Jake’s doing. I mean, it’s Saturday night, so I’m sure he’s working, but I wonder…”
“Wonder what?” Steph slurred.
“If he misses me? Isn’t it stupid to miss him so much already? I feel all needy. This is why I don’t drink. I get sloppy and emotional and it’s hard to comp—to compartlize—” Words weren’t coming out right. I tried again. “To keep my feelings in check. Then I start making big mistakes. Like that night I met Allen.”
“Jake wasn’t a mistake, though.”
“I screwed it all up. I can’t even blame Cinderella this time.” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I pushed him too far, he’s leaving, it’s done.” Even with the alcohol dulling my senses, I still felt the sharp pain in my heart.
The bartender brought another round of drinks and I considered them for a moment before waving them off. “I’m going to stop before I do something stupid.”
Steph waved them away as well. “I had fun, celebrated my last single weekend, and now all I want to do is go home to my guy.” She looked at me, a sloppy grin on her face. “Can you get me home to my guy?”
Of course getting her home was easier said than done. Stephanie had this weird fear of taxi drivers. If someone she knew was with her, she was fine. Leave her alone with the driver, and she went into panic mode. I’d ridden past my place just so she wouldn’t have to be alone. As we turned down her street, I called Anthony to come get her.
When she saw him outside her door, she erupted in uncontrollable laughter.
He pulled her out of the taxi and put his arm around her.
She poked at his cheek. “You’re amazing. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” He leaned over to see me, keeping Steph next to him. “You okay getting home alone?”
I knew he was being nice, so I bit back my thanks-for-rubbing-it-in comment. “I’m good.”
“And you can make it into your building? You’re not too—”
“Shh!”Steph glanced at the driver. “He’ll take advantage of her.” She got louder. “Keep your stun gun ready in case of trouble.”
I laughed. She was more wasted than I’d realized. My head still felt fuzzy, but functioning wasn’t a problem. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, Anthony. See you, Steph.”
She giggled and waved. Anthony turned and helped her into their house.
I gave the driver my address and sat back in the seat.Note to self: No more bachelorette parties. They’re just not as fun as they used to be.
A few minutes later, the cab pulled up to my building. Walking in a straight line took some effort, but I was able to make it inside my building and to the elevator. The doors opened with abingand I stepped inside. My hand hovered over the five button, and then I moved it up and pushed the number twenty. All night I’d felt alone, and I was sick of it. There’s a reason why alcohol’s sometimes referred to asliquid courage.
