Page 52 of Off Camera
I finish my drink like it’s a splash of water.
“Want another?” Dana asks.
I mull it over.
It would be smart to walk away.
It would be smart to go back to my room and mind my fucking business like I’ve been doing for years, but Avery looks miserable. My throat is tight, and try as I might to get my ass out of my seat, I can’t move.
Maybe I want to be the hero instead of the sidekick for once.
Maybe I want to be the guy who swoops in and saves the day when everything is turning to shit.
Maybe I’m torn up that the woman I had such a good connection with is also the woman who makes me want to pull my hair out.
Maybe Iamjealous that she’s giving her time to someone who’s clearly not worthy of it.
Maybe, despite agreeing to a bet and wanting to beat her in this game we’ve found ourselves in, I still want her to give her attention tome.
This is too fucking confusing.
“Sure.” I shrug. “I’ll have another.”
I ignore the smile that gets tossed my way and glance at the television. I don’t know how long the two of them sit there talking like they’re best fucking friends, but it’s long enough for me to sip three whiskeys and a glass of water.
The alcohol goes down easier each round. My head starts to pound. A dull ache spreads across my forehead, and I can’t look at my phone without my vision swimming. It buzzes in my hand, and another text from Avery pops up.
Avery
I didn’t know you were a lightweight.
Me
Now who’s keeping tabs on who?
Avery
Hard not to when you’re sitting there staring at the television and looking like a lost dog.
Me
Going to put me on a leash?
Avery
Depends on if you’ve been bad.
I blush furiously and gulp the rest of my drink down before I answer.
Me
Didn’t want to leave you alone with that prick.
Avery
I thought you hated me.
Me
