Page 45 of Catch a King (Five Kings 1)

Chapter 36

Millie

Avery smiles as I head back and points to the steaming coffee on the table. “One for the road.”

I nod gratefully as I slip into the booth.

“Where do we go now, I’m guessing not back to the Castle, I doubt that party will be ending anytime soon?”

Avery shudders. “No, it may be wise to head on somewhere else. I know a great club not a million miles away. Do you like dancing, Millie?”

“Yes.”

“There’s a place in the next town that’s always fun. A country and western bar where you can dance all night and not get bothered. Everyone’s out for the fun of the music and the atmosphere; it’s a great place to go.”

“I’m loving the sound of it already.”

I take a sip of my coffee and wonder how Sawyer’s getting on. He told me he was heading out to the Coyote bar because Slade learned about Rose. He warned her in advance and said she would be heading out of State, so they would find nothing when they got there. He may even be back by now, but I wouldn’t know because my phone battery appears to have died and I groan.

“What’s the matter, honey?”

Avery looks concerned as I toss the phone into my purse. “Batteries dead, I could have sworn I charged it up today.”

“You can use mine if you like.”

She offers me her phone, but I shake my head. “Maybe later. In some ways I don’t want to make the call because they could be back and want us there with them, and I’m keen to try out this club you spoke about. It’s been so long since I went dancing, I could use the escape.”

“Yes, me too, anyway, we deserve a night off, so come on girl, let’s settle the check and get our dancing shoes on.”

We split the check and head outside and as the cool air hits me, my head spins a little.

“You ok, honey?”

Avery looks concerned as I stumble a little and laugh. “It’s been a while since I drank so much, maybe we shouldn’t have got a bottle because I think I drank most of it.”

“Don’t worry about it, you need a night off. Maybe next time you can drive and I’ll be the one unsteady on my feet.”

I manage to make it to the car and wonder why I let myself drink so much. As the engine starts, I lean back and close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

* * *

“Millie, wake up, we’re here.”

Avery’s voice enters my dreams, and it takes a moment to realize she’s shaking me. “Come on, honey, don’t give up on me yet. The night’s still young.”

I blink as I open my eyes and see a bright light in front of me and I shield my eyes. “Wow, that’s bright.”

Avery giggles with excitement. “That’s nothing compared to Vegas.”

She slams the door and before I know what’s happening, she opens the passenger door and pulls me out, saying quickly, “This is going to be so much fun.”

I stumble along beside her and don’t even register where I am. Loud music is playing out from the building and I wonder if I’m up to this because that wine has seriously messed with my system

We head inside and I try to focus, but the light is blinding me and the music is so loud I can’t concentrate. Then I feel so nauseous I think I’m going to embarrass myself before we’ve even arrived.

“Avery, I think I’m going to…” My words are drowned out as I can’t help myself and hurl on the spot, and Avery says with concern. “Oh my god, Millie, are you ok?”

I can’t even answer her because all I can concentrate on is emptying my stomach and I feel so mortified imagining all eyes on me making a complete show of myself.

---