Page 59 of Told You So
“Trust me, Bethany, you need to get down here.. .Nick is here.”
“Okay, so?” Manhandling my things, I make it to the Rover and toss them all inside.
“He’s not working, Bethany. He’s literally at the bar, drunk, like the drunkest I’ve ever seen him before.”
I start the engine and sit there for a breath. “That seems weird. Is he alone?”
“Yes, he’s alone, and I know it’s weird, that’s why I’m calling you.”
“No Reilly or Mac—no one’s there with him?”
“No, something’s clearly wrong. I thought since you guys are all buddy-buddy now, you should know.”
An unexpected panic takes hold of me. “Yeah. Thanks. I’m on my way.” In all the years I’ve seen Nick at the bar, he’s never been wasted, and I’ve never see him drinking, alone.
As soon as I get to Lick’s, Anna’s outside on her phone. She hangs up when she sees me and smiles. “He’s still in there. I think he’s even flirting with the guys at this point.”
“What?” I know she’s probably joking, but I head straight for the door. “How long has he been here?” I ask over my shoulder.
“I have no idea. I got here an hour ago. Sorry.”
Nodding, I head into the bar. It’s relatively dead, but it’s a Thursday night so I’m not really surprised.
Nick’s at the bar with a water glass in front of him, which is a relief, but when Brady looks at me, his eyes are pinched with worry. Nick’s resting his elbows on the bar, spinning a coaster around and around on the countertop.
“Hey,” I say and sidle up beside him.
When Nick looks at me, his eyes widen. “Hey! Fancy meeting you here.”
I can’t help but smile. “Yeah, I know. What a coincidence.” His eyes are veiled with drink, and I think sadness. His words are a little slurred, and I can tell his happy-go-lucky Nick-ness is forced tonight. “Where’s the crew at?” I ask.
He shrugs and looks back at the Anchor Steam coaster he continues to spin. “Home, I guess. Hey, do you want a shot? All shots are on me tonight.”
Brady gives me the look, as if he even needs to. “No, I’m okay, thanks. I was just heading home. Do you want me to drop you off at your place on my way?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, I’m not ready to go home yet, even thoughBradycut me off.” He chuckles to himself. “He’s such an asshole sometimes, but I love ‘em.” He raises his palm. “High-five, dude, for being cool.”
I stifle a laugh as Brady gives Nick a high-five. “Thanks, brother.”
Pulling out the stool, I slide in beside Nick. “You want to tell me what happened?” I ask quietly.
A shit-eating grin parts his lips. “Life,” he says. “But it was my turn anyway.”
“What do you mean? Did something happen after I left your mom’s?”
When I look at Brady, he shrugs and gives us some space. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“Ha!” Nick takes a sip of water, his eyes only half open. “Not exactly.” His smile disappears as his thoughts drift, and I want more than anything to say something that might make him feel better, but I know he’s beyond that now.
“Nick,” I say, reaching for him. I rest my hand on his arm and squeeze, hoping he’ll look at me. “Do you want me to call Sam?” Her number is the only one I have, and I know she’d be here in a heartbeat if Nick needed her.
“No. No, don’t call Sam,” he says, adamant, and he shakes his head. “She’s busy.”
“I doubt that. It’s almost eight. She’d love to come hang out with you.”
He shakes his head again. “No,” he repeats. “She’s had enough bullshit to deal with in her life. She doesn’t need mine too—they all have. This—” He peers around the bar. “It was bound to happen, sooner or later. Life’s not perfect, you know,” he tells me, then he laughs. “You already know that.” He stares at my hand on his arm. “Are you flirting with me, Bethany Fairchild? I thought we had a deal.”
“I just want to help, Nick,” I tell him. Whatever happened, he’s more than hurt, he seems to feel guilty, and I have no idea why. “Why don’t you let me take you home. It’s better than stewing in this stinky bar—no offense, Brady.”
