Page 36 (1/2)
Her expression turned almost pouty "You liked thea into his drink, his lips pursed "Oh? When was that?"
"I shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t re before our breakup, Brooke set some OJ andpopcorn in the e plastic cups and half-filled thee juice and ice cubes, and we toldto watch aof the house
An hour later, ere co and all over each other We’d been aware of little but each other that night, and ere reckless in every possible way Why she’d want to reht next to her--was incomprehensible
"Is there so screwdrivers with you, Brooke?"
She stared, while under the surface, both of us popped and snapped with tension She was a live wire, dangerous and unstable, and so me to beware In a flash of idiocy, I discounted it "Only because of what came from it," she answered
That’s the pointhis eyes, breathing out a sigh He turned, his hand on her forearo back to the hotel"
"I want hiht Just once" That hen I knew she’d told hi you know exactly when? Please I doubt you really even know exactly who"
She slipped off the barstool, fists clenched, livid and not as sloppy drunk as I’d assumed "You bastard--"
Graham stepped in front of her "That’s uncalled for," he said to h I’d hurt her if I was too close
All of us spoke quietly, hyper aware of the fact that ere in public Even still, I was pissed at the condescension in his tone "This is none of your godda it ht Does Brooke know you’ve been running in the s with E to have your cake and eat it, too?" The way I said this left no doubt as to estured towards the dance floor
Grahalanced in that direction "I will kick your ass if you hurt Emma Don’t think for one second that I won’t"
Okay Confusing, right in front of Brooke "My relationship with Emma is definitely none of your business"
At that, Brooke took off for the lounge I threw back the tequila shot the bartender had lined up at ive a shit I had to know if she’d told hih I knew she had Our conversation in the bathroom confirmed it When I shoved the door openjust outside the door, his jaw clenched I saluted hi the floor for Eet out of the club and hail a taxi without being stopped by anyone, but I do As I reach for the door handle, Graha the door forthe tears off ofacross when it beco to prevent ives the driver the hotel nah he takes my hand, pulls me into his arms while I cry My mind is pure chaos I’ve just left Reid with no explanation, not even a goodbye, and I can’t iested, and just use him the way she thinks he wants to useReid Alexander to loseway I could possibly lose it
At least I’m not in love with him My disillusion touch to a miserable week Disappointed and shocked? Definitely Broken-hearted? No
The loss of him can’t compare to how much it hurts to have lost my best friend I close my eyes as fresh tears course down my face and drip fro lier
"Emma," Graham says as we pull up to the curb and he pays the driver "Stay close" I wonder about his directive for two seconds, and then the flashes start He draws me close and swiftly heads for the door as a couple of security people rush out to usher us inside The stories to Luckily, I don’t care
When we get upstairs, he glances at Brooke’s door as we pass it, and I know that’s where he wants to be I hope she realizes what she’s got He’s nothing like Reid I can’t believe I ever thought to co the key card into the door, I say, "Thank you Go… take care of her I’m fine"
"Are you sure?" His concern is so sweet it almost hurts
I nod, and he takes my chin in his hand and exa Ito be okay, Eer than you know" His voice is soft but sure, and I nod again He kisses ently and turns away
My phone buzzes as soon as I get into my room When I check the screen, there are two es, all froh them
Reid: Where are you? Are you still here somewhere?
Reid: missed call