All Good Things Exposed(5)

"Smells delicious." Trey moaned and I fought the urge to bolt to the back office.

Trisha pulled a container from the bag and set it in front of me. "Singapore noodles, your favorite."

I glowered as I pulled off the lid, stabbing the noodles with my fork. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, sweets." She smiled, shoved a deep-fried chicken ball into her mouth and continued. "What do you have planned tonight?"

I quirked a brow. Was she asking me? I hadn't gone out in seven weeks. I spent every night holed up in my room or on the couch with a bottle of wine. Surely she wasn't serious? "Are you talking to me?" I asked when Trey didn't answer her.

"Uh, yeah." She chuckled.

"I'm going home." I answered quietly.

"It's opening day and you're telling me you don't have anything planned?"

"Nope. Nothing planned." I muttered tensely. Please don't harass me. Please don't harass me. I repeated the mantra in my head as though it held the divine power to save me.

It didn't work. "Well, it's a good thing I planned the night for you then."

My eyes shot up from the food to meet hers. She was staring at me as though daring me to challenge her. "I'm not going out, Trisha."

"You're not sitting at home." She stated.

To my left, Trey shifted uncomfortably. "I told you this wasn't a good idea." He said quietly to Trisha. "She needs more time."

"Shut up, Trey." She snapped without taking her eyes from my face. "You've had enough time to mourn your relationship with Jace. Either you get over it and move on or you take him back. It's your choice."

I couldn't believe this conversation. "Whatever, Trisha." I waved my hand. "We'll go out."

She beamed. "Great. I bought you a dress."





Chapter 2

Trisha linked her arm with mine as we walked to a club I hadn't bothered to remember the name for. The dress I wore was skimpy. But I had to expect that as Trisha bought it. The black silk was riding up my thigh as I walked, but I barely cared.

"Just wait until you meet the bouncer!" She sighed and Trey grunted behind us. "He's dreamy, Liv."

"Um, hum." I nodded.

Trisha huffed. "I cannot wait to get a bottle of wine into you. You seriously need to loosen up."

As a matter of fact, I wanted a bottle of wine too. Maybe I could forget about the piercing blue eyes that haunted my every thought. Awake or asleep. That would be a wonderful blessing if there ever was one. "I think it'll take more then one bottle." I muttered.

Trisha catcalled into the night. "She's back!" She looked behind us and giggled horrendously. "She's back Trey! My partner in crime and everything else is finally back!"

I grunted. "I wouldn't go that far, Trisha."

"Well, we'll see about that after I've gotten a few drinks into you." There was a devilish promise in her words that I tried and failed to ignore. But in truth, I wanted to drink tonight. I wanted to get totally shit-faced hammered. Then maybe I wouldn't spend the night gasping for breath at the memory of losing Jace. Maybe tonight would be the first night I awoke in something other than a cold sweat, clutching my aching heart. Maybe tonight would be the night I found a way to numb myself. I needed to numb myself.

I let Trisha hang off my arm as she flirted shamelessly with the bouncer. Her long blond hair and fuck me lips had the man putty in her hands. It wasn't long before he waved us into the club. Trisha giggled obstinately as she led me through the dim entrance. I knew Trey was close to my back. I could feel his heat and it made me want to cringe, but I held my body straight.

Trisha leaned into me. "I'm going to get us drinks."

I followed her to the bar, surprising her when I leaned over the counter. "Can I get three shots of tequila?" I looked to Trisha and Trey. "What do you guys want?"

Trisha raised a brow. "You're not sharing your shots?"

I shook my head. "Nope."

A small frown pulled her brow and she glanced at Trey. Thankfully, she didn't say anything. "I'll get a Cosmo."

Trey ordered a beer. I had a feeling he was planning to remain somewhat sober. Something told me he knew I was planning on getting drunk out of my mind and would more than likely need someone to carry me home. The bartender set three shots down and I nodded to myself encouragingly as I ignored the saltshaker. I picked up the first shot and downed it. I picked up the second and did the same. It burned. I felt it in my stomach, hot as flames. I ignored the lime wedge and picked up the third shot. I slammed my eyes shut and tipped my head back, letting the harsh liquid burn down the back of my throat. When I was done, I shoved the lime between my lips, sucking every last drop of citrus. I slammed the shot glass onto the bar and opened my eyes to find Trisha staring wide-eyed at me.