“Why would you do that?” I asked.
“You never told me you had a boyfriend!” she replied with mock anger. Jeff made a face and I quickly explained.
“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s just some asshole.” I said, waving away Jeff’s worry. He smiled and ordered us another round. I drank the shot quickly. The room began to spin around me with the thudding of the base from the music.
“Are you alright?” Claire asked as she grabbed my arm.
“I’m fine.” I replied, pulling back from her. “I just need to use the restroom.”
“It’s over there.” She pointed across the dance floor to a glowing sign that read ‘restrooms’. I nodded and began making my way through the crowd. I was pushed all over the place and by the time I reached the sign I felt like I was going to be sick.
“Are you alright?” A woman asked as I walked through the doors. Why did everyone keep asking me that? I pushed her aside and dashed into an empty stall just in time to be sick. A knock came at the stall door and she pushed it open.
“Can I get you something?” she asked. I shook my head no but she refused to leave me alone. “Come here” she said and held my arm, helping me off the floor. She pulled me over to the sink and rand the cold water. “Splash this on your face.” She said as she pulled my hair back. I did and immediately felt a little better. “Better?” she asked. I nodded my head and grabbed the paper towels she was holding out for me. “I think you should call it a night.” She said and I nodded my head again.
“Thank you” I whispered and turned to make my way back out to my friends.
Claire was practically glowing when I reached her side.
“You ready for another shot?” she asked and the idea made my stomach turn again.
“I think I’ve had enough.” I replied, embarrassed. She frowned at me and Jeff looked disappointed but he seemed to already move on to flirting with Becka.
“Call me tomorrow! We party like this all weekend!” she yelled over the music and everyone around her cheered.
“Okay” I said and made my way to the exit. As soon as the cool night air hit me, I felt more energized. I pulled out my phone to call my aunt who had not seemed to notice I did not come home after school. The phone lit up before I could dial. The caller I.D. read ‘unknown caller’ and I knew exactly who it was.
“What?” I answered angrily, the alcohol making me feel bolder than usual.
“You look like you have had too much to drink.” Mr. Honor replied, his tone bordering on angry. I glanced around the parking lot. He was leaning against his car a few rows away from me.
“I can take care of myself, but thanks for your concern.” I shot back and I could see him smiling.
“I’ll give you a ride.” He answered coolly. I rolled my eyes but decided I did not have much of a choice. All of my friends were entirely too drunk to drive.
“Fine” I replied, and hung up the phone. I tried my best to look angry but he continued to grin and all I could think about was kissing him again. He opened the passenger door and slid into my seat as gracefully as I could manage.
Chapter Eleven
We rode in silence for a few minutes as we made our way down the main strip. The streets were overflowing with people who were out having a good time. I wrapped my arms around my waist wishing I had eaten dinner before drinking.
“Have fun?” Mr. Honor asked as the muscles flexed over his clenched jaw.
“I had a great time.” I replied with more attitude than necessary. He stared ahead choosing not to respond. “Where are we going?” I asked after a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence.
“Back to my place, you need to eat something.” He said as he glanced at me from the corner of his eye. I thought about protesting but I was starving. I knew my aunt would not have much in the way of food at her house.
“I need to call my aunt. If she comes home and I’m not there…” I said as I dug my phone out of my pocket. He reached over placing his hand on the phone before I could dial.
“Send her a message. Tell her you are staying at a friend’s house. It won’t look good that you’re hanging out with your teacher.” He glanced at me, waiting for my approval. I nodded and he withdrew his hand. I sent a quick message letting her know I was spending the night with Becka. I could always say we had a change of plans when Mr. Honor took me home later on. I slipped the phone back into my jeans just as we arrived at the old warehouse. He parked the car and sat for a moment, thinking something over. Whatever it was, he did not share it with me. I felt incredibly nervous around him now. I pushed my door open and waited for him. He motioned for me to go up the stairs, placing his hand on my back as I walked. His touch was electric against my skin. I bit my lip and tried to think of anything besides his touch. As we made our way inside he went to the kitchen and began pulling things from the refrigerator. I sat down at a barstool at the island and watched him work.