“I know you miss him, Linds. I can see it. But please be careful. I don’t know what you’re doing, but don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I already have,” I whisper. There is a loud commotion out in the living room and some whoops and hollers. “What the hell is that?” I grumble, jumping up from the bed and running toward the living room.
“Who is that?” Jess asks as I move toward the door.
“Take one guess?” I snap. “Guys, didn’t your mothers teach you it’s rude to just let yourself into someone’s home?” Dominic stands at my refrigerator with the door open and his head stuck inside. I met Dominic in the hallway as he was knocking on Jonah’s door one afternoon, and two other guys I remember seeing at Jonah’s stand at the kitchen island and talk to each other animatedly. All three turn to look at me as I approach.
“Hey, beautiful,” Dominic says as he shuts the refrigerator door and strides over to me. I glance over my shoulder and find Jess leaning against the bedroom doorjamb with her arms folded across her chest, assessing the situation. “Jonah said he invited you and your friend,” he nods at Jess, “to come over. We came to personally walk you there—you know, make sure you get there safe and all.” He winks at me and a smile crawls across his face that makes my stomach turn.
“It’s next door. I think we’ll be fine.” Dominic smiles at me and moves closer—way too close.
“I brought you a little incentive.” He pulls a baggie from his front pocket and dangles it in front of my face. I snatch it as quickly as I can to hide it, but he pulls it right back out of my hand. It’s a baggie full of pills.
“Put it away,” I snarl at him through clenched teeth.
“Everything okay?” Jess asks as she comes into the living room, leaving the safety of the bedroom behind.
“Everything’s fine,” I tell her, giving Dominic the look, the one that says get the hell out of here.
“Everything’s great!” Dominic says, shoving the baggie of pills into his front pocket as he leans around me to address Jess. “We’ll see you in just a little bit. Right, Lindsay?” He tips his head to the side and licks his lips. I look back at Jess and she shrugs.
“Yeah, we’ll stop by for just a few minutes.”
Leaning in, Dominic whispers in my ear, “You’re cute when you’re pissed. Find me and they’re yours, sweetheart. My treat.” With a wink and a devilish smile, he steps away from me and turns toward the door. “Let’s go, guys. The ladies will be over in just a bit.”
The door shuts behind the guys as they leave, and I look at Jess. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”
“No, let’s just stop by. It’ll be fun,” she says with a smile.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. It’ll be fun.”
After a quick change of clothes, Jess and I head next door. “Anytime you’re ready to leave, just say something or give me a look,” I inform her as we stand outside Jonah’s door. We can hear voices inside along with music.
“Deal.”
I push the doorbell and wait for Jonah or anyone to answer the door. The door opens and Jonah stands just inside, holding a bottle of beer. He steps aside and opens the door further, welcoming us.
“Lindsay.” He tilts his head and looks at me funny.
“Hi, Jonah. You met Jess earlier,” I reintroduce her as we step into his condo. I’ve never been inside his place; I’ve only seen it from the open doorway. It’s the typical bachelor pad with exposed brick walls, wood floors, black leather sofa and loveseat, and an entertainment system that rivals that of a movie theater.
“We did meet. I’m glad you guys stopped by,” he says, bringing me back to the present.
“We’re not staying long. Just wanted to make an appearance.” I scan the room, looking for Dominic. I find him in a corner of the living room, pressing a woman against the wall, his lips to her neck, all while managing a bottle of beer in one of his hands—classy.
“Everyone, this is Lindsay and Jess. Jess and Lindsay, this is everyone,” Jonah announces as he shuts the door. “What can I get you to drink? We’ve got beer, wine, vodka…”
“Vodka cranberry,” I say, looking to Jess.
“Water for now. I’ll have something else in a little while,” Jess answers with a smile.
“Vodka cranberry and a water coming up,” Jonah repeats. Jess walks into the living room where people stand in small circles, talking. She walks right up to a group of two girls and introduces herself, immediately making herself comfortable in a sea of strangers. I envy her confidence. Working in a profession where I talk to strangers every day, I’m uncomfortable here in a room with strange people I’ve never met.