Page 19

Gwen

I t’s been a week since I last heard from Dominic. No call, no text, no showing up. This week has been the worst of my life, and I’ve done some pretty fucked-up things before. I have never cried as much as I have this week. Thankfully, on the days I didn’t have to work, Maddie kept me company. Between dinner dates, movies, or just laying around letting me cry, she has been there through panic attacks and talking me out of going to his house and stabbing his tires. Which, to be honest, isn’t completely off the table.

I’m getting ready for my shift at Lori’s today. When I get off work tonight, we’re going out. My brain is a mess, so why not make it worse with an overuse of alcohol? As much as I don’t want to go to Chophouse, it’s the best club in the city, and it’s big enough that Dominic and I don’t even have to see each other. I throw my long blonde hair into a high ponytail and head out the door, where my Uber is waiting. I really didn’t want to take a ride like this again, but I had to.

Opening the door and getting in, I glance in the rearview mirror and see the same strange eyes staring back at me as last time. “Well, what a surprise to see you, Miss Gwen.”

I nod, trying to avoid a conversation with the guy. As we head toward Lori’s, I sit in the back, silent, watching him stare ahead. Something about him feels off. My skin prickles. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I send a text to Maddie.

Text: Maddie “I hate taking this Uber. This guy gives me the creeps. And he somehow knows my name. Like, what the fuck.”

Text: Gwen “Ew, just don’t make eye contact with him. The strange ones usually won’t bother you if you don’t look them in the eye.” Laughing emoji.

Text: Maddie “I don’t know. This guy gives me a weird feeling.”

Looking back in the rearview mirror, I see him smiling at me. My stomach twists. I force a quick, polite smile and close my phone. Most of the ride is silent until we reach the light right before Lori’s. “So, Miss Gwen, do you like being back in town?” His slimy grin stretches, revealing yellowed teeth. “Yeah, it’s been good,” I reply, my voice clipped. “Are you by chance seeing anyone?” he asks, his eyes raking over me eagerly. My breath catches. Every instinct scream at me to get out of this car fast.

“I really don’t think we need to have this conversation.” I shift uncomfortably in my seat as we pull into Lori’s. Reaching for the door handle, I barely touch it before he locks it.

“Unlock the door, please.” My voice is firm, but he doesn’t move. “Hold on just a minute. Can’t we have a friendly conversation?” He turns halfway in the driver’s seat, eyes on me. “No, I don't think that’s a good idea. Now let me out!” I snap, just as a man approaches and taps on the window. I’ve never seen him before.

The driver rolls his window down slightly. “Can I help you?” “Yeah, you can let her out of the car before I blow your grimy head clean off your shoulders,” the man says coldly. The locks click open instantly. I don’t even spare the asshole another glance as I jump out and head toward the other side of the parking lot, moving fast.

I don’t make it far before a hand grabs my arm, spinning me around. A tall, slender man with brown hair studies me, his gaze scanning from head to toe, as if inspecting me. “Are you alright?” “I’m fine.” I yank my arm free, crossing my arms. “Who are you?” “My name’s Trey. Just seemed odd, the way that went down. If you're okay, I’ll be on my way.”

Without waiting for a response, he turns and strides back to his parked car. I watch as he gets in and drives away, my mind reeling. Can this week get any worse? Something about the timing doesn’t sit right. He showed up just in time but maybe it was just that. Perfect timing. Still, he didn’t seem in a hurry to stick around. How strange.

A bad feeling settles in my gut. Maybe he was there on purpose. Then, out of nowhere, a face flashes in my mind. One I haven’t thought about in weeks. No. There’s no way he’d know where I am. Shoving the thought aside, I head into Lori’s, convincing myself it was just a coincidence. I already have enough on my plate without adding another thing to worry about.

Especially when I can’t seem to stop thinking about him. I just hope Dominic’s path and mine don’t cross tonight. Even though my heart pounds at the thought of seeing him. Let’s just get this shift done. I could really use a drink.

Maddie pulls up to the front door of Lori’s house and honks her horn. It’s eight o’clock, and I am already buzzing with anticipation. Lori waves goodbye and tells me to be safe. Smiling, I blow her a kiss, but being safe is the last thing on my mind. Tonight, I plan on getting wasted and maybe letting someone take me home. It’s not like Dominic hasn’t had someone new in his bed. I’m sure he has them falling at his feet. So why the fuck shouldn’t I?

I jump into the passenger seat and slam the door shut. The music is blaring, setting the perfect mood for the night. I hadn’t known the club was Dominic’s until Maddie told me, and now I hope he sees me with whoever my mystery man is tonight. Let him watch, let him seethe. Serves him right after fucking me and then having his friend take me home without a single word, ghosting me like I was nothing. Am I a woman scorned? Hell yes. Do I give a single fuck? Not one.

Back at my mother’s house, we climb the stairs to my room. I pull out my phone and connect it to my Bluetooth speaker, blasting There You Go by Pink at full volume. The song is too fitting for my mood. I rummage through my closet, searching for the sluttiest outfit I own, while Maddie sits on the floor in front of a mirror, lining her lips with precision. Throwing on my outfit a short, red, backless dress that barely covers anything and tying my hair into a high ponytail, I dance around my room, singing along. Tonight, I’m shaking off the chains of last week’s depression. Tonight, I’m reclaiming myself.

By 10 p.m., we are ready to get this party started. On my way out, I peek into Levi’s room. He’s got a headset on, a controller in his hands, talking to his friends through the mic. I clear my throat, making him turn his head. He pulls off his headset, his eyes widening. “Wow.”

I smirk. “Is that a ‘wow, you look nice,’ or ‘wow, you look horrible?’” He grins. “You look like the prettiest girl in the world.” I walk over and bend down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You’re the best little brother ever, you know that? Don’t stay up too late.”

As I walk out, I hear him dive right back into his game. Maddie waits at the door, her phone in hand, cheeks flushed from whatever is on the screen. “What are you smiling at?” I giggle. She looks up, her eyes gleaming. “A tall, dark, and buff Italian man. Possibly my one to take home tonight.” She laughs. “Let’s get the drinks rolling.” We head out the door.

The Chophouse is packed, the music loud, the energy intoxicating. Shoulder to shoulder, we push through the crowd after the bouncer checks our IDs. Making our way to the bar, I feel every bit the bad bitch I dressed up to be. My short red dress clings to me, daring anyone to look. My high ponytail swings as I move, and my winged eyeliner is sharp enough to kill. At the bar, Maddie orders shots of Patron. Handing me a glass, she grins. “Cheers, bitch.”

We throw the fiery liquid back in one go. Maddie turns to the bartender, winking. “Keep them coming, sexy.” The guy behind the counter doesn’t look a day over twenty-one. His face flushes, and he nods, clearly flustered. Maddie giggles, knowing exactly the effect she has on men. She’s the type who looks like she could be a Victoria’s Secret model.

The bartender hands her two more shots. We down them without hesitation before making our way to the dance floor. I can hardly hear myself think over the music blasting through the speakers. It’s loud, and I love it. The dance floor is packed with hot, sweaty bodies grinding to the beat. We move to every song, only stopping to hit the bar for another shot. Heat floods through me, from my toes to my ears. The alcohol is doing its job my brain is foggy, and I’m enjoying myself just as much as Maddie is.

Another round. We clink glasses and down the shots before heading back to the floor. A warm body presses against me from behind, hands gripping my hips. Maddie has her own partner, a man who made his way to her, grinding to the music. I turn around, moving my hips in sync with my new dance partner. The strobes flash, illuminating his face a blonde-haired man, smiling down at me. My judgment is hazy, courtesy of the Patron, but from what I can tell, he’s handsome. Just what I was hoping for.

Maddie is lost in the moment, grinding against her partner, just as drunk as I am. The song fades, and my dance partner grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. Over the pounding music, he yells, “What’s your name?”

I blink up at him, trying to focus. “Gwen. What’s yours?” “Chris.” He smirks. “Has anyone ever told you how gorgeous you are?” I bat my eyes. “Thank you.” He’s attractive nowhere near as good-looking as… Nope. Not going there. Before I can drown in that thought, he leans in. “Wanna get a booth? Sit for a minute?”

I nod, letting him take my hand. Maddie follows, her guy trailing behind her. The two of them slide into the booth beside us. Chris and his friend look like they belong in a frat house college boys dressed in the typical preppy uniform. We chat for a few minutes, but while they’re easy on the eyes, they’re lacking the intellect I crave.

Another round of shots arrives. The drinks are hitting harder now. The frat boys are caught up in some conversation about football who knows, who cares. Maddie shrugs, clinking her glass against mine before I toss the shot back. I don’t even taste the burn anymore. The alcohol flows like water.

“I need to dance again. Let’s go.” I grab Chris’s arm and yank him to his feet. The music pulses through me as I sway, eyes closed, floating in the haze. I glance over at Maddie she looks just as gone as I feel. Flirting isn’t my strong suit, so I cut straight to the point.

“Am I going home with you, Chris?” I slur. “Yeah,” he grins. “I’ll show you the best night of your life.” I snort out a laugh, unintentional and sharp. My mind flickers to Dominic. The mind-blowing orgasms. The way he no. Not tonight. Chris doesn’t seem to notice my reaction, brushing it off as drunken excitement.

The four of us spill out of Chophouse, Maddie draping an arm over my shoulder, giggling as we stumble over our own feet. Chris steadies me, leading us toward his jacked-up truck. He pulls open the door, but just as I’m about to climb inside, a dark, devilish voice thunders through the night.