Page 45 of Last Date

I frowned at his impersonal tone. “Don’t worry, I don’t think I’m special. I won’t expect any… hand-holding.”

“Great.” He opened the door and his lips thinned into an unpleasant smile. “Hand-holding is ever so difficult whilst climbing the ladder.”

Chapter Eight

Thomas pushed another shot of tequila across the smooth oak bar. “Drink.”

Usually I’d have hesitated, but not tonight. I threw the shot back in one gulp, wincing only slightly as it seared the inside of my throat. Coughing, I thumped my chest for a few moments. Once I was sure the tequila wasn’t going to come back up, I groaned and buried my head in my arms.

“I’ll admit,” Thomas said, “I’ve never known anyone else who was almost murdered twice.”

“It’s not funny,” I mumbled.

“Bro, if you think I’m making a joke, you’re insane.”

I lifted my head and met his sincere gaze. “It’s not my fault.”

“Of course not.”

“Everyone is going to think I’m cursed. I’m probably never going to get another date because everyone will be afraid to get near me.”

“Nah.”

“I don’t know, man. I wouldn’t date me,” I slurred.

The alcohol wasdefinitelyhitting me. My legs felt rubbery and my tongue sluggish. Not surprising, considering I’d had four shots and two beers. If I wasn’t careful, I’d be spending my night on my knees. And not in a porno movie way either. More like inThe Exorcistway, with my head spinning while spewing unthinkable things.

“What am I doing wrong? Why do so many people want to kill me?”

“To be fair, you probably would have just been very unlucky in this instance. I don’t think you were the intended target on that yacht, right?”

“Who knows?” I mumbled.

“Merrick doesn’t think you were.”

“Pfft, Merrick.” I scowled. “Who cares what he thinks?”

Patting my back, Thomas said, “Okay, what has he done this time? I thought you two were getting along these days?”

“Our cease-fire has ceased to exist.” I rubbed my temples. “We’re back to hating each other.”

Thomas’ mouth drooped. “No. I don’t want to hear that.”

“Sorry. He’s a jerk. I’m tired of trying to walk the line between friend and… you know… not-friend.”

“You’re so eloquent when you’re drunk.”

“It’s a gift.”

“Tell me what happened. Why are you and Merrick at odds again?”

I scowled. “How about you put your energy into getting me another shot? Ineedanother shot.”

He grimaced. “As you know, I’m all for getting drunk. But I think you should pace yourself.”

“Well, when you almost dietwice, you realize how important it is to enjoy life.”

Glancing at his watch, he said, “If I get you more shots, I predict in about two hours you will not be enjoying life at all. I think you’ll be praying for death.”