Page 16 of Whiskey Sour

But my lower lip wobbles anyway. Tonight was a disaster! All I wanted was a nice little date, maybe a kiss at the end, something cute and sweet. I teased him instead, gave him false hope, and ruined everything.

So stupid.

You’re such a freak.

Why do you think no one loves you?

The dark thoughts come back, creeping around the edges of my brain, and making everything a bit blurry. With tears in my eyes, I search through my purse for my phone, grateful when I find it.

You’re nothing, Skylar.

Why can’t you be normal?

You do this to yourself.

I sniffle as the thoughts grow louder and louder, hoping that this call will make them go away. After only one ring, he picks up.

“Sunshine, what’s wrong?”

Cass’s question is shouted, and I can hear his set in the background. I suddenly feel like an idiot for calling him at work. He’s busy. He doesn’t need me adding any stress to his night.

But still, I can’t help it. I spill everything to him. “H-He l-left m-me in the p-parking lot!”

“He what?”The anger in his voice nearly has him growling.“Where are you?”

I tell him the street, which is unfamiliar to me, and the pit of dread grows in my stomach. I’m being such a baby. I could just call a ride and go home. I don’t need Cass to?—

That’s such a lie. I always need Cassius.

“I have your location,”he says, the music fainter now in the background.“I want you to stay right there. I called you a car, sunshine. You’re coming to XO.”

Even though my heart feels lighter knowing I’m going to see him, I resist. “I’m really o-okay. I just n-need a m-minute. I can g-go home?—”

“No,”he snaps, but it doesn’t fill me with the same discomfort like when Ashton did it.“I need you here with me. Just stay on the line until your car gets there.”

I don’t bother arguing with him, because that’s exactly what I want. “I’m s-sorry about your s-set.”

“Don’t be. You’re more important than anything.”

I close my eyes and let his soothing voice calm me. Licking my chapped lips, I go over to the sidewalk and sit. He doesn’t say anything else, and neither do I, but just knowing he’s here makes it all okay.

It takes about ten minutes, but my car finally gets here, and I rush to it without a second thought. The driver is an older woman who seems really sweet as I get in. She gives me juice and cookies, probably seeing my mascara-streaked face. She makes polite chitchat with me as we head to XO and it’s a little comfort that has me giggling every few minutes. I thank her kindly when we arrive at XO and even slip her an extra ten because she was just so nice.

“Skylar,” Butch grunts as I approach the entrance. His brow furrows as he reads me. “What’s wrong?”

I sniffle and shrug. “Bad date.”

“Another one?”

“Yup.” I rock on my heels, holding my juice box. “I thought he was nice.”

Butch shakes his head and awkwardly pats my shoulder. “Hang in there, kid. The right one will come along.”

“Thanks, Butch.” I smile as I hug his stiff body, chuckling when his hand lands on my head like a lead weight. Pulling back, I reach into my purse. “I have some extra cookies if you want one.”

He shakes his head and thumbs the line beside us. “Gotta watch the door, but thank you. I’m sure Cass wants to see you.”

I nod and blow him a kiss. I need to shake this off. Be my sparkly fabulous self. Ashton was just another blip, another little speed bump. I’ll do better next time!