“Two gin and tonics, please. Light ice.”
When he slides them to me, I knock them back within seconds.
“Thanks.” I set down my credit card. “Give me two more.”
“Um, okay… Give me a few minutes.”
I turn away from him and focus on the door, spotting a couple kissing at the hostess stand.
Both dressed in matching grey formal wear, the guy cups the blonde’s face in his hands, whispering words against her lips that only she can hear. As the last syllable drops, he presses his lips against hers and tightens his grip on her waist.
As she wraps her arms around his neck, I can’t help but picture me and Ryder in their place. I picture us against the wall, him lifting my dress and fucking me like we’re the only two people here.
“I went ahead and made you a fifth one on the house.” The bartender taps my shoulder. “I make a pretty decent Moscow mule if you’re interested.”
“Maybe later.” I bring the first glass to my lips.
“Stressful day?”
“Something like that.” I’m too on edge to have a conversation. “I’m fine, though.”
“Good to hear. I’ll need your car keys for at least two hours.” He points to a “Drink Safe & Wait to Drive!” banner on the wall. “Company policy.”
While I’m pulling them out of my purse, he leans closer. “If you want me to personally drive you home when you’re done, just let me know.”
“I’ll have two hot coffees and a glass of ice water for my friend whenever you get a chance.”
“Fuck you, too then,” he laughs and tends to another customer.
In the middle of a metal serenade, and when my liquor is long gone, I head to the restroom and lock the door.
My chest is burning, and the room is starting to spin.
Grabbing the edge of the sink, I stare at my reflection. My eyes are filled with worry, and my cheeks are flushed red.
Calm down, calm down…
I splash my face with water again and again.
Someone knocks on the door, but I keep splashing my face until the room stops moving under my feet.
By the time I step out into the hall, no one is waiting, and no music is playing.
Returning to the main room, I notice it’s empty, and the bartender is long gone.
The only other person here is a salt-and-pepper-haired man in a suit. He’s adjusting his cufflinks while standing in front of my seat.
“Hello, Autumn.” His eyes meet mine, and a chill runs up my spine. “Are you having a good time tonight?”
What the hell?“Who are you?”
“Wrong question.”
“Where did everyone go?”
“Wrong again.” He steps forward. “Allow me to help you ask the right one.”
“I think I need to?—”
