Page 56 of Don't Think

“Wait,” he says, holding out a hand like he’s stopping traffic. “Ana just texted. They’re at a bar across town.” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “Why don’t we just head there instead?”

The hopeful glint in his eyes almost makes me want to say yes, but that weight shoves its way down even further.

I wonder if Allie’s playing a part in the plan this time, but knowing how yesterday went, I’m willing to bet no. Sure, she looked happy to see me, but that didn’t stop the awkward twist in my stomach when I realized she didn’t even know I’d be there.

I glance at Gareth, trying to read his reaction before I commit to anything.

Truth is, I don’t even know how I feel about going. On one hand, I would absolutely love to see her again. Even though we just saw each other yesterday, it already feels like it’s been too long.

Then, on the other hand, I don’t want to keep forcing my way into her life.

So it’s a toss-up.

Gareth shrugs, then glances over at me. “I don’t see why not,” he says casually. “Doesn’t matter where we drink, as long as we drink.”

James fires off a quick text, thumbs rapidly moving across his screen, then jams his phone back into his pocket. He looks up at me with a knowing smirk, like he sees right through my shit, then waits for Gareth to make his way over to the door before stepping in closer.

“I already told Ana you’re coming,” James says with a shrug. “Too late to back out now.”

Great. So much for options.

It’s probably for the best. If I thought about it much longer, I’d be back on that sofa, sinking into it for the rest of the night listening to Casey grunt every time he died.

I turn my attention to Casey, his controller still held tightly in his hands.

“Case, you coming?”

“No way. You guys have fun,” he replies, eyes never leaving the screen.

I take a few steps toward him.

“You sure? We’re probably just grabbing a few drinks and coming right back.”

His eyes flick to me, just for a second, then back to the game.

“You know me, man,” he says with a shrug. “I don’t like going out. I’ll keep Donny boy out of your hair.”

I chuckle under my breath. “Alright. If you need anything, just shoot me a text.”

“I won’t. But thanks.”

I give him a final glance, then turn to the door. Swallowing every bit of anxiety that tries to creep its way in.

“Jax!” Allie shouts the second we approach the bar.

I turn around and watch her stagger to us in a zigzag. I instantly start walking toward her and hold out my arm for her to hang onto before she ends up falling.

Heat crawls up my neck the second her hand connects with my bicep. Her arm bends just right, pushing up her cleavage, leaving me practically droo—

Goddamn it.

She looks up at me, her eyes glossed over and bloodshot. “Whatarreyou doin’herre?” she slurs, swaying us back and forth dangerously.

Holy shit—she’s plastered. She’s even worse than Nora was when we were at their place. And that means there’s only one person I can think of who would feed her shots like they were candy.

My eyes dart to Ana just as she finishes her shot. She gives me a subtle wink before she clinks her glass on the bar and walks over.

“Come on!” Allie cheers, linking her arm with mine. Then she literally drags me to the bar, parking me on a stool and sliding into the one opposite.