Page 80 of When Forever Falls Apart

“Do what?” Elliot cocks his head with a smug expression. “I think it’s a bit too late. You weren’t complaining a few minutes ago.”

“No, I wasn’t…” I trail off, unsure how to even respond to that. The shots are wearing off because things are becoming clearer. “You can’t stalk me and expect everything to be fine.”

“Then let’s leave so we can talk.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of a tall man wearing a suit who just walked through the main entrance. As his silhouette cuts through the pulsating lights of the club, I realize it’s Aston.

I freak out, shoving Elliot aside, and masking my panic with a casual smile on my lips.

How casual can you be? Your best friend’s elder brother just fingered you in the bar, and you had no problem finishing either.

The heat suddenly rises in the confined space, my hands instinctively flapping near my face to create some much-needed air. Aston’s gaze lands on me, and I can almost feel the tension in the air as Elliot instinctively steps back, leaving me to face the storm.

“Let’s get our stories straight,” I shout over the noise to Elliot. “I invited you out since there was nothing to do back home. You were going to meet a friend.”

Aston finally makes his way through the people dancing. “There you are. Everleigh sent me on a mission since you didn’t respond to her text.”

I feign a casual shrug, attempting to brush it off. “Oh, sorry… fireballs. You know how it is. You can’t stop at one, then everything is a big giant blur.”

“Sure,” Aston acknowledges, his eyes momentarily flickering to Elliot. “Everleigh never mentioned you were coming in.”

“Last-minute decision,” he explains, the words tumbling out as I try to play it cool. “Madelina invited me. Said she felt sorry for me being cooped up in Cinnamon Springs.”

“Well, we have more than enough room for both of you to crash tonight,” Aston assures us, his voice infused with a friendly warmth, not at all suspicious of what happened earlier between Elliot and me.

“Yeah, let’s make a swift exit before I get swayed into another round of shots,” I tell them, only to spot Bowie on the dance floor. Bowie glances my way, tilting his head to question what I’m doing, but I simply wave goodbye. He blows an air kiss and then motions that he will call me.

The club is much busier than when we first arrived, and given it’s a weeknight, I suspect many patrons will have a massive hangover tomorrow.

The thumping bass and swirling lights fade into the background as we step outside onto the pavement. Thank God,Manhattan isn’t as humid as Cinnamon Springs. There’s a slight breeze, and I welcome it with open arms. Everything about me feels so sticky right now.

“I’ll catch you later. I rode in, so I need to grab my bike,” Elliot informs us, keeping his distance.

It’s well after midnight, but still relatively early to leave a club.

The streets are quiet, with only the occasional person or group walking past. My ears are ringing from standing inside the club and listening to loud music for too long. I don’t want to admit it to Aston because he’ll tease me that I’m getting old.

I brace myself for a lecture but instead, his silence speaks volumes, heavy with unsaid words. When I left Eva a few hours ago, I told her I was meeting friends and not to wait up. I also said I was looking to hook up. That is probably why she panicked, since it is slightly out of character for me. Eva knows I dislike one-night stands.

“You seem a bit subdued,” Aston comments, breaking the growing tension on our walk back to his place.

“I’m debating whether I’m hungry or on the brink of puking,” I reply bluntly, clutching at my stomach.

“Charming.” He chuckles softly. “I guess it’s been a while since I’ve stepped into a club or been on a bender.”

“I wouldn’t call tonight a bender, just a few drinks to lighten the burden called life.” We stop at the crossing, waiting for a cab to pass the intersection. “Besides, you’re about to be a daddy. Life will never be the same for you.”

“I know,” he replies, his tone a blend of excitement and trepidation. “It’s a huge shift. One day, I’m probably going to have a daughter like you and go ballistic when she doesn’t come home, just like Dad did.”

A small laugh escapes me, but then I realize Aston called him Dad. It’s been a while since I heard him call him that.A big part of me wishes it were true, and that Dad was only harsh on Aston because he wanted the best for him.

“Two times,” I drag, keeping our banter light. “Don’t you forget anything?”

“No, I don’t forget being blamed even though I was studying at home and you were the one sneaking out.”

“You were such a geek,” I tease, releasing a sigh. “Those were the days.”

“Times are a-changing.”