Page 87 of The Ninth

“Bye. Be safe.”

She hugged me tightly, rubbing my back. I watched silently as she took her luggage, leaving out of the door and soon the building as well. My body darted to the mini freezer on the island. I snatched it open, taking out my bottle of gold tequila. Not one thought objected as I twisted the top off, throwing the drink back.

I just have a headache. I’ma take a little drink, nap, wake-up, and go to work. It seemed simple, but the more shots I took the more I started to feel guilty. Cassie was drunk for one day during the time of her parent’s death date. I’m drinking for what? And after stepping beside myself and telling Duke I’m scared to lose him...

I texted him instantly, telling him I miss him already. That I’m thinking of him.

Before I could lock my phone, it rung. I smiled a little at the call being from Lola, the third bartender.

Me: Hey!

Lola: Hi girl! Kenzie is on vacation, so it’s just us tonight behind the bar. I wanted to know if you wanted to go out before...going out? Drinks before we make drinks!

Me: Sure. I was just going to nap anyways.

Lola: YES! Come on, I’ma send you the addy. We’re going early, like 7pm since we gotta be at the club by 10pm tonight. Look your best!

Me: Send it to me! Bye!

I sighed happily, putting the bottle up and standing. It feels good to have the few people that I do in this fucking city. A smile popped up onto my face as I went into my room, finding something to wear. I’m talking things out with Duke tomorrow. Kenzie will arrange a sit down with Cassie and I in just three days. Everything will go back to normal. All I have to do for now is breathe.

My phone rung yet again. I smacked my lips, rushing to get it from the dresser before it stopped. I kind of expected it to be my mother asking why I hung up on her. Instead, it was Pink. I answered the FaceTime, bringing the phone to the closet with me.

Me: Hey!

Pink: Hey sexy! Where you going?!

Me: Lola invited me out around 7pm.

Pink: Noooo! Come out with Snow and I instead! On my granny we more fun than fucking Lola. We’re off tonight too!

Me: I’m not off tonight! We’re going to work right afterwards.

Pink: Ugh, fuck that. Call in.

I paused before continuing to flip through clothes. I’ve never called in! And don’t even have a reason to.

Me: Maybe.

Pink: Also, no more curls! Go to the hairstylist I sent you. Oooooo, and the lash and nail tech. I’m about to text them and get you in. Everything on me! Cassie and her bitches treating you like you’re average and charity. We finna get you together. For your mannnnn too!

Me: Girl, I’m not letting you do that.

Pink: DEVYN. STOP PLAYING, G. GO TO THEM DAMN APPOINTMENTS. I’LL CATCH UP WITH YOU. BYE!

BOOP. BOOP. BOOP.

I groaned, leaning against the wall. Pink can be a lot, but she’s one of the few people I still got beside me. Plus...I can’t lie like I haven’t felt this way myself. Felt like that maybe I’m just not meant for Chicago. I feel so out of place and want to do more to fit in. Especially at The Ninth. It’s so easy to feel discarded in there when there’s hoes walking around flawless from head to toe.

My phone got a text. She sent me an address and said thirty minutes. I chuckled, grabbing my things and leaving.

****

“Hiiiii!” I ran into Lola’s arms. She stumbled back a bit after catching me.

“Devyn, you look GOOOOOOOD BITCH! AHHHHHHH! You don’t even look like yourself! All this for me?! I’m touched!” she faked blushed as I cackled.

“I just wanted to do something different.”