Page 71 of Beaten

We had a huge breakfast, so we didn't eat lunch, but by the time we finished shopping we were hungry. So we decided to stop for an early dinner on the way home. We found an Irish pub with good reviews, and decided pub grub was exactly what we needed. It was a bit early for the dinner rush so we were told we could sit anywhere. Turns out they didn’t care, but Eric did. He pointed out a table for us, then sat down nearby, choosing a table that allowed him to see us and the door without having to turn around. He ordered a burger, a beer, and a water.

I wasn’t supposed to be paying attention to him and wished I could pretend he wasn’t there, but I couldn’t. So, I noticed he ate his fries with ketchup, and drank his water, but not his beer. He would pick it up and lift it to his lips but henever actually drank it. I only knew because the glass stayed full. Again, something you’d only notice if you were paying attention for any length of time.

I felt a little better after our first round of beer, and even better after we had the shots of whiskey Ashley insisted on ordering to celebrate my new wardrobe.

“It’s hardly a new wardrobe, just a few outfits,” I argued, but didn’t decline the shot.

“Then here’s to you not cutting your bangs.” We clinked our shot glasses and tossed back the amber liquid. It burned going down, causing us both to cough.

After I recovered I yelled at her. “We agreed to never mention that again!”

She grinned and shrugged.

I’d done what many women do after finding out their boyfriend cheated—I got drunk and cut my bangs. Luckily, I hadn’t cut them too short, but I did have to pay someone to fix them because they weren’t even close to even.

“I still can’t believe you thought it’d be a good idea.”

“I know, I looked so awful.”

“You really did.” We both laughed, then ordered another round when the server came to check on us.

“Thank you Ash.” She didn’t correct me. “I needed this.”

Before long, Ashley turned the subject back to Jamie. She thought I was over-reacting and should talk to him.

“Emily, you’re looking at it all wrong. You’re not a distraction, his feelings for you are. We literally just talked about this. He’s scared because of what happened to Isabelle.”

It wasn’t like Ashley to be the hopeless romantic type. Or for her to try so hard to convince me to be with a guy.But I like him, and she knows it. And I did run out on him without giving him a chance to finish. Maybe she’s right, maybe I should give him a chance to explain.

“Okay, I’ll call him after I get home. Happy?”

“Yes.” She raised her glass, we clinked and finished our beers in one big swig.

I made sure to text my parents to let them know I was okay and having dinner with Ashley, and promised to text them our ETA when we left. I didn’t bother messaging anyone from SSI; I knew Eric would keep them updated.

Ashley had to leave as soon as we got back to my place so we said our goodbyes in the driveway while she tossed her bags in her trunk. Eric stood nearby, watching.I’ll be so glad when this is over. I think I’ll tell Jamie I don’t need a bodyguard anymore. If Chris still insists on someone shadowing me, then fine, but I didn’t want someone hovering over me every time I left the house. It was unnecessary, and obnoxious.

“Remember, you said you’ll call Jamie.”

“I remember.” I couldn’t hide my smile. I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much, but I missed him and wanted to talk to him. And more than anything, I wanted Ashley to be right.

“Call me after you talk to him. I want to know how it goes.”

“Promise. Later Ashley. Text me when you get home, okay?”

“Will do. Later.”

I picked up my shopping bags, refusing Eric’s help, and carried them to the door. I saw him getting in his car as I shut and locked the door behind me.

Chapter 34

Jamie

Istarted pacing when I read Eric's text: Snow and Flirty are at O’Neill’s, having dinner and drinks. Will update when we leave.

Ashley had wanted her own code name after hearing Emily’s. Meg had suggested using one of the seven dwarves, but none of the names suited her. When AJ suggested an eighth dwarf, Flirty, she’d jumped up and down, clapping with childlike joy. She’d probably love that we used their code names in messages.ButEmily would hate it.

“What the hell is she thinking?” I yelled at my phone.

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