Page 67 of A Better Place

A giggle bursts out of me, then I run my hand over my face, my head hurting at the slight movement. “Oh geesh. We were tanked, weren’t we?”

“Little bit,” he says, winking, then turns back around to finish whatever he’s cooking on the stove.

“What are you making?”

“Just some scrambled eggs. Toast is done. You need to eat, but nothing too crazy,” he says.

“Well, if it isn’t Fun Carly.” Jack strides into the room smiling like a loon.

I groan. “How much…”

“Did you drink? All of it.”

“No, I was going to ask how much you saw, you little smartass.”

He grins. “Oh, I saw a lot. But not as much as the patrons of El Charro, or this guy over here,” he says and points to James who’s dishing up eggs for the three of us.

Jack reaches into the fridge and pulls out the orange juice. He fills a glass and drinks down half in one big swallow.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me,” I tell him.

He takes a seat at the table and reaches over, squeezing my hand lightly. “Mom. You’re forty-two years old. I’m pretty sure you’re allowed one night of drunken debauchery.”

“No, I’m not. You know what my mom…”

“I know, and I also know you’re not her.”

I look over to see James watching us but keeping quiet. We settle in and eat our breakfast that he prepared for us. The first few bites feel a little risky, but soon my stomach starts to settle, and the combination of greasy bacon and eggs starts to calm the storm that was brewing inside. After we eat, the three of us clean up dishes, and Jack announces he’s going to the gym then will be at a friend’s house hanging out.

“So,” James says, gaining my attention.

“Want to sit? I think I need to sit,” I say.

He smiles and nods his head toward the living room. We both settle in on the couch. I sit against the armrest, facing him with my knee resting against the back of the couch and the other leg dangling off the side. He sits similarly to me.

“Have any questions for me?”

“Maybe a few,” I admit.

“Let’s just say that last night you and the girls had a good time, and when I got to El Charro, you were taking a little nap with your head resting on the table. After I got you out of there and to my car, which you threw up next to, I took you home, where Jack greeted me and helped you into bed.”

“Short version, I assume.”

“Correct.”

“Ugh, I’m so embarrassed.”

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart.”

“Really?”

“Really. But in full disclosure, you did say a few things,” he says nervously.

“Oh boy.” I cringe.

“Carly, you were honest with me last night, probably more so than you meant to be. But now I need to be honest with you.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask him anxiously.

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