Page 43 of Don't Leave Me

The North was probably the most hipster bar in Williamsburg, but Emily was right: there was always an array of attractive people inside. The dimly lit bar was crowded, but Emily somehow managed to find us two seats at a booth in the corner. A classic 90’s rap song started to blare over the jukebox and everyone started to cheer, Emily beaming.

“I love it here!” she laughed. “What do you want to drink?”

The million dollar question. I should just have one. One won’t hurt.

“Vodka seven,” I said into her ear, the crowd still loud.

She smiled at me. “K, be right back.”

I looked around the crowd to see if I spotted anyone I knew. There were some familiar faces, people I saw here and there around Williamsburg, but no one that I wanted to talk to. My heart dropped when I spotted him, leaning against the bar close to where Emily stood, laughing with someone with a beer in his hand.Fuck fuck fuck. Jack is here.I lowered my head a little, distracting myself by looking at my phone, but I couldn’t help but look up again.Emily is talking to Adam! Adam is here with Jack! Why why why?Emily turned around and pointed to me and waved, and I nervously shot my hand up, waving back, pretending I didn’t notice who she was with. But of course, Adam and Jack looked back and they definitely noticed; Jack eyes widened a little and I could see Adam nudging him, their conversation with Emily continuing.Oh no, she’s coming back, and they’re following. Seriously, why?!

“Han! I found some of your friends!” Emily exclaimed, handing me my drink.

“Oh, hey guys,” I said nonchalantly, as if this wasn’t giving me a panic attack.

Adam smiled at me; Jack looked nervous and tense.

“Here, scooch,” Emily said to me, sitting down. “You guys can sit!” she said to the guys.

They looked at each other and Jack definitely looked like he was mentally pleading Adam to sit next to Emily.

“Alright,” Adam smiled back at Emily and sat next to her, leaving the only spot that was open for Jack was right next to me.

Jack smiled politely at me and sat at the edge of the booth, his arm pressed against mine. My heart pounded in my chest.

“Sorry. Emily isreallyfriendly andreallypushy,” I laughed to him, shrugging my shoulder.

Jack laughed and shrugged. “It’s alright. How’ve you been?” he asked intently.

“Good,” I nodded, taking a big sip of my drink. “How about you?”

“I’ve seen better days,” he smiled with his dimples, his self-deprecation evident but also somehow charming; I also couldn’t help but wonder if I had anything to do with it.

“I feel like an asshole,” I blurted out, my liquid courage already appearing.

Jack smiled at me again and shook his head.

“Don’t. You’re sweet, Hana,” he said, nudging me with his arm.

I felt a tiny ounce better.

“I’m the one that felt like an asshole,” he raised his eyebrows. “Storming off like that,” he went on.

I shook my head at him and gave him a “what are you talking about” face.

“No, no…that was justifiable,” I laughed.

He stared at me kindly; I suddenly felt goosebumps as I looked down at his full lips.Great.

“Should we just continue to apologize to each other and be best friends?” he asked playfully.

I laughed and nodded. “Yes, to both.” I took another big sip of my drink.

He looked down at my nearly empty drink. “Can I get you another one?”

Why not? Two is my limit, I promised myself. “Sure.”

An hour later, Emily and I were buzzed and taking the train to the Bowery…along with Jack and Adam. I texted Michael to let him know that we were changing the scenery, along with “I miss youuuuuuuu!” Michael responded quickly: “Miss you too, baby. I can meet you ladies there if you’d like.”Shit!How was I going to explain this one? I started to panic, but I wanted him near me. “Okay,” I responded, trying to think of a way to get rid of Adam and Jack.

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