Page 23 of The Soldier

The fuck?

I need caffeine not some green sludge. Maybe an energy drink. Likely two servings of bacon and some eggs. She can take her hippy juice and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. Up Marshall’s behind.

“No thanks. Just the caffeine.”

“It’s your third.”

“Is there a limit?” I growl, glancing around for a sign wondering if I lost my mind along with an entire liver last night.

And my pride.

“No, but I’d say you’re dehydrated and...just trust me. I get a few hungover customers here on Saturday mornings. This concoction always works.” She smiles and appears to take pity on me. “It’s on the house. Just...stop snarling at my staff.”

Not pity then.

“Fine,” I say, glancing around wondering if I really have been snarling.

I may have.

“Thanks.” I bite the corner of my lip, feeling a little bad, then head back to the table where Briar has now arrived.

“Hey! Oh. You look like shit,” she says.

Nice.

Great friends I have.

“And you’re too short.” I respond because she didn’t drink anything, obviously, being pregnant, and is glowing. I poke my tongue out at her.

“You’re very heightist.” She crosses her arms. “And grumpy when you’re sick.”

I plonk down into the seat with a sigh. The movement vibrates through my body reminding me how sensitive I am today and cross my legs.

Then uncross them.

I should’ve rubbed one out this morning while thinking about Jason Momoa. Not...he who shall not be named.

“So, Marshall dropped you off home?” Briar asks.

“What?” My arm drops onto the table and bangs against the empty teacup. I jump to right it and it clatters more. “What? No.”

Alice and Briar stare at me strangely.

“He did. He was with you when you both dropped me off.” Alice takes a sip of her chai latte. “She was trashed, Briar. Probably doesn’t remember.”

I remember.

Enough.

“Oh. Yeah. He was there. I just meant, the driver dropped us off.”

Briar sips her decaf coffee, and the café owner delivers a tall glass of green juice. It has a stick of celery with leaves flowing over the top.

“This should do the trick.” She places it before me. “That and some more sleep.”

I stare at it and mutter thanks.

“What is it?” Alice leans in.

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