Page 77 of Pieces of Us
I just want to go home to Mel.
“I can hang for a little while, I guess. But I don’t drink anymore.”
“What you drink doesn’t matter. Just come and hang out.”
“Alright. Let me text Mel.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket and send Melonie a text that I’ll be home later than I thought I would be. She responds with an “okay” and a selfie of her, Audrey, and Gigi. They’re on Audrey’s couch with popcorn, all smiles, and messy buns.
I’d rather be there.
I stay for about an hour at the bar before I’m ready to leave. Gwen and Laura are doing shots, and Barry is two gin and tonics deep. How did I used to do this three or four nights a week?
Gwen reaches over and puts her hand on my forearm. I’ve discovered that Gwen gets touchier the more she drinks. “Linc, are you sure you won’t do a shot with Laura and me?”
“I’m sure.” I slowly retract my arm. “Actually, I’m going to head home.”
“Already?” Gwen looks disappointed.
“Yeah, I don’t want to wake up Mel getting home late.”
“She’s lucky to have you around, Linc.” She eyes me over her shot glass.
I slap Barry on the back. “I’ll see you Monday.”
“Sounds good. Be safe.”
I lean toward him and lower my voice. “Watch out for these two, and make sure they get home safe. And don’t do anything stupid.”
He tips his glass at me. “Don’t worry about us. Get home to Mel.”
I nod. Home to Mel sounds so good.
I walk through the door of the apartment and throw my keys and wallet on the island. I walk to the living area and find Mel asleep on the couch, curled up in a blanket.
I stand, looking down at her. Her hair is everywhere, falling out of the bun she wore earlier. She took her makeup off, so she just has the natural pink of her pale cheeks. Her lips are parted, and she might have drooled on the pillow. She’s perfect.
I kneel by the couch and start rubbing her arm.
“Mel?”
Her eyes open, giving me her big blues. “Hey, did you have fun?” She rubs her eyes and sounds so sleepy.
“It was alright. You should move to your bed.”
She sits up, wiping her chin. “Oh my god, I drooled.”
I laugh. “You must have had a good time if you’re that tired.”
“It was so much fun. I miss it being just us girls.” She stands up, and I grab her pillow to follow her down the hall. She steps inside her room and turns to me.
I stop at her door and hand her the pillow. “Goodnight, Mel.”
She hugs me, then walks through her door to her bed. “Night, Linc.”
I close the door and head to my room.
Chapter Fifty-Two
