Page 21 of Fast Break
Trey pulls me straight to the bar and orders us two vodka sodas. The guys have commandeered a booth, and we squeeze in beside them with our drinks. I’m aware of Chanel out on the dance floor already, her eyes on me. I actually don’t mind dancing even though I hardly ever get the opportunity but for some reason I feel myself sticking to the safety of the booth tonight.
But then Millie arrives and squeezes in beside me, her tiny silver dress barely containing her ample boobs. I jostle around so that she can sit next to Trey and it’s only a minute later I cop an elbow to my ribs as Trey and Millie start making out right there in front of everyone. My safety blanket has suddenly been ripped away from me and I feel a hum of anxiety buzzing just under the surface before Vince appears at my side.
“Come on, I’ll get you another drink,” he offers.
“I was only planning on having the one,” I tell him, but I follow anyway, not really wanting another elbow to the ribs or a sideshow of boobs.
“My shout,” Vince winks back. He probably assumes it is a funding problem, and although money is totally relevant, it is not my only consideration. But a minute later I’m standing back at the bar, green coloured drink in hand and Vince grinning expectantly at me. “Bottoms up.”
“Gee that’s strong,” I splutter as I take a sip. “What is it?”
“It’s a green Russian. You’ll love it,” he grins. “Trust me.”
They sound like famous last words if ever I’ve heard them, but I knock back my drink anyway, the buzz going straight to my head. And not in the good way.
Next thing I know, I’m out on the dance floor, stray hands on my hips which I’m pretty sure belong to Chanel or maybe one of her friends, my head hazy and light. The DJ is killing it tonight, mixing decades of hits into an electric atmosphere. I tip my head back and dance along to Abba as the music takes control.
I don’t know how long I’m out there for but I suddenly feel myself stumble and I don’t know how to get back up. Black spots flash behind my eyes and my vision turns hazy.
Trey is suddenly there, and I feel so relieved I hardly have the words to express. He hauls me to my feet, strong arms helping me stand.
“Easy there, cuz,” he says in my ear. “Let’s get you out of here.” I try to agree with him but my head is too fuzzy, so I let him lead me off the dance floor.
Suddenly, I feel the welcome hit of cool, crisp air, laced with the salty brine from the wharf as we step outside
“What happened, bro?” Trey is asking as he helps me sit on the curb, my feet unreliable.
“I don’t know.”
“How much did you drink?” he presses, pushing my hair back from my forehead and peering into my glassy eyes.
“I just had the two,” I promise him. I am almost certain this is the truth.
“Two? You look like you drunk a whole bottle of vodka,” Trey murmurs. “What else did you drink?”
“Um, Vince got me a Russian something.”
“Dammit. Fucking Vince,” Trey seethes. “That still doesn’t explain … oh hang on. Shit. Didn’t you take those heavy-duty hay fever tablets before the game?”
“Um, yes?” I reply, sifting through my hazy memory.
“JT! You can’t take those tablets and drink a green Russian,” Trey admonishes. “Oh man. I’m going to be in deep shit for this.”
I tend to agree with that sentiment but before I can spiral any further, a pair of nice leather trainers steps in front of me and I suddenly hear the sound ofhisvoice. And it is honestly the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.
“JT? Are you okay?”
“Quinn?” I reply, blinking twice to make sure it really is him in front of me, crouching down low as he looks at me with concern. Where did he even come from?
“He’s mixed drinks with heavy-duty hay fever tablets,” Trey is saying but I’m not sure who he’s speaking to.
“I only had two,” I add, needing them to understand.
“Shit. He doesn’t look great,” Quinn says. I pout at those words. That’s not nice to say. Not when I think about how amazinghelooks, his dark hair swept to the side, him in his nice clothes and those pretty blue eyes watching me so intently. So beautiful.
“His parentscannotsee him like this,” Trey mutters and I’m conscious enough to heartily agree with that statement. “I need to get him out of here.”
“I can take him,” Quinn says, my heart picking up at that. “My car is parked around the corner.”
