Page 86 of What Is Love
“Please listen. Please,” she begged as she grabbed my hand again. “You need to meet with JJ. He will help you fight her. Just get through the weekend and meet with him on Monday. Please.”
“What makes you so sure? If he can help me, where has he been all this time?”
“He can answer all that for you. Just please meet with him on Monday,” she begged.
I didn’t believe her, but I nodded just to get her to let me go. She released my hand, and I headed upstairs to start getting ready.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I didn’t owna black dress, but Mother did. I took her long-sleeved, form-fitting, black minidress and put it on. Right away, I knew I wouldn’t be able to bend over in it without flashing people. It was the price to pay for beauty, I guessed. I paired it with my black boots. I curled waves into my long golden hair and did my makeup darker than I ever had. My eyeliner was thick and winged, the shadows I used were smoky and shimmery. My lipstick was blood red.
When I was ready, it was dark outside. I paced the foyer, trying to find courage to do what was expected of me as I waited for my rideshare. I would have to sleep with Brandon tonight. As Sharon had said, I had to make this sacrifice to fulfill her precious son’s needs.
I inhaled through my nose and exhaled through pursed lips so I wouldn’t be sick.
I can do this.
I can.
My phone dinged, notifying me of my rideshare’s approach. I grabbedmy wristlet and keys before heading out.
As I walkedthrough the party, people said hi to me as I passed. I gave them a forced smile in return. I made sure to stop by where all the alcohol was first before I found Brandon. I poured myself three shots of the first bottle I could get my hands on. I threw them back one at a time.
“Lottie,” a voice I didn’t want to hear said as I threw back the third shot.
Why is he here?
I turned to face Roe.
His gaze was traveling down my body, taking in the sexy look I was going for. I tried to not notice the desire in his eyes as he looked at me. To distract myself, I poured another shot and threw it back.
My belly was feeling really warm, and I knew the alcohol would hit me soon.
“I’ve been waiting for you to call,” he said. “I’ve been trying to give you space.”
“Is that what you were doing?” I snapped. “I thought because I couldn’t commit, you moved on.”
“What?” he said, sounding shocked. “No, Lottie?—”
I turned to face him. “Whatever we had or were doing is done. I have to do what is expected of me and what is expected of me is to find Brandon and be with him.” I walked around him and went to do just that.
“Lottie!” I heard him call to me, but I quickly dashed into a sea of bodies dancing to very loud music in the living room.
I found Brandon playing beer pong in the formal dining room. The one where Mother, Clay, and I had had dinner with Brandon and his parents.
He did a double take when he noticed me approaching. I went right up to him and slid my hand into his. “Is this okay?”
His amber eyes were wide as his stare raked over me from the ground up. “You look sexy as fuck.” His words were slurred and his breath reeked of alcohol.
He grabbed my hips and lifted me onto the table, knocking over cups—some empty and some still full of beer.
“Ah, come on!” someone groaned.
“What are you doing?” someone else complained.
“Get out!” Brandon ordered. “Everyone get out!”
There was bitching and whining, but people began filing out of the two doors that led in here.
