Page 49 of Comeback
“And you don’t have to pity hang with me.”
We stare at each other a beat longer, then both laugh.
“Do you want something to drink?” I ask her.
“Yeah. That would be great.”
She sets her wine on the counter with a dozen other bottles. Her gaze roams around the house like she’s taking in every detail. The marble staircase, the double ovens, and a refrigerator so big that Slade could probably fit inside it. The entire place is extravagant and beautiful.
I grab two beers from the fridge, then offer one to her. “Or I can mix you up something. Uncork the wine.”
“This is fine,” she says as she takes the beer. Her stare goes back to scanning all around us. There’s still a hint of nervous energy about her, but she looks excited too.
People are hanging in groups on the first floor. The back of the house is open to the outside. There isn’t a spot in this house that isn’t something to marvel at, but the roof really is the best part.
She glances back at me as I’m sliding the bottle cap in my pocket.
“Why do you do that?”
I freeze, pulling my hand out, cap free, like I’ve been caught. “Better than tossing it on the ground.”
Her stare narrows. “There’s obviously another reason. I noticed you do it, even at the apartment.”
I sigh. “It’s dumb.”
Someone shouts, “GET NAKED!” behind her and she doesn’t even glance back. She’s obviously not going to let this go.
“They get lost in recycling if you just toss them in separate from the bottle. If you put them in a steel can and recycle themthat way, it’s better for the environment.” The back of my neck pricks with awareness as she stares at me like I have two heads.
“So you save them and then put them in a can?” she asks it slowly, like she’s certain she heard me wrong.
“Ummm…yes?”
Her lips curve into a smile.
“My mom did it at the bar and it stuck with me.”
I did warn her it was dumb. I tip my head toward the outside. “Let me show you around.”
Sabrina nods and moves with me, back to scoping out the house instead of me. It’s a big house, but there are still areas where it’s hard to push through the crowd. Cool fingers press against the back of my arm. I pause and look back and find Sabrina’s hand touching me. She gives me a shy smile as she fights to stick with me.
Reaching back with my other hand, I pull her arm through mine and draw her close so we won’t lose each other. Her fruity shampoo invades my nostrils, and the position has the back of my arm now flush against her chest. She gives me a grateful smile and I do my best to ignore the electric current zipping through me.
Instead of going straight up to the roof, I lead her to the wine cellar. I have a feeling she’ll get a kick out of it.
She doesn’t question me as I clearly go in the opposite direction of the party. Hanging a right before the steps, we walk down a dark hallway. She doesn’t need to keep holding on to me now, but neither of us lets go.
I push open the heavy, oak door for her. She peers past me, but doesn’t walk in.
“What is it?” Her sudden hesitancy makes me grin.
“You’ll see.” I step in and motion her forward.
The lights flicker on, illuminating the space. Wine bottles line the walls as far as you can see. A long table stretches out in themiddle of the room with a big, crystal chandelier hanging above it. I don’t totally understand the table. I guess it’s for inviting over fifty of your wine-drinking friends.
I don’t hear the gasp that leaves her lips, but I see her mouth form an “o.”
“Right?” I ask.
