Page 44 of Pipe Dreams
“I’ll go with you,” Lauren said quickly.
Becca’s eyes grew damp. “Don’t tell Nate. He’ll be pissed at me.”
“Oh, screw him,” Lauren said, reaching over to take Becca’s hand. “He doesn’t control us.”
“But he’s gone to so much trouble for me, and I’m such an idiot.” She reached up with a free hand to rub her temple. “The fancy new doctor said not to drink. And I didn’t listen.”
“Lesson learned, then,” Lauren said lightly. “Where are your shoes?”
“Oh, crap,” Becca said, a little sob escaping her. “I left them under a bar stool.”
Since this was such a nice hotel, there was an upholstered sofa near the door. “Sit here. I’ll find your shoes.”
“Really? I’m sorry. You’re being so nice to me.”
Ugh. That only proved she’d been a perfect bitch before. “It’s fine. Just don’t go anywhere.” She helped Rebecca to a seat and then slipped out of the powder room.
Her return to the party was accomplished with stealth worthy of a James Bond movie. She didn’t want to catch Nate’s eye, and she didn’t want to bump into Mike, either. But the shoes were quickly located when Nate’s back was turned, and Mike wasn’t visible anywhere.
Twenty minutes later a dizzy Rebecca was safely tucked into her bed.
First, Lauren waited while Becca changed into an amusingly skimpy nighty. “I’m sorry you’re not getting your sexy encounter with a basketball player.”
Becca glanced down at her lacy negligee and gave a wobbly shrug. “This isn’t for special occasions. I always wear lingerie. It’s my way of reminding myself that sex still exists.”
“Huh. I should try that. And Nate would pee himself if he saw you in this.”
“Why?” Becca burped.
Whoops. “Do you need any aspirin?” Lauren asked to cover her Freudian slip. “Or a glass of water?”
“I guess water is a good idea. I just feel soodd. Like I had ten drinks instead of two.”
“Hmm.” She fetched a glass of water from the bathroom. “Look, do you think we should call your doctor?”
“No!” Becca groaned. “One glass of wine can’t kill me. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
“Are you sure?” Lauren asked. “Nate won’t be mad.”
“Yes, he will!” Becca used the furniture and then the wall to brace herself on her way to bed. She yanked the comforter down and climbed in. “I’m jus’ gonna sleep it off. Don’t tell anyone.”
“Okay,” Lauren agreed. “Under one condition. You let me take your key card and come back to check on you in a couple of hours.”
“Deal,” Becca said, facedown in her pillow. “S’on the desk.”
Lauren tucked the key into her tiny purse and said good night. Then she had to ride the elevator back down to the lobby, because the hotel had two towers and she and Becca were staying on opposite sides. As the doors parted, she took a cautious glance into the lobby. Neither of the men she’d been avoiding was present, so she walked quickly around the wacky, hallucinogenic furniture toward the other elevator bank.
Where Nate was standing, wearing a frown. “Have you seen Rebecca?” he barked by way of a greeting.
D’oh!
“Rebecca is fine,” Lauren said carefully. “I just came from her room, and she’s gone to bed.” That was all true, even if it wasn’t all of the truth.
Nate’s eyes narrowed. “I saw her stumble out of the party. She did not look well.”
“Um...” Lauren hesitated. “She wasn’t feeling well, but she’s really okay. And I’m going to check on her again in a couple of hours. I’ll set my alarm.”
Nate ran a hand through his hair. “Did she drink? Is that why you look guilty?”
