Page 3 of The Rules Of Attraction
Damn the stuff was seriously strong. Maybe I should have sipped and taken it easy as advised, especially since I normally kept drinking to a minimum.
But screw it. I needed this.
Once the tingling and burning feeling left, a sense of calm spread over my brain, having an effect similar to taking a painkiller and feeling it starting to work.
I practically downed the rest of the drink, and Jesus it felt like I’d overdosed on pure happy.
I had to close my eyes, squeezing them shut at the sensational intensity. When I opened them again I saw the bartender standing before me with a glass of water.
“Drink this it will help balance things out.” He smirked.
“Thank you.” I took the glass from him and sipped on the water.
The balance he spoke of came along with the buzz I was going for.
“Better?” He asked.
“Yes, could I have another one of those drinks.”
“Sure, but make sure you drink the water.” He winked at me as he sauntered away.
I loosened my ponytail, allowing my platinum blonde locks to tumble down my shoulders and spill down to the center of my back.
I could see my reflection from the mirror behind the drink rack that I looked better, and more fitting to the setting.
When the bartender came back I noticed he gave me that once over look most guys did when I let my hair down. It was a look I’d grown accustomed to ignoring because I was with Tom.
I didn’t have to do that anymore.
“Enjoy.” He smiled with another wink and left me.
I started on it straightaway. Thankfully since I was used to the taste I went straight to the enjoyment and lapped up the buzz that filled me. Another one of these and I’d be drunk.
I knew my limit and didn’t want to start my new job tomorrow with a hangover.
This mellowness was good.
It numbed that part of my brain that ached from all I’d been through, putting it on pause so I could calm down.
Calm down enough to entice that carefree vibe I needed right now to escape.
As the alcohol worked its way into my bloodstream I allowed my thoughts to drift.
I closed my eyes again, tuning the music out and the people around me.
Focusing, breathing, focusing, steadying my breath.
Good… it was working.
I’d come to Chicago for a fresh start.
I had more important things to deal with than Tom and Becca. Bigger fish to fry.
I couldn’t allow them to get to me.
They were both as bad as each other and bad for me. Tom had been a terrible boyfriend with all his negativity, and criticism, and Becca had always kept me in her shadow. I’d known her practically since birth, and it was always the same. I was second best.
When they came to tell me they were together –two days after my father’s funeral–that fucking bitch had the audacity to act like I should be happy for them.
