Page 66 of Rare Blend
More memories of last night flash to me. Pretending to be Ethan’s girlfriend, Elyse bullying me into more shots, and then another one hits me. I jerk forward and my head spins. Shit!
Hecarried me out of the bar.
Oh, God.My body winces. I’m not sure why the thought of Cole carrying me out doesn’t really phase me, but imagining myself in Ethan’s arms sends me into a spiral.
I hope that’s the worst of it. I might die of mortification if there’s more.
According to Elyse, brunch is a must when nursing a hangover.
After leaving Ethan’s, I hop in the shower. Between that and the water, coffee, and meds, I feel like a brand new person. Still a little shaky, and occasionally nauseous, but not like the dumpster fire I felt like this morning.
Elyse said to meet her at Flat Stone at 10:30 a.m.
The restaurant is an extension of the winery, with its own entrance.
When I get inside, Elyse is already at a table, wearing sunglasses and very clearly still hungover.
“Why do you look so pretty and alive?” she grumbles. “You’re supposed to look like garbage, like the rest of us.”
I take the seat across from her. “I feel like garbage, if that helps.”
I can feel her eyes roll through her sunglasses. “I already ordered us some Bloody Marys.”
“More alcohol?” I wince.
“Hair of the dog, duh.”
“Remind me what that means again?”
She smiles deviously. “It’s when you keep drinking to avoid a hangover.”
My stomach rolls, and acid trickles up my throat. I think another sip of alcohol would be my undoing. I’m pretty sure it’s a myth anyway. I already did the wild, drunken nights out in my early twenties. As much fun as I had last night, that was a rare occurrence for me. I’d much rather have a night in than drink the night away and spend the remainder of my weekend feeling like I got hit by a truck. Elyse is obviously someone who enjoys going out a lot more than I do.
The waitress arrives, setting a Bloody Mary in front of each of us, and takes our orders. Elyse orders two breakfasts, one sweet, a Belgian waffle, the other savory, a breakfast scramble. I stick to my usual, safe order, and get an omelet.
“I heard my brother carried you out of the bar last night.” She’s smiling wide, giving me a suggestive look.
A blush skirts across my cheeks. “Apparently he did. I have no recollection. But he got me home safely, so that was nice.”
I leave out the part where he actually got me tohishome safely. And that I slept in his bed. It’s really none of her business. Besides, nothing happened.
“He never goes out. I was kind of surprised he did.”
I shrug, not sure where she’s going with the conversation.
“He left his card at the bar last night, and I was going to run it over to him after we finish eating. Want to come with me?”
“Sure. I guess so.”
She smiles, looking pleased with herself.
While we’re eating, I tell her about my upcoming job interview. The Monday after I applied, I got called and asked to come in for an interview on the thirtieth. I’m still shocked they called me. I thought I would be more excited, but I think it hasn’t fully hit me.
“I’m happy I finally landed an interview, but I’m nervous about the drive.”
She looks at me, confused. “Why?”
“According to the weather predictions for Snoqualmie Pass, there’s supposed to be heavy snow, and my car does not do well in snow.”
