Page 60 of New Growth
I stood and turned to address the group. “Goodnight, everyone.”
“Night, Elliot!” they chorused.
I was already walking away when his voice stopped me.
“Ellie?”
I turned back. “Yes?”
El hesitated for half a second before saying, “Let me take you home.”
Well, that was a short friendship.
“Come again?”
He shifted, clearing his throat. “That came out so wrong. I meant, let me drive you home.”
I folded my arms. “I don’t need a ride.”
“Okay,” he said, his eyes steady on mine. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
?
After the club, I found myself holding Esther up as she slumped over my shoulder, drunk.
“I love you so much, Ellie,” she mumbled against my ear, her breath heavy with champagne. I barely had a chance to get drunk tonight.
“I love you too, Es,” I said, shifting her weight. “Now, stand up straight. I can’t hold you up and call the ride.”
She nuzzled into my shoulder, completely ignoring me. “I love you so much.”
I rolled my eyes, holding her tighter, as I tried—and failed—to book an Uber. My fingers kept fumbling on the screen, and the app refused to load fast enough.
“You need that ride now?” a voice cut in.
I glanced up. Elliot stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching me struggle.
“We’re good,” I said automatically, still tapping at my phone.
“Ellie, come on,” he insisted. “I really don’t mind. I’d rather drive you home than leave you out here this late.”
I checked the time on my phone.2:36 a.m.
“Please? My car is right there.” He pointed to the sleek, black Benz parked just across the street.Of course, he’d have a Benz. “I’ll take you straight home, I swear.”
I sighed. I was tired, annoyed, and ready for this night to be over. “Fine.”
Esther suddenly sprang to life, pointing a shaky finger at him. “And don’t try any funny shit! Or else I’ll reach in my purse, and you don’t want me to do that.”
Elliot looked her up and down, completely amused. “Can you even aim right now?”
She squinted at him. “Wanna test it? Try me and see, motherfucker.”
He held up his hands, backing up. “Alright, alright. Let’s just get in the car.”
After all that talk, Esther crashed in the back seat almost instantly, her head lolling against the window as we drove off.
The ride was mostly quiet, except for Elliot, who asked me a few questions I was too tired to answer enthusiastically.
