Chapter 92

I spent the whole evening at this little dive bar, from three in the afternoon until nine, just sipping away. I didn't go overboard, but I drank for hours, enough to feel that numb buzz where everything else faded away.

The bar's owner, Mr. Seth, knew me well enough by now. I didn't have to worry about getting too wasted, even if I was on my own.

"When are you heading out? Is someone picking you up?" Mr. Seth asked. I never knew his first name—everyone just called him Mr. Seth.

He looked like he was in his fifties. If my dad were still around, he'd probably be about the same age.

"I guess I should get going," I said, though honestly, the last thing I wanted was to leave.

But I had work tomorrow. I needed to get home and at least pretend to sleep. Tonight's drinking was my way of saying a final goodbye to whatever I had left for Jace.

I tried to steady myself as I stood up, but Mr. Seth stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I'm not letting you leave like this. I'll have someo