259 Hall Pass

(Winona)

The morning light is way too bright, stabbing at my eyes as I pull up outside the penthouse complex. Where are my sunglasses?

Fumbling in the center console, I pull them out and slide them on.

My eyes practically breathe a sigh of relief.

I cannot navigate the underground parking lot this morning. My head's still in some weird wine and tequila fog, and my stomach’s doing somersaults like I’m on a carnival ride. I rub my temples.

Why did I think getting shitfaced would be okay? I give a giggle and a hiccup. But it was fun. Okay, I can do this. I try to shake off the remnants of last night, but one subject is etched into my brain.

A hall pass. I can’t even focus on driving and parking, let alone life decisions.

As soon as I step out of the elevator doors, Jayden’s there with Abby. The noise pierces my skull like a laser. I smile. Trying to act sober I take a couple of steps into the lounge area.

I should have stayed on Lisa’s sofa and called Jayden.

“Mommy, why are you wearin