3)

My shoes are an unknown object while I dance my feet raw. It's all I can do to not have more alcohol. But the taste lingers on my tongue. The bitter, mind altering taste that nothing can wash away. I shouldn't have had that drink but I got caught up in the moment.

‘Baby we tried to fight it

We all been there some days’

Chiara is now in front of me dancing.

‘Send your location, come through’

I run my hand through my now loose hair and above my head as I snake my body to the music. Chiara and I both jump to the beat.

Chiara has drink in her hand and it takes everything in me to not snatch it from her hands and gulp it down. So instead I close my eyes and let the music take over.

When the song finishes, I leave the dance floor for the first time since I had that drink.

I find Jared standing with Aidan and a bunch of people I’ve seen around but don’t know. As if he can sense that I glanced at him, Jared’s eyes lock into mine. He’s still talking to the group but his eyes are locked on mine.

A very drunk Danika loops her arm through mine and tugs me towards the group. We slot in with Danika next to Aidan and me next to a very tall, ginger man. Jared still hasn’t taken his eyes from me and I haven’t dared look away from him.

Danika drags Aidan to dance. Jared immediately takes her spot next to me. The other guys in the group start to scatter around the room. Leaving me and Jared alone.

“Enjoying the party?” He asks.

“Yup. You?” I tear my eyes from I’m to the dance floor.

“Mhmm.” I glance over and he’s looking at me so intently.

“So,” I start, “did you eventually get your real drink?”

“I did. Did you have anything?”

“I did but I shouldn’t have.” I click my tongue and roll my eyes playfully before smiling back at him. “What did you have?”

“Guess.” He says.

I don’t know what possessed me, but I lean over and place my lips on his. I don’t think he expects it because it takes him a moment to respond. I part my lips slightly to let my tongue run along the seam of his lips. He immediately lets my tongue slip past and roam every inch of his mouth before he leans into me, holds my hips, and takes control of the kiss.

He tastes good, sweet. He tastes like heaven. The taste of alcohol flees the moment I taste him. This is addicting. And Gods help me, he is a good kisser. I’ve never been kissed like this, touched like this. I don’t want him to stop. But we are both completely out of breath. I’m content to pass out from lack of oxygen if it meant not breaking the kiss but he has other plans.

As he pulls away, my sense flood back to me and I pant, “Whiskey. A really fancy whiskey.”

“What?” He asks. His eyes are on my lips and they are swirling darkness.

“Your… uh,” he makes me a blubbering idiot. “Your drink. You had whiskey. Not that much because you don’t taste like whiskey.”

“Whiskey.” He says absentmindedly. We just stand staring at each other.

“Faye.” Chiara all but falls on me. I reach out to catch her, breaking the trance with Jared. Was that a growl that came from Jared?

“You smell like breakfast.” Chiara slurs.

“I should probably get her home.” I say to Jared.

“Let me help you.” He reaches out for Chiara but she throws herself away from him, almost toppling both of us over.

“No.” She sticks her finger out. “This is a girls evening. Faye and I will be just fine without you.” She waves her shakey finger around.

Jared looks at me and I shrug.

“I’ll get her home safe. Promise.” I say before wrapping Chiara’s arm around my shoulder. “Bye Jared.” I say with a heavy heart.

“Bye Faye.” He says. Fuck I love the way he says my name.

_____________________________

Once Chiara is tucked in bed and sound asleep, I start getting myself ready for bed.

Chiara’s phone lights up on the nightstand. I don’t mean to pry but when the message says Dear Faye, I have to read it.

‘Dear Faye

I’m sure Chiara is passed out by now so I hope you’ll see this.

I had a really amazing time with you this evening. I haven’t danced in a long time and dancing with you was amazing.

I hope you feel the same.

Sleep tight

Jared’

I keep staring down at the message. He enjoyed dancing with me!

No Faye!! Get it together. You can’t feel things for him. You can’t break his heart when it’s time to leave.

But am I not allowed one evening of happiness every now and then?

‘Good night Jared

Sweet dreams

All my love

Faye’