Nine: One night stand?

"C! Why are you late? I'm already jealous of your work!" The men burst out laughing, except for Cormac. Because of what Raz said, I also couldn't help but laugh. Because Stoney is so serious, I didn't think his friends are bullying him. He still looks like a bully.

    Stoney, the bully.

    "Why the hell are you laughing?"

    It was as if I swallowed my laughter when he suddenly spoke, it was weak, so I'm sure he just whispered that to me. It looks like this guy is used to his friends' bullying.

    He was sitting next to me because that was the only one with ample space. Levi and I were in the middle.

    The boys were noisy as usual. They talked about anything, about office, work, and occasionally have fun teasing each other. While the man on my left was busy. . . being 'stone'. I want to laugh at myself, becoming a bully.

    "What are you doing here? Why are you still with that man? Does your boyfriend know that?"

I was overwhelmed by the consecutive questions of the man next to me. 

    Boyfriend?

    What boyfriend?

"Excuse me. What are you saying? Me? Boyfriend?" I couldn't help but shout. I think I my blood was going really high for what this man is saying.

    "Now, you deny it. See? He took your car earlier," the man said coldly.

    It took a few more minutes before I finally calmed down. Something flashed through my mind as I remembered what my brother had said, "Cormac Carter. I'll see him later. Can you tell me something?"

    "That motherfucker–" I whispered before hurriedly taking my cellphone out of the bag I was carrying.

    I quickly excused myself and went straight outside. How dare he say that?

    "My sister! How–"

    "What the fuck did you say to him?" I dared to say something because I knew I was the only one in the bathroom. 

    I heard my older brother laugh on the other line. Even in anger, I let it go first and waited for my brother's explanation. "That was nothing, okay? I just want to see his expression. Man to man-"

    "Hey!" I feel like a fool trampling inside the cubicle. "How is that now? That's embarrassing! You know what I need, don't you?"

    Kuya Jac laughed again, and I was never pleased there. "Seriously? You are not interested in what his reaction is? I really think he was furious!"

    I knocked on the door with extreme throbbing. "Wow! How else can I approach a man if he already has a concept in mind like that? For all, I know you may have threatened him more! You know how important AFA is!"

    I did not wait for him to speak. I quickly stopped the call. I was still rushing out because I was so irritated. I can think of no other alternative plan, so I will direct what needs to be done.

    I quickly turned the door of the VIP room occupied. Levi quickly waved at me and waited for me to sit down.

"You don't really have a boyfriend, do you? You won't lie to me," he said quickly, causing the rest of the men to get their attention.

    I just sighed when I remembered my brother and that I shouted at him. I didn't even give him a chance to explain himself. I am always like that every time we fight but have a quick conscience. I think he goes through a lot and thinks every day, and I add more fire to it.

    "I do not have a boyfriend." I turned to Stoney, who was also staring at me intently, looking forward to what I had to say. "The one who took the car from C.C Cars is my brother. I called him earlier to confirm if he really said that, and he said yes. He often does that, especially with men."

    Because of my explanation, Levi kept teasing us even more. I just laugh at what they do.

    I know Levi. I know he just rides with friends. After a long while, we have already shared each other's secrets. He mentioned that he was still waiting for someone to return, and I really admired that. There are only one in a million men who can wait.

    Thay conversation quickly consumed time. I can't even count how many glasses I drank, but I made sure that every time Cormac drank, I kept up. I won't let this day pass without even making an effort.

    I am very popular with friends and co-workers as women with high alcohol tolerance. And for the record, I was able to drink directly ten hours before passing out, but now, I will not let my system be like that.

    What I see is still very clear, and I know that the alcohol I drink after four hours of drinking is not right for me.

    Raz is slightly banging his head off, and it looks like he is no longer alone with the music that only he can hear.

    Levi is okay, but his eyes are wide open, and I know he can no longer stand. He can no longer afford to drive.

    Percy, on the other hand, is asleep.

    Seeing that the men were in such a state except for Cormac, who still look chill, I thought of starting the plan.

    I'm sure of this one. 

    I simply hold on to the sense. Fuck, I've never been a good actress, but I ignored that.

    "Av, are you still okay?" I slowly turned to Levi and nodded. I tried to reach for another glass there and was about to drink when Cormac suddenly took it. Without a word, he drank it.

    "Yes, I just need to go to the bathroom–" Because of my sudden movement, I deliberately pretended to lose balance and fall.

    "I am driving you home."

    "I'm driving you home."

Levi and Cormac spoke at the same time, but only Stoney lifted me upright. 

    Everything's going smoothly as planned.

    "I am driving you home, Avery." I smiled slightly at him, but I kept my eyes closed. We just need to get out of here then I'll make sure everything will follow.

    "Levi, I'll call Scenic for the three of you."

    After a few minutes, we were making our way out of that club, so I was all about acting. Even if I just want to laugh, I have to suffer now.

    I just can't believe I am doing all this for AFA.

    When I felt the soft seat of the car, I was completely restrained from grinning. How can I be this genius? I think I got the intelligence that did not go to my older brother.

    "Where will I take you?" I closed my eyes tighter. By this time, I should be asleep. I can't tell him my place. 

    "Avery. . . Avery," I heard Cormac say as he shook my body. I also don't know how I did it, but I seem to have convinced him that I am asleep.

    "Shit!"

    Even with my eyes closed, I knew he was also irritated, so I just laugh in my mind. I wish I could see his face, though.

    My pretense of sleep really stayed because I next felt the soft bed that Stoney lowered me. Stoney—I love that nickname.

    I remained silent and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep. It doesn't seem like this is our house because I can definitely hear Kuya Jac's voice just in case.

    Is this his place?

    If yes, then consider the plan done, Ma'am Cassandra.

    I almost froze when I felt Cormac suddenly fall to my side. He was so close that I could smell the wine he drank.

    Is. . . he drunk?

    "Avery. . ." His voice was husky as if he just woke up in the morning.

    I felt his weak caress on my hair. I don't know if alcohol is just right, so what I imagined, but he's seriously brushing my hair gently.

    "Why? Why. . . Why do you have to come back?"

    I could feel the twitching of what was in my heart, followed by a rapid throbbing. I waited for a few more minutes for him to say something, but it looked like it had fallen asleep.

    Slowly I opened my eyes and faced the man. I couldn't help but smile now that it was so close to me, and I could clearly see the soft look on its face. Far, far away from the rude Stoney.

    I can't explain, but I feel relieved when that look was the last thing I saw before I was utterly fallen to sleep.