FIFTY-FOUR: Someone's Being Slutty

Chloe didn't need to ring the doorbell of Dylan's apartment twice before the door swung open and he appeared at the doorway, wearing a huge, enthusiastic smile, saying, "Hello, stranger!"

But before he could even finish speaking, she brushed past him and marched inside without so much of a salutation, leaving him momentarily taken aback by her abrupt behavior.

"Good afternoon to you too, Chloe," Dylan said, his voice heavy with sarcasm, as he slammed the door shut. He trailed after her into the dining room, where she had already made a beeline for the minibar. "Why are you in such a foul mood?"

Chloe disregarded Dylan's question and reached straight for the bottle of vodka. She poured herself a shot and tossed it back with a swift motion. The strong liquor burned her throat, prompting a wince out of her as she gently patted her chest to ease the sudden discomfort.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Dylan exclaimed, his hands swiftly snatching both the bottle and the shot-glass