“What happened?”
“I hung up.” I laugh, followed by a hiccup. “Oh well, the night has only begun!”
My hips sway on their own accord to the music, but my phone vibrates in my hand non-stop. I can barely make out the screen, squinting to read the text messages.
Millie: Did you just hang up on me?
Millie: So, you just ran into Austin? Is he okay? I hope he doesn’t hate me?
Millie: You know what? Don’t answer that. Why are you at a pub? I saw an Irish flag behind you.
Millie: And what the hell was that music?
Millie: Okay, don’t answer any of that. Why aren’t you with Olivier? Did something happen?
Millie: ANSWER THAT
Geez, my sister is relentless in her pursuit of answers. I decide to ignore her. Besides, she’s busy with Will plus a drunk Rocky and Eric. I’m the least of her problems.
Austin and I continue dancing with our new friends until my feet grow tired. If I knew I’d be jumping around all night, I wouldn’t have worn these strappy heels which pinch my feet.
Placing my arms around him, I rest my head on his shoulder and losing myself in his comforting hug. He feels like home, and at a time when it feels like my whole world is falling apart, Austin walking into this bar is everything.
A remixed version of Rihanna’s songs blares over the speaker, an unusual choice for an Irish bar, but apparently, Alistair is diverse with his music.
“Remember the time we went on a road trip to Lake Tahoe, and it was just you and me? I think Millie had to come later because of some exam.”
“Yeah, the trip when your mom and dad were heard, um, in the cellar?”
I shake my head. “Urgh, I purposely forgot that. Thanks for the reminder.”
“Anytime, so you were saying?”
“We sang this song in the car during our sing-off. It surprised me you knew the lyrics.” I laugh.
“I have sisters.”
“That’s the excuse you said back then.”
“Wait.” He slows down, so we’re both still. “Are you telling me we have a song?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know how I feel about it being a song about monsters. Isn’t that a bad omen?”
Austin cocks his head to the side with a sneer. “You and your bad omens. Has anything terrible happened to you yet?”
“Um, where shall I begin?”
“But you’re alive, right? And aside from this wrist of yours, you are perfectly healthy.”
“I am, but…” I trail off, staring at him oddly.
“So, in my professional opinion, you’re not broken, just a little bruised.”
I place my hands on his chest. “You know what, you’re right? I came here feeling very sorry for myself tonight. And as always, Dr. Carter, you’re impeccable with your timing in life.”
Austin rubs his chin, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. I can’t help but mirror his expression, relaxing my shoulders while enjoying our time together.
“What do you think… another round before Alistair kicks us out?”