“Would you like me to make you another drink?” he asked innocently.
“No.” She took the glass and stormed off to the table her friends were at.
“Fuck, that never gets old,” I told him.
He smiled and went down the bar to fill his orders.
As I was finishing my second glass, my phone lit up with Jules’ name.
“Finally,” I sighed into the phone. I needed my friend.
“What the fuck do you mean Bradford broke up with you?” she screamed into the phone.
There she was.
“Where are you? I’m four hours away. I’m coming. I’m so sorry. I’m a shit friend.”
“I’m at Louie’s bar. Where are you?”
“I have something to tell you, but I don’t want to do it over the phone,” she said.
I signaled Louie for my next drink. He plopped it down. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I answered my very nervous bartender.
Shit, was I slurring?
“How many amarettos have you had?” Jules asked. “Fuck, I can’t believe I’m not there.”
“I’m on my third. Don’t worry, I’ll call an Uber,” I told her, my nose burning.
Shit, if I keep crying, I’m going to be dehydrated.
“You can’t be alone,” Jules said, tears in her voice. A muffled man’s voice sounded in the background. “That’s a good idea.”
“It is?” I asked, confused.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Jules said. “You’re snockered. Don’t call an Uber, I’m sending someone to be with you so you’re not alone until I get to you. I’m hurrying. I love you so much.”
That was it. I sucked in a deep breath and tears streamed down my face. “I love you, too. Please hurry,” I whispered.
“Don’t hang up. Stay on the phone with me until he gets there.”
I nodded like she could see me. Sniffling, I finished my drink. When I was about to signal Louie for another drink, a strong hand landed on my shoulder.
“I’m here.”
I knew the voice.
Why the hell is Mr. Easton here?
“Rach, baby, let Easton take you home. I’m three and a half hours away. I’m coming straight to your house, okay?”
“Why would you call Mr. Easton?” I asked.
Before she could answer, Mr. Easton took the phone out of my hand. “Drive safe, Cole. I’ll take care of her until you get here.” He hung up my phone and signaled Louie with an imperious tilt of his chin, sitting next to me.
I stared at him, my buzzed brain unable to conjure any scenario as to why Jules thought Mr. Easton was the one to sit with me while she drove back from wherever the fuck she was.