Page 8 of Sour Notes

They won’t miss me.

“Babe, I’m gonna mingle. Be back in a bit.”

Haven nods in acknowledgement, her eyes not leaving Axel’s face as I slide off the stool, cocktail in hand, and balance on my six-inch heels.

I walk in the direction of Jack Sparrow but at the last minute I’m forced to pivot when a wench falls into his lap and they start making out.

My shoulders slump, as I survey the crowd again. Nada. No openings.

Jesus, is everyone taken here tonight?

I might be forced to abort my mission, dammit.

Sighing, I walk out to the courtyard behind the bar to get some air. Between the smoke machine and all the couples, it’s suffocating in there.

Thank fuck there’s no one else out here so I can take a few minutes to just be.

I can drop the picture perfect, painted smile I show the world. The one that fools everyone into thinking I’m fine. Because I’m not, and until I figure out how to unfuck my safe space—no pun intended—I’m not sure I ever will be again.

Ughhhh, there he is again, because of course.

If I’m not counting down the hours remaining until I face the man who broke me then poisoned me to the very core, I’m counting the hours I’ve spent avoiding the one man who used to be the safest space I knew.

Sighing, I lean against the railing and stare up at the star-strewn sky. For one night only, I need to let it all go and just enjoy the now. It couldn’t be more beautiful out here with only the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights wound around the branches of a tree in the center.

Sucking in a deep breath, letting the brisk sea air sooth my hot skin, and calm my racing thoughts, I take a slow sip of the cocktail in my hand, more for something to do to avoid going inside and stall my inevitable chronic overthinking spiral.

Hopefully, Kim will get here soon, she’s always a good distraction—and world class wingwoman. Tugging out my phone, I shoot her a quick text.

Me

Where are you?

Kim

The fucking babysitter bailed. We’ve called around but no one’s free tonight, surprise surprise. Jack was telling me to go but the hospital just called him in, so we’re fucked.

Me

Noooooooo FFS that sucks.

Kim

I’m sorry boo. Aren’t the others all there already?

Me

Harley and the Joker are. I left them making out by the bar and baby Thor’s making moves on Morticia right now.

Kim

Swayze?

Me

Fuck knows, probably still at work. He wasn’t home before I left. I’m hanging in the courtyard right now.

Kim