Chapter 3: Drink Away

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~Raegan~

As the sound of my alarm clock going off woke me from my deep sleep, I groaned, nowhere near ready to wake up. It could not be seven a.m already. Impossible, it couldn't be past six. Sure enough, when I turned to the clock to stop the deafening noise, it was time for me to get up. I silenced the annoying noise but made no move to get up as I threw myself back underneath the covers. I hadn't gone to sleep until nearly two a.m, and I was in no condition to be awake or getting ready for work just yet.

I lay in bed for a few more minutes, gradually forcing myself to wake up as the events of last night hit me like a ton of bricks.

I had caused serious drama.

I pulled my phone off of my nightstand and dialed Ronnie's number—although I knew she probably wasn't even awake yet. When I got her voicemail, I decided it was best to send her a text and hope she would respond to me when she was up to it.

ME: Hey... Sorry for last night. I know I'm a major fuck-up in the best friend department, but you're all I got, so you better forgive me. Hopefully, you at least got make-up sex out of it—If not, next time shots are on me!

I waited for a few minutes, but still no reply.

I tossed my phone aside and forced myself out of bed before I made myself late.

_________________________

When I finally made it out into the kitchen, I wasn't surprised to see Holly just getting in from work— fishnets and all.

My sister and I were complete opposites. While I had dark brown hair that reached just passed my shoulders, Holly's was a dirty blonde that fell almost to her ass. While I stood on the short side at 5 foot 3, Holly was all legs and stood at a staggering 5'8. We couldn't be more different. The only thing we'd shared in common was the same hazel eyes—the only thing my dad had ever left us with.

"Hey," she mumbled lazily, as she bent down to unbuckle her seven-inch red heels. I never understood how she worked in those.

"Morning," I greeted, pouring myself a cup of much-needed coffee. "How was work?" I asked while I took a sip of the warm liquid. I never actually wanted to know, but it wasn't like we had much else to talk about. I would have preferred if the shit that went down at Bare Essentials didn't come home with her, but I was hardly ever that lucky.

I had nothing against strippers, but my sister wasn't one to shy away from taking on extra duties, and I really did not want anything to do with that. It got her in trouble more times than not, and she shouldn't be risking her own safety just to make a couple of bucks. There were plenty of other jobs she could be doing, but I think she enjoyed being a stripper—if that was possible.

Holly shrugged, walking into the kitchen and taking my coffee straight from my hands. I growled in protest, but she just ignored me as she swallowed a huge gulp, before placing it back in my hands, now nearly empty. "It was alright. Didn't really get that many tips."

I rolled my eyes, tossing the little left of my coffee down the sink—I would just make myself another one when I got to the salon.

"You didn't come home," I said, placing a hand on my hip.

Although Holly was years older than me, I often felt like her parent. She needed someone to take care of her, and without that, she became more destructive than she already was.

Holly let out an annoyed groan as she rummaged through the fully stocked fridge of food that I had purchased.

"I'm not a damn child Raegan. Mind your own business," she chided, pulling out the leftover mac and cheese I had made for dinner the night before.

Could have fooled me, I wanted to say, but I kept my mouth shut. As much as I wanted to help her, my sister was a big girl, and at some point, she would have to learn to take care of herself.

I held up my hands in defense, already knowing how this conversation would end if I pressed forward. "I was worried. You were supposed to be home, but the babysitter was still here when I got back. Would have been nice to know so I didn't wait up for you."

Holly only rolled her eyes as she grabbed a fork and stuffed her face with last nights dinner.

"Jamie awake yet?" she asked, in between bites, as she plopped down at the kitchen table.

I shook my head. "I work late tonight. Are you sure you can watch him till I get home?"

We had made arrangements a few days ago, but you could never be sure that Holly would remember. It had happened to me too many times where she had made other plans and I was left to figure it out on my own.

"I know," my sister said, narrowing her eyes. "I got it."

"Okay," I nodded. "I should be home just before you need to leave for work. He'll need dinner at around 6," I reminded.

Holly dropped her fork down on the table with a loud clang and looked up at me with narrowed eyes. "I know that Raegan. He'll be fine."

I really hoped so.

_____________________________

The morning had gone by painfully slow, until just before noon when I'd done two haircuts. While I was on my lunch, Ronnie had finally called me back and I was relieved to see her name pop up on my screen.

"Hey," I said, hesitantly.

I heard Ronnie let out a breath on the other end. "Well," she began. "No make-up sex, but don't worry, I'm not mad anymore.

I sighed in relief, happy to know my best friend didn't hate me for my stupid mistake.

"Thank god!" I said, excitedly as I held the phone to my ear.

"Don't think you're off the hook yet. I still expect free shots. Tonight?

I frowned. "I can't, I have Jamie tonight. "

Ronnie groaned. "You suck. I need fun, and it was ruined last night by someone," she said, trying to make me feel guilty.

Although I felt bad, any time I'd tried to do anything fun lately, I always ended up in trouble somehow. First, it was the rave in Salt Lake, then it was last night with Knox and Aaron. I was starting to get the hint that fun and I just didn't mix.

"I'm sorry. How about this weekend?"

"Yeah, whatever," Ronnie replied halfheartedly.

Just as I was about to apologize again, I saw a message pop up on my screen from my sister.

HOLLY: My hours got cut tonight so I got Jamie.

ME: You sure?

HOLLY: YES!

This gave me the perfect opportunity to take make it up to my best friend.

"Holly just texted. She's watching Jamie. I'm in!

"Yay!" Ronnie said, her mood changing instantly. "I'll meet you at Black's when your done work," she said, before hanging up.

Just as I was cleaning up my lunch and heading back to the salon, I saw a text pop up from an unknown number.

Fields didn't show up again, did he? It read.

That could only be one person.

_____________________________

Even after working all the way until close, and driving the distance to Black's, I couldn't get Tweaker—as he requested I call him, out my mind.

Why had he asked for my number? And why did he care enough to check up on me?

Don't get me wrong, his concern was flattering, but while I was no longer buzzed or sitting within arms reach of him, I was able to think with my brain rather than my lady parts. And while I didn't hate the idea of seeing him around more often, it was strange that he had taken such an interest.

I couldn't help but look out for him as I walked into Black's, but the booth that the guys usually sat at was practically empty. I saw Ronnie wave me over from a stool at the end of the bar as she spoke to Rain.

"The party is here!" Loraine called from behind the bar as I sat next to Ronnie.

I rolled my eyes and slapped my hand down on the bar. "I need beer—lots of it."

"That's my girl," Ronnie cheered. "She's paying, so I'm in too."

Loraine shook her head disapprovingly but filled us both up two glasses.

Loraine and I had been good friends for years, and she was the reason I had even met Ronnie. The three of us were very anti-tribe men after what Cash had done to Ronnie, but that had now changed since both of my friends were very involved with two members.

Ronnie and I sat at the bar for a while, and after multiple refills— thanks to Rain, both of us had grown very drunk.

Probably not the best idea since I was still a little hungover from the night before, but hey, when your best friend needs you to get drunk with her, you do it. Plus, I had my own problems to drink away tonight too.

"What's wrong with you?" Ronnie questioned, breaking me out of my inner thoughts.

I shrugged, taking a sip of my third or fourth beer. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Ronnie cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. My best friend knew me too well, the bitch

"Rae," she pressed.

I let out a breath. "Last night when Tweaker drove me home—" I began before she cut me off.

"Did he do something to you?" she asked, her face growing tense.

I shook my head. "No, nothing like that."

I wished he had done a lot of things to me, but that wasn't what was bothering me.

"Then what is it?" she asked.

I shrugged. "Josh was there when we showed up. He said some fucked up things."

Ronnie frowned. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," I said, taking another sip of my drink. "I guess I just can't believe that I spent the last four years with a man who would say that kind of shit to me."

"What'd he say?" she questioned.

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter. Everything he said only made it even more clear that I needed to get the fuck out of that relationship."

Ronnie nodded in agreement. "Fuck him," she said, using the line I often fed her.

It was easier said than done, I had to give her that.

I didn't regret breaking it off with Josh, but it was hard to adjust to the single life. I had always had a boyfriend and had never before been single as an adult. Josh and I had been dating since my senior year, and admittedly, I felt a little lost without him. I didn't miss him—at least not like that, but I did miss the security of having someone. It was a change for sure, but I was looking forward to getting to know who Raegan was without a boyfriend.

"Men suck," Ronnie went on.

I hear that.

"I take it things with Knox didn't go well?"

She shook her head. "I don't wanna talk about him."

I smiled and raised my glass up to her. "Then let's drink."

____________________________

Ronnie had gone home hours ago, but I couldn't bring myself to leave just yet. Being home meant too much silence and overthinking, and right now, I didn't enjoy the thought of either. The only thing keeping me somewhat calm was the continuous flow of beer that Rain kept coming. Although I was now sitting alone since she was technically working, I was enjoying myself more here than I could back at the house with Holly—because she was another problem I didn't feel like dealing with.

"I hope you didn't drive here," Rain said, finally going back behind the bar.

"I did," I nodded.

"Gimme your keys," she demanded, holding open her hand. "You're not driving, Rae."

I let out a chuckle as I held up my hands in defense and then handed them over to her.

"My shift is over at midnight. I'll take you home."

I nodded in agreement and truly felt the effects of the alcohol in my system when I tried to get to my feet. I stumbled, nearly losing my footing as I tilted sideways.

"Shit," I cursed, trying to grab a hold of the bar before I fell to the ground. I wasn't quick enough, but luckily I felt a pair of arms grab a hold of me before I hit the ground.

"Hey to you too, Toots," I heard from above me. When I looked up, I saw Tweaker was the one who had caught me. I gulped.

"Sorry," I mumbled, struggling to get back on my feet.

I felt Tweaker's skin touch mine as he helped me stand upright. He was wet— the rain causing his dirty blonde hair to look almost brown.

"She alright?" he asked, nodding to Loraine.

My friend crossed her arms over her chest. "She's fine. Had a lot to drink though—I was just taking away her keys."

Tweaker smiled, looking over at me, while he still spoke to Rain. "Good. Gimme a beer," he requested.

"You got it," she confirmed.

I hadn't even noticed when Tweaker showed up, but I sure as fuck noticed now.

After he had gotten his beer from Rain, he went to sit down at the booth without saying another word to me. I knew his texts weren't a declaration of love or anything, but the way he left without even mentioning them was off-putting. If he was so concerned about me and my wellbeing, wouldn't he have asked in person how I was doing?

Maybe I was just overthinking it, or maybe I was just drunk, but either way, he was acting odd.

He sat alone in the booth for only a few minutes before the Hellcats sprung to life.

He was one of the only single guys left, and one of the most attractive—it made sense that they all flocked towards him. Even still, I couldn't help but feel jealous that Ali Griffen was the one sitting on his lap with her tongue in his mouth. Bitch—I had even hated her in high school too.

It seemed that alcohol caused me to feel very attracted to Tweaker in the last two days, and tonight, very fucking jealous.

There go my lady parts taking over again.

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