Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (book series to read .TXT) 📗

something you won’t want to hear, because nobody ever does, but don’t rush it. Make sure it’s right. You don’t want to end up stuck in a bad situation, trust me, I’ve been there.”

That was one piece of advice I could give that was solid.

The chair beside me scooting back caught my attention, and I looked to see Damien, sliding into the seat.

“I didn’t take you for a drinker.” He said, nodding towards my almost-empty glass.

“Yeah, well, she can make them good.” I said.

“What can I get you?” the blonde asked. She wasn’t wearing a nametag and I hadn’t thought to ask her name. She would now be referred to as The Blonde Bartender.

“Jack and Coke.” He said.

“Jack and Coke? Yuck.” I said, shivering. “Sounds disgusting...and manly.”

“I’m a man’s man,” he said, raising his chin.

“Oh please,” I said, rolling my eyes.

She sat his drink on a napkin in front of him and walked away to tend to the other guests.

“So, you didn’t take me for a drinker? What does that mean?” I asked.

“I feel bad for judging you now. Don’t get offended,” he said.

I rolled my eyes again in a playful gesture.

“You kind of look like a goody-two-shoes. Like you wouldn’t dare take a drink, say a curse word, or do anything bad.”

He had no idea.

“Well, you have no damn clue.” I said, finishing off my drink.

He burst into laughter. “I like you.”

“Yeah, you’re pretty cool too.” I said smiling.

We sat at the bar and talked for an hour, mostly about work. It was nice to have someone who was in my position and actually knew what I was talking about. I had polished off two more drinks and was feeling wobbly. I knew it was time to get back to my room. Forget the bath; I was ready to pass out.

I stood up from my chair and slung my purse over my shoulder, grabbing the chair to steady myself as I slightly stumbled.

“Whoa,” Damien said, grabbing me. “Let me help you to your room.”

“No, no. I’m fine.” I said, heading for the exit.

“No, you’re not,” he said, catching up with me. “You’re swaying. What’s your room number?”

“I don’t know.” I said.

“Do you have the key?” he asked.

“Somewhere,” I said, digging through my purse. I pulled out the card and handed it to him. This was bad…this was really bad, but I was drunk and not in my right mind. He could have been some crazy serial killer, or taken advantage of me…but he didn’t. He walked me to my room and made sure I got in. He returned the key to me and said, “Get some sleep. See you in the morning.”

Once the door was closed, I ripped off my clothes and fell onto the bed. Between the alcohol, my overloaded brain, and my tilted emotional state, I was done. This was all I could handle for one day. Darkness soon took over, ceasing any further thoughts.

Chapter Thirty-Four

 

The next morning, my phone blaring from the other side of the room startled me awake. Jumping up, I noticed the clock on the bedside table read eight o’ clock. Crap. Class started in an hour. I rushed for my phone to see a video call coming through the Messenger app from Gage. Oh my gosh. I looked disgusting, with runny make-up and wild bed hair. There was no way I could answer looking like this. As much as I wanted to talk to him, it couldn’t happen this morning. Not to mention, I had forty-five minutes before I needed to be heading to training. Phone forgotten, I jumped in the shower, speeding through my morning process.

Once ready, I picked up my phone and sent an apology text to Gage.

Gage: SO SORRY. I was behind this morning. I hate I missed your call. Heading to class now. I hope you have a good day. I love you.

 

I still made it in early and went to my usual seat in the middle. As I unpacked my materials, I glanced at my phone once more to see if Gage had responded. He hadn’t even looked at the message. It sat on Unread. That was a little disheartening. I wanted to slap myself for missing his call. That was my payback for drinking last night. I shouldn’t have been under the influence while attending this important training anyway. Lesson learned. It wouldn’t happen again.

“You alright?” A deep voice grabbed my attention and I turned to see Damien sitting down beside me.

“I’m good. Why? Do I not look alright?”

He laughed. “You look fine. I was just making sure. You were a little smashed last night.”

“Yeah. It doesn’t take much,” I said. “Luckily, I’m feeling okay. I woke up late though, so I had to rush this morning. I snagged this coffee on the way out of the hotel; hopefully it will perk me up.” I said, raising my cup.

“I’m sure it will.”

“I didn’t say or do anything stupid last night, did I?” I asked.

“You don’t remember?”

My heart dropped and panic took over. What did I say, or better yet, what did I do?

He laughed again. “Calm down. I see the fear in your eyes. No, you didn’t say or do anything you shouldn’t have. Your reaction has me concerned. Do you usually do wild and crazy things while under the influence?”

I rolled my eyes and grinned. “Nothing too extreme.”

The trainer came into the room and we jumped right into our day’s work. When we broke for lunch, three messages on my phone awaited me and luckily, one was from Gage.

Mike: How’s training going?

Marcus: Call me when you can. Looks like I’m going to have to go out of town again.

Gage: It’s alright. Too bad we couldn’t