Page 79 of For One Night

As soon as the doors close, I fall against the wall. “No way, this can’t be happening.”

I struggle to find my phone and once I do, my hands are shaking so terribly I nearly drop it. My thumbs tap the screen more times than needed, and I end up closing and opening the texting several times.

“For fuck’s sake, get it together, Lola!” I yell at the top of my lungs.

I finally find her number and speed text her as the elevator opens to the lobby.

My house ~L

ASAP ~L

911 ~L

My life may be over ~L

I’m fine ~L

No the fuck I’m not ~L

I toss the badge on the front desk and try my best not to run out of the building. I start my car before I get the door closed. I’m exiting the garage when Millie replies to my message.

WTF? ~M

OMW ~M

Like WTF? ~M

I stop my car at street level, texting her back with something short and just as cryptic.

Exactly! ~L

I drive as safe as possible on the way home, forcing myself not to have the nervous breakdown I promised I could have once I was home. Tears fill my eyes multiple times, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why.

“Don’t you fucking dare start this shit. Do you hear me?” I scream at one point, and it soon becomes my chant the rest of the way.

By the time I pull into my complex, I’ve chewed the inside of lip to the point it’s sore. Like everything else I’ve done lately, my next idea isn’t any better when I decide to bite my nails.

“Stop it! You’re almost home,” I tell myself as I turn into my lot.

As soon as I do, I spot Millie sitting on my steps. She stands when I whip into a parking spot. I practically take the door off as I jump out, pointing at her.

“Stay there. I need a drink, and I’m starting out with three!”

Her eyes widen. “You have to tell me something.”

“Oh, I’ll give you something or, better yet, someone—Lennox.” I storm past her, unlocking my door as fast as possible. I slam it open, throwing my things to the floor and stomp over to the liquor.

My hands are still shaking when I pull a glass from the cabinet. I grab the bottle and walk over to the couch. I collapse into it, open the bottle, and pour a drink. Before setting it down, I take a swig from it just as Millie takes it from me.

“You have got to tell me something!” Her brows are pulled tight as she stands holding the bottle in front of me.

“I told you, LENNOX!” I yell as I pick up the glass and slam the amber liquid back.

She shakes her head, confused. “I don’t know what you’re saying.”

“The man I slept with in Las Vegas is now my new boss.” I reach for the bottle, but she’s already pouring for me.

“This has to be a cruel joke.” Her mouth hangs. “Did he plan this?”