“No. This time it isn’t because of a Beasley boy,” I informed her, sliding my glass to her. “Just one more,” I told her.
“Who am I gonna call with Jeremy gone if you end up trashed?”
“I won’t get drunk, I promise. I just need a buzz, Nelly.”
Her wrinkled lips puckered into a frown and she poured me one more glass.
I didn’t wait for her to give it to me. I reached over, picked it up and downed it. The numbness started to set in and Cage York seemed less important. Perfect. I smiled at Nelly and would have kissed her sagging cheek if I could reach her. She’d given me my first relief from the pain since Cage had discarded me.
Standing up, I had to stop a second to steady myself when the room shifted a little. Once I had my balance I walked out to the dance floor. I’d dance by myself. I didn’t need a man.
“Eva Brooks, I do believe you have been drinking,” a familiar voice drawled and I lifted my gaze from the floor where I’d been focused on not falling over and met the smiling brown eyes of Mark Ganner. Mark had played wide receiver in high school. Josh had often said that Mark was his ‘go to’ guy. He could catch a ball no matter how bad the throw.
“Mark.” I smiled; glad to see someone from my past.
“You look real good, Eva.”
I reached out and grabbed his arm and leaned on him some. My legs were still a little numb. “Thank you,” I replied.
“You wanna dance?” Mark asked
“YES!”
Mark laughed and pulled me into his arms. I was thankful for some support.
“What have you been up to?” he asked as we moved together to the music.
“Nothing. Trying to figure out what happens next.”
Mark nodded, “Yeah.”
The song changed and I had more control over my body as the tequila eased through me.
Throwing back my head I laughed and began moving my hips seductively against Mark. The interest in his eyes felt empty. Then again, I was empty. Might as well take what I could get.
“EVA!” Becca Lynn squealed as the cowboy twirled her around and sidled up next to me and Mark.
“Look at you already buzzing and dancing with Mark. I’m so proud I could just bust,” Becca cheered. “You be good to her Mark.”
“She’s in good hands,” Mark assured Becca. She giggled then threw him a wink before dancing off.
“You two still keeping in touch, then?” Mark asked
“Yeah, Becca Lynn still comes around. She’s about the only friend other than Jeremy that is brave enough to visit me.”
Mark frowned and I could see the pity in his eyes. I hated the pity. Cage never looked at me with the damn pity in his eyes.
“I need another shot. Would you get it for me? Nelly is being stingy tonight with me.”
Mark’s pity vanished and he gave me an excited grin, “Yeah, sure. I’ll be right back.”
“Could you make that two?” I asked as he started toward the bar.
“Absolutely.”
Chapter Twenty- One
Cage