Star Martinis – her favourite cocktail – for everyone. And glancing over at her now, with the others, across the bar, everyone wearing bunny ears – it was her idea. She’s kind and fun and bought a pair for everyone, but it’s funny how Jas’s are the biggest and the only ones with flashing lights. I wouldn’t have even noticed that before, but now I see there’s more to it. She makes herself the centre of attention, being loud and hilarious, making everyone laugh, as they dance to her tune. If you didn’t know, you’d think it was her hen night.
Alex is now chatting away, his hand on my knee. He passes me the large glass of wine and, as I take it from him, I almost drop my handbag. He picks it up and helps me onto a stool, which I’m finding more precarious than I’d thought, and I’m glad he’s here because he’s basically holding me up.
I take a sip, a large one, and feel Jas’s eyes boring into the back of my head. ‘I should go back,’ I say, gazing over.
‘Darling, of course, but you seem very tired – or drunk. Don’t you think it might be time to go home?’
I do feel ready for bed, and even if I stay, the last thing I want to do is stand outside in the freezing cold waiting for a taxi. In fact, I’m not sure I can stand at the moment full stop. A ride home in Alex’s warm car is definitely a better option.
‘I want to go, but it’s a bit awkward. We were having a nice time, Jas and I were bonding – again,’ I admit. And it had been nice. She’d seemed less bitter, less confrontational tonight… until Alex had turned up.
‘That’s good, but you need to make it very clear to Jas that what you want has to come first sometimes. I’m happy to give them all a lift home, if that helps?’
I take another sip of Merlot just because it’s there, I don’t want it, I know I’ve had enough and the room is already swaying. ‘Okay, so I’ll go over and say, “Alex has come to collect us, so if Jas wants a ride home, she’d better be nice to him”,’ I say loudly.
Alex smirks. ‘I don’t think she’s going to take that too well. Perhaps save it for another time,’ he says, patting my arm. ‘Actually, I’m not sure I can fit everyone in the car, and we don’t want to be waiting for them to finish their drinks and say their goodbyes. The state you’re in, I don’t think we should hang around. They can make their own way home can’t they?’
He’s looking at me with such sincerity, I can’t help but feel grateful he’s here. After all, Sameera’s fiancé hasn’t offered to pick us up, but Alex has come out to make sure I’m okay, and he did offer to try and fit everyone in the car. I realise I am really, really drunk, and it’s making me feel a bit vulnerable and clingy, and I just want him to take me home and tuck me in.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t check my phone earlier, babe,’ I slur, feeling a bit wobbly. ‘I’m glad you’re here. I feel safe and… I’ve never felt so… cared for… so loved,’ I add. ‘I love being with you,’ I gush.
He puts his arm around me, looking down into my eyes, and I feel happy, even though I’m experiencing the sensation that the floor is coming up to meet my face. I automatically take another sip of Merlot and Alex looks a little surprised.
‘Steady.’
‘I’m fine.’ I try to sound sober, but I’m finding it increasingly hard and this latest glass seems to have just about wiped me out. ‘I’ll just finish this and then we’ll be off,’ I say, attempting to climb down from the stool I’ve been barely sitting on.
Alex is smiling indulgently. ‘Hannah, I don’t think you’re going to make it.’ He holds out his arms to me as I teeter on the stool.
‘Shall we get the others over here to have a last drink with us?’ I say, about to beckon them over.
Alex shakes his head and helps me down from the wobbly stool. ‘I hate to be the party pooper, but I think the only thing you’re fit for is bed,’ he says.
‘I’m only a little tipsy,’ I say, aware that the word tipsy isn’t coming from my lips, just