bathroom.”
“Are you okay?” Steven asks glancing up at me with his bright baby blues.
I nod, storm past the table and push my way into the bathroom. I slide into the nearest stall and flop down on the porcelain throne. I place my head between my hands and let a few tears trickle down my cheeks. Thank God no one is in here.
“Open up.” Ben’s demanding tone says from the other side of the stall.
“What the hell are you doing in here?” I shriek and fling open the door to stare at a very angry Ben.
He pushes himself in the tiny space and locks the door behind him, “Don’t let that asshole shove his hand up your dress again. I don’t like it. You got it?”
“Open the door. Now.” I say and shove both my palms against his tight chest.
“Did you hear me?” He grabs onto my wrists.
“Go fuck yourself Ben.” I say and break away from his hold and unlock the door. He takes a step back and glares at me as I push past him.
When I get to the table, my heart is beating out of my chest. Ben strolls back a few seconds later and slides into his chair with a frown on his face.
“Are you okay?” Steven says and runs his fingers through my hair.
“I’m fine” I lie and plaster on a fake grin.
Michelle sticks her head between us and says, “Megan will you come and dance with me? Stephanie doesn’t want to, apparently she is on a mission.” She nods and rolls her eyes over at Stephanie taking a shot with Ben.
I will not let him and his dirty secrets ruin my night. I tell Michelle I’ll join her and let her drag me up to the dance floor. I pretend to be happy and twirl under her extended arm and sway to the music. Some random guys come over to join our dance party, but when they start to get a little too touchy feely, I tell Michelle I am going to get another drink. She tells me to get one for her as she grinds up on some guy.
I patiently wait for our drinks and rap my fingers on top of the bar, until someone taps my shoulder and I turn around. “Let’s go. Enough of this shit. You’re coming with me to my villa right now.” Ben orders and reaches for my hand.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” I say and look away.
The bartender slides over the cocktails, but Ben quickly clamps his hands over both of them and pulls them tightly against his chest, “Why not?”
“Give me the drinks.” I say forcing my hands to my hips. I hate Ben and his superior behavior as he glares at me with dark brown eyes. He slowly slides the drinks in my direction, I snatch them and whip around, but his hand fastens around my elbow.
“Let go!” I shout already feeling the tears well up in my eyes.
“What the hell did I do?” he asks completely dumbfounded.
I look at Ben and the disbelief on his face, but I don’t say another word.
“Come on Megan. Say something. Tell me what I did.” Ben asks closing the space between us. He is so close I can smell the rum on his breath. I push him away and walk back to the dance floor.
Not here, not now.
Ben doesn’t approach me the rest of the night. Instead he lets Stephanie hang all over him while he slams back the rum and cokes. Michelle and I continue to have some more good-natured fun, until our feet hurt and we decide we’ve had enough. We trudge back to the table, and I make the mistake of watching Stephanie lean over and kiss Ben’s cheek.
I’ve reached my breaking point.
“Well, I think it’s time to call it a night.” I say and stumble away from the table, “I’m not feeling so well.”
“You shouldn’t walk alone.” Steven says, “Let me walk you back.”
“No, no, no. I’m more than okay. Thanks Steven.” I say and slowly creep backwards.
“No, I think I should walk you back.” He insists and stands up from the table.
“Steven, please. Sit down. I’m fine.” I say. Steven opens his mouth to argue, but slams it shut.
“Are you sure?” Michael asks and gives me an once-over.
“Positive.” I say, and see Ben dart his eyes at me.
“Call one of us as soon as you make it back to your villa. Promise?” Eric says.
I nod and start to walk away, feeling Ben’s eyes