I couldn't believe the predicament I had landed myself in yet again. Just yesterday, I couldn't resist indulging in one too many drinks as Mr. Lowell constantly topped off my glass. And now, here I am being dragged to a party on a weekday when I have to work tomorrow and had plans with Coco to visit the museum. But how could I refuse my friends' wishes, especially when it's Melissa who has always been there for me? I'll just have to try and limit my alcohol intake and hope they don't notice.
As Coco leans down and whispers in my ear, "Relax, I'll handle everything," I can't help but betray my worried expression. Of course, a waiter appears out of nowhere with a tray of drinks, and of course, mine is the only one, not a sickly green color.
"So Lina, what's new with you lately? It feels like it's been ages since we've caught up," Sarah says, drawing the group's attention back to me.
"Quit being dramatic! I saw her just yesterday," scolds Melissa playfully
"And we had our usual girls' night out on Friday," adds Joy nonchalantly.
"Yes, but we didn't get any first hand details about your big presentation or lunch with your hot boss," teases Sarah with a wicked smirk.
As always, Melissa's eyes wander to a handsome man at the bar and she quickly rushes off to talk to him. The rest of us don't mind her distraction, but Coco seems slightly confused. She's more interested in hearing about my business lunch with Mr. Lowell.
"Well, as I told you before, everything went well. And there's nothing else worth mentioning about the lunch," I respond coolly, hoping to avoid any further questioning. I glance over at Coco, silently pleading for her to intervene, but she seems fixated on what's happening in front of us.
"Bullshit!! We came back to get ready and found you passed out on our couch. We couldn't even wake you up, and it was a weekday of all days!" argues Melissa, clearly frustrated with my lack of information.
"I may have had a bit too much to drink, that's all," I try to placate her.
"How charming must Mr. Lowell be to get you drunk on a weekday lunch? And why aren't you spilling any juicy details about him? What are you hiding?" interrupts Sarah, hitting the nail on the head.
"No...you're completely misunderstanding. We just worked and talked at the restaurant. To be honest, I don't really remember much. I think Mr. Lowell brought me home because I was too drunk. That's why I had such a terrible hangover today," I explain dryly, not wanting to face the possibility that I may have feelings for Mr. Lowell that I need to let go of. "So maybe something did happen and you just don't remember," suggested Joy with a mischievous smile on her face.
"No way!!" I denied vehemently, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Well, maybe we should change the subject now," Coco interjected after realizing how uncomfortable I was becoming. "Yeah, that would be great. Let's grab another round," I quickly jumped in, hoping to steer the conversation away from my personal life.
"No! Lina, you know you can always tell us everything," said Sarah with a serious expression, showing genuine concern for my well-being.
I let out a heavy sigh. "I know, but it's really nothing worth talking about. He's just insanely attractive, but he's also my boss and for that reason alone, there will never be a chance for us. Especially after he cut off all contact after our first meeting," I replied honestly. Though I had come to this realization long ago, saying it out loud only brings back the feelings of disappointment and longing.
"You're right," I sighed, my heart heavy with unspoken emotions. "There are plenty of fish in the sea." Joy, always one to avoid deeper conversations, eagerly changed the subject. "I bet even you can't remember when you last had a guy," she teased. "I've never seen you with one, that's for sure."
Sarah chimed in, her analytical tone masking her obvious concern. "You've been so busy with work and studying that you often forget about yourself. Mr. Lowell probably provided you with something you were unconsciously yearning for. If you open up, I'm sure you will find the one who is meant for you."
Coco pulled me close to her, placing an understanding hand on my shoulder. "But first, let's get something to drink," she suggested.
"No way!" I protested, too vehemently.
"Maybe we should change the topic now," Coco realized, sensing my discomfort.
"Yes, let's get a refill," I added quickly, eager to move on from the topic.
"Lina, you know you can always tell us everything," Sarah said firmly, indicating her genuine concern for me.
I let out a heavy sigh. "I know, but it's just... too silly. He's just insanely hot, but he also happens to be my boss and for that reason alone, there will never be a chance for us."
"You're right," Joy agreed enthusiastically. "There are plenty of fish in the sea and I know exactly where we can find ourselves a big catch."
"I bet even you can't remember when you last had a guy," she teased again.
"I've never seen you with one either," Sarah admitted.
"But maybe that's about to change tonight," Coco interjected with a playful wink.
As we made our way to the bar to grab drinks and meet up with Melissa, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my situation. I needed to find someone, but I couldn't let myself fall for someone out of my reach or give in to temporary lust.
But perhaps going out and having some fun with my friends would help me focus on work and forget about my boss, Mr. Lowell - the ultimate bachelor who had captured my attention from the moment I met him.
As the night wore on and we were hit on by various guys, we stuck together as a group. Well, except for Melissa who had already found a new hot guy to chat with.
As we talked and drank more, our conversations shifted from deep and meaningful to lighthearted and trivial. But amidst it all, one thought lingered in my mind - I needed to put Mr. Lowell out of my thoughts and move on. With the help of my girls, maybe I could finally do that. And if anyone could lead me towards new prospects, it was Coco - my fearless friend who always knew how to have a good time.
The museum inauguration loomed ahead, the final piece of my carefully crafted plan. But before that, I needed to work on my social skills and learn how to handle my liquor. Because once I did, there would be nothing stopping me from falling head over heels for another hot Wolfsville guy.
The party seemed never-ending, the music pulsing through our veins as we danced and drank the night away. We only left when the club shut down, none of us in any condition to drive. As the security guys offered to drive us home in Coco's car, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their assistance.
But before we left, a waiter stopped me and handed me a small container, saying it was part of their service and to take it before going to bed. I thanked him, feeling flustered, and quickly stashed it in my bag.
As we made our way out, I checked my phone and saw multiple messages from Melissa. But by then she had already left with a guy in her own car - one less problem for me to deal with now.
We finally arrived at our apartment building and I asked Dave, the security guy driving us, to drop us off instead of inconveniencing him further. He parked the car and gave me a flirtatious smile before bidding us farewell. Stumbling up to our apartment with Coco in tow, we made sleeping arrangements with her crashing in our guest room tonight.
As I tucked Coco into bed, she suddenly shouted about pills. "Where are the pills?" she frantically asked. I tried to calm her down, reminding her that it wasn't time for medication yet. But she insisted they were for alcohol poisoning.
Feeling exhausted and terrible myself, I managed to give each of the girls a pill before swallowing mine and passing out on my bed.
All I could do now was hope that Mr. Lowell was pleased with my choices for the restaurant and food.