Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+ [ON Hiatus]

Chapter 24

Vinnie's P.O.V.

I slumped in my chair, feeling the effects of my last shot of whiskey. Regret filled my mind as I surveyed the raucous bar full of drunken laughter and the flickering images of a league game on the TV. A sea of empty shot glasses strewn around me; I looked up to see a bemused onlooker. Slurring my words, I tried to explain my situation. "Life is funny," I muttered, my voice punctuated by a hiccup. "One minute, everything is great, and the next, you're down in the gutter."

I grasped my glass with both hands as I called out to the bartender "'Nother one, please!"

He wiped a glass with a cloth before saying with a stern tone, "It's time to hit the road, bud."

I slammed the glass down on the bar top, lamenting, "Man, I really messed up the best thing that ever happened to me. I need 'nother. . . another!" I sighed in disappointment as I watched the bartender pour me a glass of water instead of the amber liquid I had been hoping for.

I watched the bartender serve other customers and I felt the glass in my hand become more substantial. The taste of misery began to pervade my senses. I swivelled around on my barstool, my vision swept across the room, barely focusing. My gaze fixed upon a jukebox in the corner, and I stumbled in its direction, crashing into furniture in the process.

I held onto the jukebox for support, marvelling at its presence as I uttered in a slurred disbelief, "Incredible! I can't believe these are still around!"

I punched buttons on the jukebox, eventually succeeding in selecting a song. The speakers crackled before filling the area with an upbeat melody. I started to move my body, or at least attempt to, around the miniscule dance floor beside the jukebox. My lack of coordination caused me to poke other people's feet, resulting in disgruntled stares from those around me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off. "I have... I have... hic... a boyfriend."

"It's about time!" Wes grumbled in exasperation. "I had to hit every bar in town. C'mon already," he pleaded.

I twirled around and our hands intertwined. I smiled at him and said, "Let's dance!"

Wes motioned for me to join him, leading the way out. "C'mon, I'm taking you back home," he said.

"But w-what about my car?"

"We'll pick it up tomorrow - watch your step! We're almost at my car," he cautioned as we approached.

"You're so pretty. I've ducked you before, haven't I?" I mumbled. His expression changed, almost like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Had I said something wrong? I giggled at my dumb mistake, "Whoo...whoops, I meant f-fucked."

"How much did you have to drink?" he asked.

"Dis many." I showed both hands to him.

I was grateful to Wes for keeping me upright as I stumbled along. Once we reached his car, he drove me home, despite my state of extreme inebriation. The alcohol had taken its toll on me; my throat was burning from the acidic bile that had risen up. Despite my attempts to keep it down, it had spilled out of my mouth.

"Come on Vinnie. I just cleaned my car." He handed me a bag which I filled with vomit.

The car came to a stop, and Wes opened my door and helped me out. He got us to the front door, "Where did you stash your keys?" he asked, his hands patting down my pockets.

I blocked his path, emphasizing my point, "Seriously, how many times do I have to remind you that I'm taken?"

"You're so drunk." he muttered under his breath, still continuing with his search.