Back To You

8- Catching Up

Hailey's P.O.V.

Drake made delicious steaks with vegetables on the grill for dinner tonight. I sat down with everyone, talking, laughing and started to get to know them. Jessica's friends seemed really nice and they were very welcoming.

Jessica and I were sitting down at the island, drinking as everyone else started to head off to bed but we weren't ready. We had a lot of catching up to do.

"Night girls." Drake looked at me, "Hailey, don't drink all the booze and Jess, you're a lightweight, pace yourself."

I started laughing at his comment, mostly because it was true.

"Screw you, Drake." She said, throwing a solo cup at him.

He started laughing. Looking at me one last time before turning and walking to his bedroom.

I wished I knew what he was thinking when he looked at me. Hmmm. That man is sexy, I thought to myself as I rubbed the back of my neck, secretly checking him out as he walked away before bringing my attention back to the two love birds.

"I'm going to go lay down too, babe. You two behave." Drew teased as he leaned in, giving her a kiss goodnight. "Night, Hailey."

"Night, Drew."

I poured myself a double shot of whiskey, while Jess sipped in her fruity tootie drink she mixed up.

I didn't hate those but I needed something else. Something stronger. Hopefully this will knock me out tonight so I could get the sleep I desperately needed.

I had a feeling it wasn't going to work though. Not only was the memory of Marcos' death still fresh in my mind but now so was Dantés.

I downed the whiskey and poured another one.

"Hailey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, never better."

"What happened to your smile, Hails?"

"What do you mean?" I've been trying so damn hard to put on a brave and happy face even though no matter what I try I can't fight the demons that are slowly destroying me.

"I mean you're smiling but it's different. You and I could always talk about everything. I'm here for you, you know that right?"

I sighed and put my drink down, "I know, Jess."

"Did he cheat on you? You were so in love with him."

"No, I don't think so anyway. Thing's just change."

I wished I could tell her but that was Justin's number one rule... 'Don't tell anyone what's going on' which I completely agreed with.

"Did he hurt you?" She asked, hesitantly.

"No, he was great. God, saying it out loud sounds so dumb. I just... he wasn't the right one for me and I'm so glad I realized that before our wedding." I lifted my glass and swallowed the whole thing. "Fuck, that shits good."

She looked at me, trying to read this situation I'm sure.

"I promise, I'll tell you someday, Jess. Just not today."

"Alright. If you need or want to talk about it though, I'll always be here for you."

"I know. Thank you, I appreciate it. Now, how about I pour you a real drink?"

"Deal, but only if you tell me what that was between you and Drake today."

"What are you talking about?"

I knew exactly what she was talking about and I definitely have no idea what that was, but it was intense.

"Oh common. You guys stared at each other for the longest time but not in an uncomfortable stare down. It was kind of hot."