BOUND 2 (GxG)

That's the Spirit, Sloany!

As soon as I made it downstairs, I located the nearest alcohol, pouring myself a shot of Tequila, and throwing it back.

And even the first afterburn of the strong alcohol was enough to make me feel slightly better about what just happened upstairs on that phone call.

So I kept taking shots again and again—and again—and for good luck's sake, again.

I even made myself a mixed drink that was mostly liquor given that it had three shots of vodka mixed into pineapple juice.

I knew I shouldn't mix vodka and tequila, but truthfully, I was not giving any fucks, especially after taking a few shots—which managed to diminish the side of my brain that had literal common sense.

Honestly, I knew I was going to hate myself tomorrow.

I walked through the crowd toward the backyard, feeling the floor move slightly underneath me. The slowness of the party and the slight delay of my vision didn't bother me the slightest—it actually welcomed me with open arms along with all the complicated thoughts that managed to fade as well.

When my eyes slowly, but surely spotted Cher over at the beer pong table with Karter and Davis, I felt my heart leap.

Something told me that tonight was going to be one of those, I love you so much Cher, nights.

But she was seriously the best—like the bestest friend I could ever ask for.

I'm so lucky to have her.

"There you are. Bro, you took forev—wait are you already drunk?" Davis asked, his eyes tracing my face.

I smiled, shrugging slightly, "I thought that was the goal?"

Davis laughed, "Oh fuck yeah, let's get poured up!" he said, walking away toward the nearest alcohol station to grab us all some drinks.

I ignored Karter's wandering eyes, walking over to Cher and pulling her into a hug, which earned an amused laugh from her.

I rested my heavy head on her shoulder, "You know you're like the actual best right?"

Cher laughed again, "Oh not this again," she said, her tone full of amusement, "You gotta be drunk if you're about to confess how much you love me."

I whined, pulling away from her to meet her eyes, "No, seriously, Cher," I said, but her amused smile only grew. "Cher, take me seriously," I pouted.

"I'm taking you seriously."

I narrowed my eyes at her, "No, you're not."

Cher nodded a few times, pushing her smile away and clearing her throat before saying, "Okay, now I am."

A smile immediately glided over my features, "As I was saying..." I trailed off, clearing my throat, which made Cher's lips twitch up into a slight amused smile, "I just love you so much, Cher."

Cher laughed to herself, "I love you too, Lo—so so much."

"Yeah?" I asked, my smile growing.

"Of course, idiot—you know you're like a sister to me," she said, nudging me slightly with a playful smile.

But I felt my own smile slowly fade away as I took in Cher's comforting smile and presence—everything about her screamed familiar, and I instantly felt the need to tell her everything. To tell her about the terrible phone call and how mean I was—when in reality, I knew I would be torn up over Tate seeing someone new. I felt like a hypocrite.

"She... I just talked to her," I stumbled over my words, shaking my head slightly.

Cher's brows furrowed, but not even a second later her eyes widened in realization, "You talked to Tate?" she said, earning a reluctant nod from me. "Sloan... Sweetie, no," she said, shaking her head a few times.