Haunt You x Conrad Fisher

Chapter Ten

Conrad

I sat on the edge of the couch beside Daniel and Jeremiah on the other end. Steven sat across on the single couch seat as we all played Mario Kart. It had gotten pretty intense and we had money on who got first place. I was in third place behind Daniel and Jeremiah.

Suddenly, I was able to pass both of them easily and as I turned to grin at the two, I saw Jeremiah wasn't in his seat anymore and Daniel was turned around on the couch looking behind us.

Confused, I turned around for a quick glance noticing Jeremiah standing beside Belly. I was so focused on the game I missed their whole interaction. I turned back around just in time to witness myself get first place. I gave a little fist pump, becoming proud of myself. I needed moments like this, as childish as it may seem, with everything that was going on in my life.

"Well, you look good, Isabel," Daniel said and I rolled my eyes, keeping my eyes on the screen.

"Thank you, Daniel. Elena texted me that she'll also be there with Max," I heard Belly say.

I froze and my hands gripped the controller tighter. I already knew from earlier that she was going to be there but I wasn't liking the idea of her being there with a guy I didn't know. "Con, you good?" I heard Steven whisper.

I turned to see him leaning forward in his seat eyeing my hands that gripped the controller. I quickly set the controller in my lap and relaxed my body. I nodded to signal at him that I'm okay.

"If you see my hermanita, tell her to not forget my popcorn," Daniel said. "But, I think Max's truck windows are tinted, so I would knock first."

I groaned in frustration, slouching into the couch. I watched as Belly left and I got up heading towards the kitchen. I knew of dad's hidden liquor in the cabinet underneath the kitchen island and that was the only thing on my mind. I reached down pulling out a bottle of Jack Daniel's and poured a shot into a small glass. Lately, alcohol has been my comfort to my anxiety.

Before I was about to down it, Jeremiah walked into the kitchen, sitting on the stool across the kitchen island from where I was standing. "Pour me one," he said.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're upset and I am not going to let my brother drink alone," Jeremiah added.

I poured Jeremiah a small glass ignoring the upset comment because I wasn't and slid it to him across the counter. I nodded my head to him and took the shot in one gulp. I watched as Jeremiah did the same and scrunched up his nose sticking out his tongue.

"I forget how bitter the taste of whiskey is," Jeremiah said setting his glass down. "But I don't think El and that guy are dating by the way."

I raised an eyebrow at him, "and why do you think I would care if Elena is dating that guy or not?"

Jeremiah shrugged his shoulders and got up from the stool. "I'm not saying you care. I'm just speaking out loud my thoughts to whoever wants to listen," he said as I looked around the kitchen. It was just me and him. "El and I are friends and she hasn't told me she's dating anyone, just throwing that out there."

~~~

I was annoyed. I didn't think we would spend so much time here at the bookstore for the signing event. I did my greetings and I told Laurel I was proud of her but I was just itching to get away from here, from people I didn't know and didn't care for. As I leaned around the counter, I reached for the bottle of chardonnay. Opening it, I poured myself a glass full taking it in one drink. I wasn't breaking my promise to my mom, I told her no more day drinking but right now, it was the evening.