The Necklace

4: No Cops, Just Drinks

"What do you mean you don't want to go to the police tonight?!" I say, scowling at Calvin. 

After we all calmed down after saving Calvin, we walked to the road and I told him that we need to go to the police station or call and tell them what happened. He didn't seem keen on the idea. What kind of person gets kidnapped, chained up and doesn't call the cops after?!

"I've had what most might call a rough day and right now I just want some normalcy. I understand the police will need to be notified about what happened, and I definitely will go to them." Calvin sighed. 

"But tonight, I just want to grab a drink, relax my nerves a bit, then go."

Jesse and I give each other a concerned look but we decide to just accompany him to the bar so we can make sure he's okay and goes to the cops after he gets his drink.

We end up going to the closest bar which was kind of a dive, but it had some local charm to it. We all sit at a high top and Jesse says he'll buy us a round. Calvin goes to the bathroom to wash up since he still had some dirt and blood on his face.

"Do you buy his story?" I ask Jesse.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I? He was chained to a wall, you saw how scared he was El. Just because he didn't want to immediately go to the cops doesn't mean that he's hiding something. He almost got killed, give the guy a break."

"I guess you're right. Poor guy. Do you think it was the so called Plato Beach murderer?"

"I don't know. Leave that one for the police to figure out. Whoever it was is sick though." Jesse says while stirring his jack and coke.

Calvin returned from the bathroom looking a lot less dirty and we all sit and talk while he has his drink.

"So Cal, are you from around here?" I asked.

"Nope, tourist. I came here to get away for few days and relax but as you can see, that didn't go to plan" He says.

"When and where did you run into the guy that knocked you out again?"

"I honestly can't say I remember very well. One minute I was on the beach, next I'm in the cave chained up."

"Did you see any of your attacker's features when he-"

"Jesus El let the police do the detective work on this one, let the guy breathe" Jesse interrupts.

"I'm sorry! I'm just concerned for him and curious about it all. It's not every day you save a person chained up in a cave" I say, staring into my drink.

I look up and my eyes meet with Calvin's, who was already staring at me. The guy truly is handsome, and looks even better cleaned up a bit. I've always been a sucker for stubble covered jawlines chiseled by god.

I realize that I've been staring back at Calvin for longer than normal and snap out of it. He leans back in his chair and gives me a knowing smirk while still looking at me.

"I really want you to keep that necklace Elina" He says, gazing in my eyes.

"It's very beautiful, are you sure you're comfortable with me having it?"

"Yes of course, It suits you"

"Thank you, I'll take good care of it" I promised.

"I know you will" 

After finishing my drink, Calvin proposes that we all have a shot before heading out. I agree and run to the bathroom real quick before they're brought to our table.

I see myself in the mirror for the first time since I left the house with Jesse and I look pretty rough. My curls are completely frizzed out from the humidity and sweat from running and my face looks shiny. I splash water on my face and throw my hair up into a ponytail. Some hair gets caught in the necklace and I admire the way it looks around my neck. I'm usually a minimalist when it comes to jewelry, but it would be beautiful to wear for an occasion.

I leave the bathroom and make my way back to the table. Our shots are already there and Calvin raises his up to toast.

"My grandfather is from Italy and he always had a saying when he would toast new friends. It goes "Ligast monile dominisom". It basically means may our new friendship prosper". Calvin explained.

"Sweet, sounds good to me" Jesse says raising his glass.

I raise my glass in agreement and Calvin nods to start the toast.

"Ligast monile dominisom" we say in unison.

I lower my glass to the table and take the shot. The liquor burns my throat but I also can taste some disgusting other flavor as it goes down. I start coughing a little bit and my chest begins to feel warm. I start to gag a little and my eyes tear.

"Ew what the hell was in that?!" I asked.

Jesse's eyes wouldn't meet my gaze as the expression on Calvin's face changed into a devious smirk. His golden eyes light up with mischief and he begins to... laugh at me?

"Can someone tell me what's so funny?" I ask.