The Love Contract | Alex Turner

Bad Habits

Marianne's POV

After a few minuted we arrive in Sheffield City Centre once again. I am immediately bombarded with the sound of the streets full of bars with people bustling about. We exit the limo in front of a particularly packed bar. I look around nervously, I haven't been out like this since my college days, I preferred to drink alone and at home. 

"So are you still on board?" Alex asks me with a smirk. I continue looking around, unsure of if I truly am 'on board' or not. "You alright, doll? Getting cold feet?" He asks me with a nudge to the side. "No-no, all good." I say with a lousy thumbs up.  We walk into the crowded bar, obviously not having to wait in line, we are then ushered up to the 'vip' section. 

Matt, Jamie, and Nick rush off to the bar to order drinks; leaving Alex and I alone for a moment in vip. 

"I've never been in a vip section before." I say to Alex. "I'm also guessing you haven't let loose for a night out in a while either?" Alex says with a smirk. "You would be right, probably not since college." I say looking around the sprawling bar and crowds of people. He lets out a chuckle, "college, eh? Wow." He says teasingly. "I like to drink aloneeee." I say, coming off a little more depressing than I intended. His face drops at me admitting that, "that doesn't sound healthy, doll. Drinking alone?" He questions. "Oh hush, it's not like you guys don't drink every night." I say with a laugh. "Oh no, I'm not denying we drink often. But alone? That's a little concerning if you ask me." Alex says with a hint of concern in his voice. 

As if on cue the guys join us with two trays filled with shots. Thank god. 

Jamie and Nick place the trays on the table in front of us. "Shots! Shots! Shots!" Jamie yells. I chuckle at Jamie's enthusiasm, knowing this was definitely going to be a long night. All the guys pick up a shot glass and look at me. One drink couldn't hurt. Right?

"You know what, fuck it. Don't tell my boss." I say as I grab a shot from the tray. 

The guys holler with enthusiasm after we down the first bit of strong alcohol. The flavor burning my throat, but I find myself craving more. 

"Don't worry, doll. Your secret's safe with us." Alex says as he taps my knee. 

Like usual, once I started I couldn't stop. But the rest of the guys were also getting intoxicated, so I didn't stick out or anything. 

The drinks continued to flow as the night went on, I progressively got more drunk. I have this terrible habit of getting emotional and touchy when I drink, this night is no exception. 

I find myself scooting closer and closer to Alex, our bodies are practically touching now. "I am having the BEST time with you guys!" I slur into Alex's ear, I pat him on the thigh, my hand lingering there for a bit too long. For some reason I rest my head on Alex's shoulder, it was comfortable. 

"Are you drunk, love?" Alex teases me. I lift my head, looking directly in his chocolate brown eyes and inches from his face, "a little." I whisper. "That's an understatement." Alex says and puts a hand at the small of my back, sending shivers up my spine. 

I quickly jump up, "let's do another shot guys!" I yell to the group. "Alright boys, you heard her." Alex says. 

With the lack of food in my stomach, that last shot hit me. Hard. I sit back down and crash into Alex. "Damn doll, I didn't realize that hit you so hard." Alex teases me and places his arm around me. "I wanna dance." I whisper into his here. I can tell he is taken aback by my words, "you? Want to dance?" He questions. "You know, I used to be a dancer many years ago." I state, letting him into my personal life just a little bit more. "Is that so? Well aren't you full for surprises." Alex says with a smirk. "Come on, I'll show you." I say as I pull both his arms so he's standing up. 

I drag Alex out to the dance floor, allowing my hips to sway to the music as I walk. I start moving to the music, I don't even know what's playing but I let my body take the lead. Alex stands there awkwardly, watching me as I move. "Come onnnn." I say to Alex as I grab his hand and shake it like a kid. He laughs at my actions, "It's alright, I'll just stay here and watch you." He says with a smirk. I grab both his hands and swing them around, forcing him to somewhat dance. "You're even more stubborn when you're drunk." He says teasingly. 

We 'dance' like that for I don't even know how long, that is until the pace suddenly changes. From the upbeat club music, to a slow country song. An odd choice for a bar in Sheffield, there must be another American in here that requested it. I immediately know what's playing and a rush of emotions come over me. Alex must have noticed the sudden change in demeanor, or maybe it was the lack of color in my face. "You okay, doll?" He asks me with a concerned look on his face. I stop in my tracks, I suddenly feel a rush of cold over my body. I need to get out of here. "Love, you look upset. What's going on?" Alex asks me softly, looking down into my eyes. Without answering I quickly exit the bar, I have no idea where I am going but I need to be alone for a minute. I find a quiet alleyway and sit down with my head in my hands before I start to cry. Fuck, I always do this. I am so broken. 

I hear Alex call out for me, I am too upset to respond so I just sit there and quietly sob into my hands. I don't even notice Alex at first as he sits next to me. "Doll... what's wrong? He asks me hesitantly. "I'm so sorry, I ruined the night." I sob, still drunk. "No, you didn't ruin anything. I just want you to tell me what's going on. What upset you?" Alex questions. "I shouldn't, it's not your problem." I respond, my head still in my hands. He scoffs and reaches down to pick my head up, "hey, don't give me that. I'm making it my problem, because I care about you and you're upset. Just tell me what's wrong, love." Alex says kindly. "My mom." I manage to stutter out. "Your mom? What about her? What happened." Alex presses. "She used to love that song." I cry. "Oh, love. Come here." Alex says softly, slowly opening his arms out to me offering a hug. I accept his hug and lean into him, "she died a few months ago." I admit. Alex gently rubs my back as I allow myself to sink into him, "fuck. I'm so sorry." He says, his voice barely above a whisper. 

I continue to cry silently, not want to reveal much else. "It's okay, just let it out." Alex says as he rubs my back. "Thank you." It did feel good to be comforted for once, I usually kept crying to myself. 

We stayed like that for at least another 15 minutes until I managed to pull myself together. 

"How you feeling, love?" Alex asks softly, looking at me still in his embrace. "I'm alright, sorry I pull all that on you." I slurred slightly, I pulled back from Alex's embrace and looked at him, he looked so handsome in this moment. "Don't ever apologize for that, I'm glad I could be there for you." Alex says, still holding my gaze. 

Without thinking I grab his face and kiss him. For a reason I don't even know. 

I can tell my abrupt action caught him off guard, but he slowly allowed himself to kiss me back. I make the kiss deeper, slipping in a bit of tongue. Alex groans at the motion and leans into me more. 

Suddenly, Alex stops and pulls back. 

"Fuck, I'm so so sorry. Oh my god." I quickly stand up and brush myself off. Before I gave Alex the opportunity to speak I began walking in the direction of the limo on standby. 

"Marianne, wait!" Alex calls after me, trying to catch me before I enter the limo. I quickly hop in and close the door seconds before Alex reached me. He knocks furiously on the window. I tell the driver to take me back to the hotel before I can make anymore bad decisions.