Lonely Together II (Sequel)

Chapter 42

"You know," Justin said, his hand clasped around his fourth drink of the night. "This wasn't such a bad idea, was it?"

I shook my head, taking a big gulp of my drink. "I think this was the best idea you've had in a long time."

Justin laughed, and I could tell he was getting close to being drunk. I was too, though, and for whatever reason, it felt liberating. Maybe Justin was right when he told me I needed to let loose.

"So," Justin said, taking a deep breath. "I think it's been decided that we're not driving home?"

I felt a soft smile creep upon my lips as I gulped down the last of my drink. "I think that decision was made a long time ago."

Justin's face scrunched up, an offended look spreading across his face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I giggled to myself. "It means that you knew this would happen before you even decided to drink."

Trying to think of something to say, Justin shrugged. "You're right."

I laughed, but it was dampened by the loud music of the restaurant. The atmosphere of this place made me want to never leave. It felt like it was somewhere that was full of accepting people. I didn't know how to explain it, but I guess I thought if you're surrounded by nice people in New York City, you were lucky.

"I want to talk to you about something," Justin called over the music.

"What?"

"I said I-" he paused, leaning in closer to me. "Do you want to leave?"

Giggling, I nodded, rising from my seat and grabbing my purse.

I followed Justin out of the restaurant. As I followed him, it took everything in me to not grab his hand from behind, or come up behind him and wrap my arms around his neck. Maybe I was drunk, maybe I wasn't thinking clearly, but there was one thing that I knew no matter what; I loved him. Nothing in the world could change that.

As he pushed the door open to exit, he turned back to look at me. Everything was starting to feel as if it were in slow motion. I watched as he slowly started to smile at me.

That was it. That was what killed me.

He was perfect. Everything about him was perfect. God, what have I done?

We continued outside to the cold and brisk air. I must admit, stepping outside into what seemed like silence compared to the inside of the restaurant was a relief. Justin stuck his hands in his pockets, shifting on his feet and trying to hide his smile.

I creased my eyebrows. "What?"

He stuck his tongue in his cheek to try to quit smiling. "Nothing."

"Justin," I laughed lightly, stepping closer to him. "What is it?"

He pressed his lips together and looked into my eyes. "I just haven't had this much fun in a really long time."

It was like I could hear my heart burst.

My face softened, it was like I completely went numb. "I had fun too," I grinned, closing my eyes temporarily. "Really."