The Bachelor's Bride

Chapter 34- Meredith

One year ago...
The man at the bar kept eyeing me with his gorgeous green eyes, practically begging me to come and join him at his table.

One of my girl friends nudged me, giggling, "That man has been staring at you ever since you walked in."

"Stop it, Ashley." I shoved at her shoulder, but a playful smile was on my lips.

"You should go over and talk to him." My other friend, Bridget, said while flipping her black curls over her shoulder. "He's cute."

"I don't know. I shouldn't even be here..." I mused, taking a sip of my beer. My friends and I dressed up as lower class women so we could sneak into bars at night when my father was sleeping. I'd been doing it since high school, and had never been caught.

"Come on. You can't pass this up." Ashley said, handing me my beer.

I drunk a little more for some courage, and flinched as it burned it's way down my throat. "Fine. I'm going."

"Thatta girl." Bridget laughed, leaning drunkenly against Ashley.

I sauntered over to him, sliding in the booth across from him, I held out my hand, "Hey, I'm Meredith."

"Michael." He took my hand and kissed the back of it. "You look real pretty."

I blushed. I'd never received compliments from a man before, and it was kind of embarrassing. "Thank you."

"Can I buy you a drink?" He offered.

"That would be nice. Thanks." I smiled. (Okay yes, I made a Hamilton reference but it couldn't be avoided!)

He waved a bar tender over and pointed to me, "Can you get this pretty lady a tall glass of wine?"

"Wine?"

"I only by the best for the best." He winked as the drink was served to me.

I knew I was already a little tipsy from the beer, but I didn't want to be rude so I drank some of the wine anyways. It was sweet but it turned bitter on the way down my throat.

"So, Meredith. What's a pretty doll like you doing here all alone?" He asked.

I laughed, my head starting to spin with the alcohol. "I'm not alone. Those are my two friends, right there." I pointed over my shoulder.

His brows furrowed together, "Where?"

"Right there..." I turned around to point them out, but Bridget and Ashley were gone. "They're my ride home, so I should probably go find them."

When I stood up, I nearly tumbled over as the room spun, "Whoa."

A pair of strong hands caught me. He gorgeous green orbs that were peering at me with concern nearly took my breath away. He chuckled, "You're wasted. You shouldn't go walking around alone. I'll come with you."

"Okay." I agreed.

Michael took my hand and led me towards the door. I shivered when the harsh wind hit me, and he offered his coat, wrapping it tightly around my shoulders. "Do you know where they could have gone?" He asked, looking up and down the empty streets.