Half A Heart

Chapter 17

Olivia's POV

The overpowering smell of alcohol is the first thing I notice when I step into the place.

The music is blasting at a rate that gives me a headache as I weave myself through the sweaty bodies.

My eyes finally focus on the girl at the bar downing a glass of dark liquid.

My hand reaches for her shoulder and rests there her head snapping back at the gesture.

"Olivia?"

Her words are slurred and I shake my head before taking her wrist and leading her.

"No, I want to stay!" She whines snatching her wrist out of my grasp and sitting back onto the bar stool.

She calls over the bartender and places an order, "Rum and cola, you want something Olivia?"

"No, I didn't come here to drink, I came to get you out of here, look at yourself!"

She throws me a glare and takes the drink from the man behind the counter and gulps it down before ordering another one.

"We've got to go, you can't stay here all night."

"My husband kicked me out of our house, let me have this." She begs refusing to say his name.

Nodding I sit on the bar stool and ordering an ice water sighing.

Passing over some money I motion for him to keep the change before dropping Lilly a text telling her I'd be a while.

"You're sure you're okay?" I've never seen her like she is right now, and it terrifies me, she's storing the pain away and it's going to be hitting her full force in the morning.

Sipping on my water I take a look around my eyes resting on a blonde sitting in the corner looking lost.

"I'll be right back." I assure Zara before running over to the girl.

"Hey, you okay?"

Her head snaps up and her eyes widen when she sees me.

"Uh-I-um, y-yeah." I can't help the laugh that escapes my lips from her anxious state.

"Relax, you want some water?" I ask my voice soft.

Giving me a small nod she follows me to where Zara is sitting.

I order her a water and get her to sit down.

"So, why were you alone? Waiting for someone?" I ask genuinely curious.

"You could say that." She looks like she's lost in her thoughts and I shake my head laughing.

Blinking quickly she looks back at me and apologizes before saying "Sorry, got lost in my thoughts."

"I can tell, Olivia." I put my hand out to shake.

She hesitates before reaching her hand forward and shaking mine "Scarlett, nice to meet you."

"Likewise."