One Night Only

Chapter 13

When I wake up the next morning, I have a headache and feel sort of queasy. Bryant is yelling in the next room, only causing my head to pound even more. Why did I drink so much? Dragging myself out of bed, I go into the bathroom where I happily find some pills on the ledge behind the sink. I fill a glass with water and take two pills before reaching in to start the water. Undressing, I step into the shower, welcoming the warmth.

When I finish, I towel dry my hair before getting dressed. After I'm done, I head into the living room where Owen is sitting with Bryant as they watch cartoons. He doesn't bother looking at me so I head into the kitchen. "Good morning."

He doesn't repsond so I fill a cup with orange juice and take a long sip before returning to the living room. Sitting on the arm of the couch, I look down at him. "What's up with you?" I ask.

He pushes the glass out of my hand so it falls a few feet away, shattering on the floor as he stands up. "What's with you? You think it's okay to act like you did last night? You're a fucking embarrassment."

My jaw drops in surprise. What is he talking about? I try to think back to the previous night but everything is foggy. "What are you talking about?" I ask, going to the mess he's created on the floor.

I begin putting the small pieces into the large piece as he paces in the kitchen. "You fucking kissed him," he yells angrily. I freeze. "What? You didn't think I'd find out?"

Abandoning the mess, I stand up. "Kissed who?"

"Don't play fucking dumb," he says. "Dominic."

"I was drunk," I defend. "Where the hell were you?"

He looks surprised for a moment. "I was in the bathroom. Don't use that as an excuse, I shouldn't have to babysit you."

"I was drunk," I repeat. "You shouldn't have left me at all. Anyone could have taken advantage of me."

"So you're saying it's his fault?" he asks.

I shake my head, thinking back to the previous night. "Dominic wouldn't do that to me."

Gripping the edge of the countertop, he stares down. "I don't even want to look at you right now," he says lowly.

"Then I'll leave," I say simply. "But just remember this moment for the future - if there is one."

I begin walking into the bedroom and he follows me. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

I begin shoving my things back into my bag. "Remember this anger next time you want to let one of your little whores hang around your office. Imagine how it makes me feel knowing you were gone for twelve weeks, surrounded by a bunch of women."

"Don't turn this around on me," he snaps.

I zip my bag and pick it up, turning around to face him. "I'm not. It's my fault, that's why I'm leaving. Just remember your reaction to this mistake for next time." I walk to the doorway which he is blocking. "Move."

Sighing, he steps aside. "Where are you going?"

"To Dominic's room," I yell before slamming the door.

My eyes fill with tears. What have I done?

Leaving my stuff in Mandy's room, I take the spare room key and head downstairs. Going out the back door, I walk out onto the beach and don't stop until I reach the water.

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After having a few drinks last night, I returned to Mandy's room around one in the morning. Thankfully Bryant stayed with Owen so I took his bed.

Mandy wakes me up around noon the next morning. "What?" I grumble.

"Mr. Carter would like to speak with you. He's downstair waiting for you tp jpin him for lunch."

"Okay," I say, pulling the blanket up and closing my eyes.

I have no intention of speaking to him yet. He needs time to cool down. Hours pass before she is shaking my arm again. Groaning, I roll over. "Mandy, please leave me -"

Dominic stands beside my bed with a cup in his hand. He sets it on the nightstand then sits on the edge of the bed. I roll back over, pulling the blanket over me. "Madison, you can't hide in here forever." I don't respond so he pulls the blanket down so he can see my face. My eyes are filled with tears so he places his hand on my cheek. "I'm so sorry, Madison. He could tell something was wrong last night and I couldn't lie. I didn't mean to hurt you."

I wipe away a tear. "You have nothing to be sorry for. This is all my fault. I'm sorry," I say, taking a deep breath then shaking my head. "All this time I thought it would be him that would screw our relationship up but it was me."

I laugh dryly as tears fall. He wipes them with his thumb. "It's not over. He tried talking to you earlier but you didn't show up so he's even more pissed."

"I'll talk to him when I'm ready."

He stands up. "In the meantime, you should shower and get dressed. You sort of look like shit."

I laugh. "You're so sweet. Thanks a lot."

He chuckles. "No problem. I'll see you later."

"Bye."

I watch him walk away but he stops at the door. "And Madison... I don't want this to change our friendship. We might not be able to hang out as much with Owen's eyes on us but I don't want to lose you."

"You'll never lose me," I say. "You're my best friend."

He smiles. "Good."

He closes the door behind him and I sigh. Climbing out of bed, I find some clothes and go into the bathroom. We're leaving tomorrow morning so I'll be forced to see him then. Until then, I plan to remain hidden.

You're a fucking embarrassment...

I don't even want to look at you right now...

The words still sting and before I know it, I am sobbing again. I fucked up big time.

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