The Crew | On Hold

Chapter 14

"Emma, I... it just slipped out. Don't think much of it." Andrew says awkwardly as I pull him so close to me that I can smell the scent of alcohol and pomegranate juice on his breath, attracting me like a bee to honey. He tries to avoid my gaze as I stand there, frozen, holding onto him like to a diamond.

A minute passes in silence. Two minutes. Andrew stares at the smokers, while I stare at him, trying to figure out how I'm feeling right now. I'm still tipsy from the alcohol. I'm annoyed that Mila showed up. I'm worried that I'm not gonna make it home. I'm worried that mom will need help with something, and I won't be there to help her.

Finally my grip on Andrew's arm loosens and I turn my back on him, trying to spot a taxi, deciding that I have to get back to mom. She's practically helpless, even though she doesn't like to admit it. I hope she won't be mad that I spent money on a taxi.

"Where are you going?" Now it's Andrew's turn to grip my hand. His big hands are so soft and warm that, for a moment, I almost forget that I am supposed to leave. I just want to stay and be in his presence. Just the thought of being around him, makes my spirit cheer up.

Since when do I feel like that about him?

Crap.

A frown appears on my face as I silently scold myself for developing any kind of feelings for this man. For this amazing, beautiful man.

"I, um.. I have to go, Andrew. I'll go inside to say goodbye to everyone, and then I'm getting a taxi home."

His grey stare doesn't leave my face for a long minute, as he finally nods and, still holding my hand, escorts me back inside.

The loud music hits me, and my head feels like it's going to explode. The alcohol is slowly, really slowly, wearing off, and the music is becoming more annoying and unbearable to stand. My vision is still bad, since everything seems to be wiggling, but, as Andrew releases my hand, when we near the couches, I somehow manage to walk normally and not embarrass myself in front of everyone.

Anna is still sitting on the couch, alongside with Matilda. Alex is nowhere to be seen, but I highly doubt that he'd leave without his best friend and twin from another parents - Matilda. Sometimes I wonder if they could really be fraternal twins. The age gap makes it impossible, of course, since Matilda is 4 years older than Alex, but it wouldn't really surprise anyone, if they turned out to be related somehow.

I sit down next to Anna, and Andrew does the same. When Anna turns around to face us, she's all smiles and positivity. Honestly, I've never seen anyone be as cheerful all the time as Anna. It's crazy and really inspiring in ways.

"What's up guys? Enjoying the party? I know I am." She grins as her eyes wander off to the same hottie that Anna was dancing with earlier. He is talking to some other dude, a really badass looking dude with a leather jacket and biker boots. He looks totally mouthwatering, but I don't allow myself to daydream about men like him. Bringing mom up in my thoughts always helps me concentrate on the thing that's the most important to me - my mother's health and wellbeing.

"I'm actually gonna go home." I say, smiling apologetically. I really hope she doesn't take my absence to heart, because it probably cost a lot of money to get us in here, so I don't want it to look like I don't appreciate all of this.

"How are you getting home?" Anna's eyes widen slightly. "Aren't metros, like, closed?"

I bow my head slightly, ashamed that Anna heard me say that I desperately need money, and now I'm using it to get a taxi. How freaking stupid that sounds form me. "I'm gonna have to catch a taxi. I need to get home." I look back at Anna, who has concern and even a bit of motherly love in her eyes. "I'm worried that mom is struggling with something and getting herself beat up with bad thoughts."

Anna pulls me in a hug, and I hug her back tightly. Since I work for her, I shouldn't feel like this, but I really do feel like she's my big sister or a best friend, who I can share my problems with, and she won't judge me. I've never really had friends, nor do I have any siblings, so having Anna be so kind to me is something I really treasure.

"Do you have enough money? I can give you some, I bet your mom needs a lot of medicine to be bought." She reaches for her purse, but Andrew stops her, surprising both me and her.

"I'll pay for her cab, don't worry about it."

Hello, my dear reader! Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it, that you'll vote for it, and, most importantly, that you'll continue reading the story. :)