Misery Loves Company

Chapter 4

I accept the fact that Ashley is clearly doing the dirty with Mr. Quaterback somewhere in this godforsaken place. Wonderful.

I am reluctant to keep walking around amongst most of these strangers I'll never care to know. Making conversation isn't really my thing and I'm as terrible pretending to like people when I don't. I'd much rather bask in the company of my bottle. 

I decide to make a quick escape and find a quiet place to lay low while Ashley finishes her business. She is something else. I roll my eyes at the inconvenience I'm currently faced with.

To my left, I see a giant spiral staircase leading up to the second floor. Surely, there is somewhere up there that isn't tainted with this many people. As I ascend the marble staircase, I take a moment to observe everyone down below - laughing, cheering, having a great time with their great lives. I remember when my life used to be great.

A twinge of pain jolts through my body as I quickly take another shot to push it out of my system. I hate feeling any type of remorse for the life I've lost.

Reaching the top, I look both ways down the never-ending hallways to try and spot a door I can walk through without walking in on anyone. That's the last thing I need to witness. I see a door that looks faintly cracked at the very end and figured if anyone was in there doing anything, they would have at least closed the door. Against my better judgment, I take a leap of faith and tiptoe ever so slowly, creaking it open so whoever is behind the door has a chance to make themselves known.

No one. Perfect.

I take a glance around the room and right away notice how clean and organized it is. The walls are a cool gray color with dark furniture and deep blue accents of color thrown throughout. It's masculine but it doesn't scream bachelor. I see a photo of a family on the dresser, smiling and happy. If only they knew. As I finish up my surveillance of the room I notice a patio door. I make my way over and discover it leads out to a balcony facing away from the terrible noise of the backyard. This will do.

I take a seat down on the cold deck and lean my back up against the vinyl railing. I rest my head back and take a deep breath. I'll sit here until Ashley takes it upon herself to send me a "time to go" text. That could be hours from now. Might as well make myself comfortable.

I stare up at the clear night sky, stars scattered, shining endlessly and take another big swig of the vodka I confiscated earlier. Every sip I take is as good as the last. I start to drift back to the memories of the past and I can feel my heart begin to wilt a little bit more than the day before. Flashes of familiar faces come and go and I take another drink to try and suppress them. I hate to see them.

A few more shots follow and I'm finally starting to enjoy my night. The cool, crisp autumn air and soft breeze embrace me. I think to myself how I wish I could sit at this moment forever. And then I hear the sound of the patio doors creak open slowly. I open one eye reluctantly to see the same figure from the kitchen standing over me.

"You again?" I mutter.

"Me again," he smirks.

"Don't you have anything else better to do?"

"I did, that's why I came out to my balcony. Imagine my surprise to see you here."

"You're kidding, right?" I can't even believe out of every single room in this house, I had to choose the one room that belongs to the same arrogant ass I encountered in the kitchen. I shouldn't even be surprised. His face looks as though it belongs to this room. 

"Nope, not kidding," he continues to sit down on the other side of the balcony facing me, pulling his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them.

"Ok then," I respond flatly. I just want to be alone. 

I start to take in his features. His jet black hair is short but just long enough to push back. It gives off the messy-yet-clean look. His eyes are the most extraordinary blue, almost like ice. Yet they're warm and inviting. Why am I even thinking like this? My curiosity gets the best of me as I continue to look him up on down. He has a five-o'clock shadow forming which compliments his strong bone structure and I can't help but rest my eyes on his lips, taking in the fullness. I admire how his muscles strain against his v-neck. Damn.

I halt my thoughts dead in their tracks and retreat my eyes back to their closed position. But, it's too late. I can feel his eyes staring passionately into my soul like he's going to unearth some deep dark secrets. Good luck asshole. I take another shot.

"Don't you think you've had enough," I hear the deep voice travel from the other end of the balcony. "That bottle was full last time I saw you." I look down at the bottle. It was half empty now. 

"Don't you think you should mind your own business?" 

"My vodka, my balcony," He reminds me for the millionth time.

This time, I take another shot as I intentionally make eye contact with him, just to spite him. I'll say when I've had enough.