1001 Love Stories Darker

Blackmail (5)

Word count:2724

Love is stupid.

I throw a shot back, looking at Jack and Marry dance like the lovestruck couple they are.

I choke down another before standing up to go to the bar because the waiter isn't bringing them fast enough.

My feet feel heavy as I wobble drunkenly to the back of the reception to the bar.

My eyes are fixed on my destination, yet I still trip and fall.

"Woah, maybe you should watch your step," a deep, rich voice calls out, helping me to my feet and I'm instantly caught by the blue eyes I've loved for so long.

"Jack?" I question, only for my vision to clear so I can get a better look at the guy.

Hot, yes, but Jack he's not.

Even though they have the same sapphire blue eyes.

This guy has long black hair and a chest wide enough to raise a family on.

He's stunning, and with that black suit he looks like a Disney prince.

"Thanks," I say, before noticing the shot glass. I take it and try to down it.

He grabs it from me.

"Hey, let me drink, damnit!" I yell and he only chuckles before pushing me into the chair.

"You want it?" he asks, waving the delicious memory-wiping juice around like a dog treat.

"Yes," I say and he cracks a slightly maniacal smile.

"Now, why don't you tell me why you're so sad on your best friend's big day?" he questions, sliding the glass to me. I take it and down it in one gulp.

"Jack. Well, Jack's always been my friend. We grew up together," I say, putting my head on the table, just for another glass to be set in front of me.

I take it and smile.

"My first time getting drunk was with him inside my tree house," I say, thinking back to his warm smile as he'd handed me the bottle of cheep booze we had bribed a crackhead into buying.

"When they started dating, I thought it would be like every other girl---here one day and gone the next."

"I didn't mind fighting for his attention. I didn't think anything of it, because he was mine and she was just another girl," I tell him, feeling tears welling in my eyes.

"I was always the first to know. He told me he loved her before he told her. I just smiled and pretended I was OK."

"I was the one who he took ring shopping. I gave my opinion, praying she'd say no. I knew it would hurt him and I was OK with that. Selfish, right?"

I take another shot. Where is he even getting these shots from? It's like he's pulling them out of nowhere.

"You have no idea how easily tears and grief can be disguised as happiness."

"Are you in love with him?" the handsome stranger asks. I look up at him.

"I know, right. How pathetic, a closeted gay carrying a torch for his best friend," I say. He sighs, pulling me to my feet too fast for my body to handle. I trip and fall to the floor.

"Jack, I think your bestie has had one too many," he calls. Jack runs over.

I don't want to face Jack.

Not like this.

"One? It looks like he had seven too many!" he says and I smile.

"Oh no, I feel great, I'm happy, today's a day to celebrate!" I scream like a drunkard. Jack places a hand on my cheek.