Jenalyn: Disconnected (#5) [Complete]

Chapter 38: Hayden

Wed. 12/31/08 • 9:58 P.M. EST

Unknown: Hey, how's your
night going? Want to meet 
up for a couple drinks?

I know it's Russell. Jena grows slightly excited at, not only the thought of him following up with me, but the contents of his text as well. There is something about him that intrigues her; Something that Hayden grows suspicious about. He's kind of weird... I mean, the way he approached me at the bar earlier? Paying someone off to have a few moments of my time? It all feels a little... stalkery! 

Did I make a mistake entertaining, and giving this guy my number? He could literally be a fucking murderer or obsessed fan looking for the right moment to snatch me up...

I down the double shot Ty left for me questioning whether or not I should even reply to this Russell guy. The vodka goes down smooth, and I let out a sigh of relief once I can fully stomach it. Though it's less than I wanted, the instant loosening of my tightly wound mind is a comforting feeling.

Am I being paranoid again? This hotel isn't the friggin Motel 8! How would a weirdo like that even make it into one of the most prestige events in New York City? Actors, singers, directors, business men and women attend this event... not psycho stalkers looking to snatch up a friggen celebrity! 

Jena takes hold of my loosened mind and swipes my phone unlocked again. She immediately starts typing a reply, but the parts of my mind unlubricated by the bit of alcohol Ty left is quick to slip in too.

Hayden: My night is okay!
Yours? I'd love to, but
Hayden: You'd have to 
meet up with my +1, who 
happens to be my ex... so
up to you!

The second message is meant to be my insurance. I don't mind making Ty hang out with Russell for a little bit to ease my mind a little considering I don't really know a damned thing about this guy. Ty is a lot harder to take down than I am, so I doubt Russell would try anything...

Unknown: Sounds good 
to me.

A few moments pass without him sending another message. I let myself grow excited; He's clearly not up to anything shady if he doesn't mind me bringing a man I was clearly dating at some point in time. A man that would protect me if anything were to go awry. Now all I have to do is convince Ty to sacrifice about an hour of our time up at the longue to hang out with a man that may or may not be interested in me...

Another message vibrates my phone.

Unknown: You guys like 
snow? I have some good 
good I was saving to 
bring in the New Years.

Oh... about that. 

There is no way Ty would go for it. Even if I were to bring him into the situation pretending not to know Russell would offer us any coke, he'd call it quits the moment he found out. It was one thing for him to "let me" drink these past couple of days having just returned from rehab. He knows I'm less likely to make drinking a bad habit considering my inability to act "normal" for the Golds, and my upcoming busy schedule. That's not quite the case with coke.

I definitely wouldn't mind ringing in the New Years with a couple lines though... 

It takes me a few moments to respond to him. My brain runs wild trying to come to a decision that will please all parts of me. Hayden had restrictions tonight... I'm positive that meeting up with a stranger to do coke would be on her restricted list, let alone going to meet a stranger to do coke by myself.

I'm stuck in the bittersweet spot between Jena and Hayden on this one; They can never agree on anything! 

I lift my phone back to my face with a sigh. 

Hayden: Rain check for
later tonight, if you're up?

Jena can't believe Hayden had the strength for it, and roars in my mind as the opportunity slips through our fingers. I try to remind her that the offer is not completely off the table, and that waiting until later tonight allows for more time, and secrecy from Ty.

Unknown: I'm sure I can
manage it knowing I get to
see you again.