Our Reflection

12• Pay Back

Toni Topaz POV

Charleston was full and a band was getting ready to perform on stage. 

I was in my usual place, a table not far from the others. 

It was a dark and not very busy corner, perfect for those who needed peace and quiet. 

I looked at the empty glass of gin and tonic and lifted it, shaking it a bit for the waiter to see. 

The boy of almost one and ninety tall opened a friendly smile and gave a thumbs up. 

I turned my attention back to the stage and the musicians started to straighten up. 

The saxophonist stopped in front of the microphone and knocked three times, drawing the attention of those present. 

"Good night, Charleston's, we are Smooth Jazz and today we are going to play a song by the beloved and dear Amy Winehouse. We hope you enjoy it."

As soon as the boy started playing the saxophone, I closed my eyes automatically, feeling my head spin a little. 

The waiter left the sixth glass of gin and tonic on the table, along with his phone. 

"Sure, I'm in a lot of humor for flirting."

I threw the paper into the bag and took a sip of the drink, feeling the icy liquid run smoothly down my throat. 

I was pissed.  In fact, that wouldn't be the right word to express the extent of my anger at Cheryl. 

How did she manage to be so inconsiderate? I thought we were getting along.

Her son was learning to play drums at the château, she was always showing up there, so...why?!

I took another sip of the gin and tonic and blinked my eyes quickly, swearing I had seen someone familiar. 

Unfortunately, the cigarette smoke gave me a blurred view of what was around. 

I shrugged and went back to drinking, but I realized that a figure was sitting in front of me. 

"Why are you here?"

"I came to take a gin, drown my sorrows, cry for the loss of my most precious asset, enjoy some jazz. How about you? Why are you here? Should I take you home?"

"I don't have a home."

"Of course you have, stop being stubborn, Toni."

"If you try to get me out of here, I'll start screaming."

"Please, Toni, come with me. We can drink something in a quieter place. You need to go home, Yoshi has been alone since early."

It was like a snap. Mentioning my dog ​​reminded me that I hadn't fed him since I left the house to go to the château. 

I looked at my watch and was startled by three in the morning. 

I felt an arm pass under my arms and carry me out of Charleston's. 

The music faded and with it, my partial alcoholism. 

I felt a lump in my throat and wanted to cry, but I doubted that Veronica would allow me to do that in the middle of the street. 

"V..."

"What's up, Bear? Wait, let's get in the car."

We staggered a few more meters to the parking lot. 

Veronica opened the door for me and seated me. 

While she helped me put on the belt, I took her arm and my eyes filled with water.