Sitting down at the table, I slide the box over to me. The first bite is always the best. I’m so busy savoring the cheesy sauce in my mouth that I hardly hear the doorbell ring. A quick glance at the clock tells me it’s almost two a.m.
“You expecting someone?” I ask, but Ashton looks just as confused as I do.
“Nope.”
I rise and, using the wall to steady me, make my way over to the door. We don’t need any visitors. I want to eat and then sleep off all the whiskey I consumed. I have the day off tomorrow, and I intend to be a bum all day.
When I open the door, I come face to face with the last person I want to see. Tear-stained cheeks and red eyes stare back at me. Her clothes are out of place, and her shoes don’t match.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my alcohol-soaked brain ridding me of my manners.
“Is Ashton here?” Shame laces the whisper that comes out of her mouth.
“Yeah, in the kitchen.” I move aside to let her in, watching her disheveled appearance. Something happened, and I’m going to find out what.
The light of the kitchen halos her silhouette as she nears the table. She looks incredibly small. Part of me wants to wrap her in my arms, but then I remember who she is.
“Hey, Bliss. What happened to you?” Ashton says, concern in his voice as he gets up from the chair and meets her in two strides.
She wraps her arms around him and buries herself inside of his shirt. She begins to cry, and I stare at her back, not knowing what to do with myself. My brain sobers up, and suddenly the pizza doesn’t look too good.
“I ran into my parents. They weren’t excited to see me. It could have been because I was dancing on the table in the bar lounge or the fact that I wasn’t exactly clothed all the way. But whatever.”
I suppress an eye roll as I move over to the table again, picking up the pizza and walking over to the couch. I’ll let the two of them sort it out. I was wrong to think that she was in real trouble, when it in fact it’s just another socialite problem.
CHAPTER SIX
BLISS
The last of my tears roll down my cheek as I furiously wipe them away. I never wanted to come here seeking solace in a guy that I’ve just met and his asshole roommate, but the thought of being alone after seeing the disapproval on my parents’ faces was gut-wrenching.
“Did you really dance on the bar? At the Sea Lavender Resort?” Ashton’s smile is wide, making some of the embarrassment disappear.
“I was drunk, and they put on good music. When the mood strikes, ya know?” It was a ridiculous excuse.
“I’m sure it was a fantastic sight considering how you’re dressed. Exactly how much clothing were you wearing?”
He pushes me down into the chair and goes to grab a glass out of the cupboard. After filling it with water, he hands the glass to me. I down it in two big gulps. He takes the seat next to me and squeezes my hand.
“Nothing less than a regular bathing suit.”
“You mean like the one you wore today?” He places his chin in his hand and gazes at me, a little dreamy-eyed.
“Yes, exactly.”
“Darling, I hate to tell you this, but dancing on a bar in that type of suit attracts the attention of everyone. Now, I’m all for the need for self-expression, but it probably wasn’t the best venue for it.”
I tap the empty glass and try not to grimace as the fight unfolds in my mind’s eye. Words were said that I’m not too proud of, but I’ve had enough of their judgement.
“I’m sorry I came here. I know it was guys’ night, but I had nowhere else to go.”
He takes my hand and kisses my fingers before, then sets my hand back on the table. “You’re always welcome here. We were just eating pizza. Actually, I was making Carson eat pineapple pizza for the first time. He loved it.”
“I heard that! And I did not love it. It was fucking nasty. A disgrace to all pizzas everywhere.”
“I have to agree with Carson, Ash. It’s gross.”
The smile he was sporting drops as he shakes his head. “You people don’t know what you’re missing. It’s delicious.”
“I’m a pepperoni fan.” I say, hoping to keep this light banter going.
“Carson, you got a slice left?” Ashton calls out.
A groan comes from the living room, but Carson comes in, carrying the pizza box. He places it in front of me and pulls out the remaining seat at the table.
Nudging the box to me, I pick up one of the two remaining slices. It’s still warm and gooey. I moan as the cheese hits my tongue, closing my eyes to enjoy the goodness that is pizza.
When I open my eyes, both guys are stopped mid-bite, intently watching me.
“What?” I ask, shrugging my shoulders.
“You’re too cute.” Ashton says, chomping on his fruit-filled slice. I try not to gag while he eats it.
“This is really good. Thanks for sharing with me, Carson.” I dare a quick glance in his direction, expecting a scowl, but his face is neutral.
“Seems like you had a rough night. I know a little about tough families.”
“They suck. Especially the ones that care about nothing other than money and social status.”
Carson clears his throat as he gets up from the table, taking the empty pizza box with him. He moves about the kitchen in haste, seeming like he needs to do something with himself. Did I say something?
“Want to watch a movie?” Ashton asks as he brushes the crumbs from his hand. “I have Avengers on the DVR.”
“Which one? Is it Endgame? Please say it’s Endgame.” I practically jump out of my seat. It’s
