Walk Me Down by HJ Bellus Read Free Book Online Page A

best to look shocked by my words, but, deep down, I know she is mentally cheering and hoping the deal is sealed. Wes has a mean poker face.
    “Fine, assholes. I’ll get my own shots and then we will leave.”
    Making my way to the bar, the music dies down, and I can tell it’s about closing time and last call is about to go down. Voices are clearer as are the words being chattered around. Unfortunately, Kara and her clan of sluts are sitting at a table near the bar, but my desire for more alcohol is stronger than avoiding them.
    “Two shots, please.”
    “Of what,” the bartender asks.
    “I don’t give a fuck,” I slur out.
    “Got it.”
    “She has a fake leg.” I hear a voice say at Kara’s table.
    I wonder if they realize how loud they are talking. Are they trying to be that obvious? Or do they think I’m that dumb? I’ll admit. I try to believe the best in people all the time and give everyone a chance to do right in my eyes, but I’m pretty sure there is no one else in the bar with a prosthetic.
    “How do you know?” I hear the next voice.
    “Finn’s dad told my momma. He’s so worried that Finn’s going to throw his whole future away for her. I guess he hasn’t been the same since he met her. Fights his dad on everything now. There for a while, Dr. Evans really thought Finn wanted me back and that’s the only reason I came home.”
     
    “But that’s so gross. I mean a fake leg. How can Finn even be attracted to her or that?”
    “Can you imagine her in a bikini?”
    The bartender finally arrives back with my final shots. “Wes said these are on the house. Have a good night.”
    Effortlessly, I down one shot and let the burn of the straight whiskey glide down my throat. The sting of it is nothing compared to what I put out on the line tonight. Nothing. I slam the last one and continue to hear the girls cackling about me in a bikini.
    “Enough,” a voice roars.
    My head is swimming and swirling so intensely, I can’t manage to look at the person talking or even take another step. I don’t have to look to know it’s Finn.
    “Talk about her one more time and I swear you’ll regret ever coming back home, Kara.”
    I crumble down onto the barstool, knowing full well I can’t take a step on my own. Scarlett and Wes show up moments later.
    “Ready, Tess?” Scarlett asks.
    “Yeah,” I reply, as I try to get up.
    And quickly realize, there is no way I can stand on my own two feet. Finn and Wes both grab each side of me. Without thinking, I push Finn away.
    “Don’t touch me. I mean it. Never again. Never give my heart the hope that you may actually love someone like me.”
    Looking past Finn, I stand a little taller on my own with Wes at arm’s reach.
    I holler to the table of bitches, “Don’t worry, drunks who have peg legs can walk just fine. Oh, and Kara, Finn loved grabbing it while he fucked my brains out the other night.”
    “That’s enough,” Scarlett whispers and takes my hand.
    Finn lurches forward to help, but Wes instantly stops him.
    “Enough,” Wes warns.
    Even through my drunk haze, I see the unspoken brother code spoken and Finn walks away. Walks right back into the crowd he’s supposed to be with. I will not cry. I will not feel. I will go back to the Tess, who never has the chance of being hurt.
    “Let’s go,” I say, turning to Wes and Scarlett.
    I hear the two whispering behind me and know all too well they are discussing my well-being and I don’t even have enough energy or willpower to fight or argue with them. The last two shots are on fire in my belly and working their magic on my feelings. Numb.
    “Who’s driving?” I ask, tossing the keys up in the air.
    “I’ll drive you all home. I have a buddy who can come pick me up.”
    “Thanks, Wes,” I hear before climbing into the backseat of the truck.
    The whole ride home, I sit in a daze, half aware and the other half way too fucking gone to care at all. It takes everything inside me not to giggle