The bar was a symphony of chaos, a cacophony of voices and laughter that threatened to drown out my thoughts. Not that I had many to begin with. I was on a mission, and I wasn't going to let a horde of drunk frat boys derail me.
I sat at the bar, my elbows propped up as I knocked back shot after shot of whiskey. It was my liquid armor, my defense against the world. The amber liquid burned its way down my throat, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I welcomed the pain, the sharp sting that reminded me I was still alive.
"Letty, you're never going to get laid if you keep knocking those back," Sarah slurred as she stumbled into the bar. She was already drunk out of her mind, her eyes glazed over as she looked at me.
I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Sarah, I'm not here to get laid. I'm here to work."
Sarah pouted, her bottom lip sticking out in a childish display. "But Letty, the hot bartender has been flirting with me all night. You should see his arms." She held her hands up, miming the size of his biceps.
I laughed, the sound bitter and sharp. "Sarah, you're drunk. You think everyone is hitting on you."
Sarah shook her head, her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. "No, Letty. He's different. He's hot."
I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Sarah, I don't have time for this. I have a meeting tomorrow morning, and I need to be sober."
Sarah's face fell, her bottom lip quivering. "But Letty, I'm gonna puke."
Before I could respond, Sarah leaned over and vomited on the floor. I groaned, my eyes rolling back in my head. "Come on, Sarah. Let's go to the bathroom."
I helped Sarah to the bathroom, her body swaying as she walked. I held her hair back as she vomited again, my mind racing as I thought about the meeting tomorrow. I was the CEO of my own company, and I couldn't afford to mess this up.
As we were leaving the bathroom, a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned around, my eyes meeting the piercing blue gaze of the hot bartender.
"Hey, I'm Max. I couldn't help but notice you earlier. You seemed like you were having a rough night."
I scoffed, my eyes narrowing. "I don't have time for this, Max. I have a meeting tomorrow morning, and I need to get home."
Max held his hands up in surrender. "No pressure. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
I sighed, my shoulders sagging. "I'm fine, Max. I just need to get home."
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a message from my boss. I cursed under my breath, realizing I was too drunk to drive home.
Max must have seen the look on my face because he offered, "Hey, you and your friend can stay at my place tonight. It's just a few blocks away."
I hesitated, my mind racing. I didn't know Max, and I didn't want to put myself in a dangerous situation. But I was also too drunk to drive, and I didn't have many other options.
I nodded, my decision made. "Okay, Max. Thank you."
As we walked to Max's apartment, Sarah started rambling about how she had always had a crush on me. I laughed, calling her a "drunken idiot." But deep down, I couldn't help but feel a little flattered.
We finally made it to Max's apartment, and I collapsed onto the couch. Sarah passed out immediately, her snoring filling the room. But I couldn't fall asleep. I was too worried about the meeting tomorrow.
Max offered to let me use his computer to prepare, and I gratefully accepted. As I worked, Max sat down next to me, trying to flirt again. I couldn't help but feel attracted to him, but I knew I couldn't mix business with pleasure.
When I finished up my work, I stood up to leave. Max tried to stop me, but I insisted I needed to go. As I was leaving, I stumbled and fell into his arms. We shared a moment of tension before I pulled away and left.
As I walked home, I couldn't stop thinking about Max. I knew I shouldn't be attracted to him, but I couldn't help it. I made a mental note to avoid him at all costs.
When I finally made it home, I collapsed into bed. As I fell asleep, I couldn't help but wonder what could have happened with Max.
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