by J. G. Sumner
I leave the restaurant, and head down the street I’ve traveled hundreds of times before until I come across the jackpot at the end of the rainbow. By now, I’m pretty sober. It’s something I can’t deal with because I only loathe myself that much more. All I think about is Kate, Kate, Kate. Fuck she’s got some kind of mind ninja thing going on with me. I wish I could just forget her.
The man behind the counter is of Middle Eastern decent and doesn’t bother to ask what I want. He just reaches for a couple bottles of liquid gold.
“Give me two more.” The last thing I want is to sober up anytime soon and to have to make the trek again. The fact I’m fairly lucid now, allows me to think ahead somewhat.
I give him my debit card and in no time, I’m on my way. I open one of the brown paper bags and down a quarter of the first bottle like its water and I’m a parched nomad. To me, that’s exactly what it is. It warms my chest, and for the first time today, a smile erupts from my face. Numbness sets in, and I’m back to feeling no pain. Thank God.
By the time I get back to the hotel, half the bottle is gone. I can barely climb the steps and again I’m in the throes of a drunken stupor. Hot damn! I can go watch some television and drink until I pass out.
I get to the door of my room and pull the key out of my pocket. This place is such a piece of shit, they still use real keys, not the cards. Whatever. I struggle to get it in the lock but finally manage. As I open the door, I stumble back, not sure if what I’m seeing is real or a figment of my imagination. I wipe my eyes to try and clear the fuzziness.
“Bloody hell, mate. You look like fucking shit. Get your arse in here.” Jasper grabs me by the front of my shirt and drags my ass into the room, slamming the door.
“Whath are yuth doing here?” My speech is unrecognizable. I don’t even know what I’m saying.
“I would say the same about you, but it’s quite obvious what you’ve been up to. Give me that shit. You’re fucking pissed.” Jasper reaches for my precious commodities and I pull away falling against the wall.
I really hate it when he uses that British slang. I’m not pissed, I’m drunk. Why can’t he just say drunk?
“Yuth canth have ith.” One of the bottles falls to the floor and Jasper snags it right quick.
“You are a fucking mess. How on earth did I let this happen? I should’ve come to get your arse months ago.” Jasper easily takes all the bottles from me, heads to the sink, and pours them out.
“Yuth canth do that.” I try to stand, but my legs are boycotting and staging a mutiny. Fuckers. I don’t need them anyway.
“The fuck I can’t. Look what this crap has done to you. You’re a frickin wreck and you smell like shit. You’re going to get your arse sober and then we’re taking you home.” Jasper shakes out the rest of my new found best friend—the one who never fails me and eases my pain.
“No! I canth go!” My body slumps to the side and I can’t keep from falling onto the floor into a pile of worthless mush.
“Yes, you can and you have to. Kate needs you.” The bottles clank as Jasper throws them in the garbage.
Hearing Kate needs me shoots a dagger through my heart causing so much pain, I think it’s broken all over again. “I’m the lath thing the needs.” I attempt to close my eyes, but the room starts to spin, so I open them in hopes to stop any impending vomit sessions.
“Looking at you, I might say you’re right, but she’s getting ready to have that baby any day now, and he needs his dad.” Jasper drags me off the floor and takes me over to one of the two chairs by the window.
“Ith not mine. Yuth need tuth find Matty.” I hold on to the chair handles, trying not to fall over.
“Matty’s dead and you’re wrong. That baby is one hundred percent yours. The tests prove it, and to top it off, you’re having a boy. That Bertalucci name is going to live on after all.”
I must be dreaming or really drunk, because I could swear Jasper just told me I’m a dad and that Matteo is dead. This is definitely a dream. I attempt to close my eyes again, because I never want to wake up from this dream.
My head hits the back of the chair, but I just leave it. I don’t care if the world spins, I try to imagine myself holding my son with Kate leaning over us lovingly. It’s been a long time since I didn’t have a nightmare. This is fucking amazing.
Jasper starts shaking me. “Wake your pissed arse up. You need to get in the shower.”
I open my eyes and get a look at the Brit who continues to disturb my happy places. What’s his deal? Can’t he leave me alone?
Jasper lifts me from the chair, drapes one of my arms over his shoulder, and drags me into the bathroom and into the shower. He doesn’t bother taking off my clothes before turning the frigid water on.
“Ahhhh!” The water is like standing under Niagara Falls in the middle of winter. It’s colder than fuck and could be considered Chinese torture.
“Yeah, mate. You just stand there and let the water do its job. You need to sober up and I don’t want to smell that stench anymore. When was the last time you bathed?”
I don’t answer. There’s no point. It’s not going to do any good. Instead, I stand there shivering and trying desperately to hold on to the buzz that’s all too quickly fading away.
To be continued…
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Acknowledgements
This part is always the hardest for me because I fear of leaving someone out. Here we go.
I’d like to start off by thanking my editor Laura. This is our fourth project together and it’s been a great ride. To my beta readers who were supportive, yet ticked off at the ending, I really appreciate your feedback and the time you put into helping get the kinks out. To street team, you guys rock. You’ve been amazing with your encouragement and support. Stacy and Akeisha, I think you’re my biggest fans right now.
To all the bloggers who have supported me unconditionally
To Chuck from Le Pescadeux, thank you for being so hospitable and treating me to Mimosas sans the OJ. Your food is amazing!
To my brother-in-law Ethan, for helping me form an LLC. To my brothers and sisters, for their undying support and encouragement. To my father, who always kept me in check and loved to talk about the sex scenes I write. Rest in peace. I miss you every day. There is honestly nothing more embarrassing than talking sex with your dad—especially mine.
My husband for always believing and supporting me. I can’t tell you how many times this man has raved about my books in front of strangers demanding that they buy a copy. Again, awesome, but embarrassing.
Thanks to my kids. They don’t have a clue what I write, but they love their mommy anyway.
Finally, thank you to all the readers out there. I love your comments, feedback, passion, and encouragement. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Also Available by JG Sumner:
A Shot in the Dark
Into the Light
Surrender
Coming soon:
Saved
Web of Lies
Cage of Deceit
About the Author
JG Sumner was born and raised in Southern California, and went to Nursing School in San Diego, where she earned her RN. She then began working as an ICU nurse. While working full-time, she went back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in Nursing as well as her master’s degree in Nursing at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Most recently, she worked as a supervisor in a major trauma center in the San Diego area. JG made the decision to leave her position at the end of 2012 to be at home with her three boys, dogs, a
nd to pursue her writing career—a dream that was born long before she ever thought about being a nurse.
She loves snowboarding, traveling, reading, hiking, kickboxing, spending time with her family and her dogs, and pretty much anything outdoors.
JG has a very dry sense of humor, and should never be taken too seriously. She loves to hear from her fans and even those who aren't and would love to hear your opinion on her books.
She is also the author of A Shot in the Dark the prequel to Into the Light, and the Surrender Trilogy coming this summer.
I love to hear from my readers.
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