Their New Beginning (Oh Captain, My Captain 5)

Jax: See you in the morning.

That’s it? Not even a ‘you look hot’ or anything.

“Avery, come on.” Jasmine pounds on the door, and I’m more than ready to spend the night with my girl.

The bar is packed. Apparently, there is some big wedding going on, and the after party is being held here. We’re finally able to find two empty stools at the very end of the bar and quickly rush to them.

“Two tequila sunrises,” Jasmine orders for us and turns to me. “So, have you figured out what you’re going to do when you get home?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know yet. I guess I’ll talk to him, but I don’t think it’s going to do any good.” I feel deflated.

“Do you want to file for divorce?”

I stare at my dear friend. I’ve known her since I started working at the hospital. I’ve said my whole life that when I got married, it would be once and only once. I never wanted to be a divorcée. Now, I’m actually considering it.

“I don’t know.” I’m thankful the drinks come. I down mine like a shot and order another one.

”What do you think Jax is thinking?”

I shrug. “I don’t know anymore. We’ve barely talked to each other over the last six months. I mean, the past week hasn’t been too bad, but he went back on his word to take us to the airport.”

“Avery, you’re my girl, but have you thought about it from his side?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s under a lot of pressure. I mean, he’s the captain of a professional hockey team. All eyes are on him. Look at how bad it was for him last year when they didn’t make the playoffs. Every paper mocked him. Now, this year, he’s at the top of his game and is still under a microscope. Let’s not forget his contract is almost up, too. No team wants a failed captain.”

I rub my temples. I know she’s right. Jax had a rough season last year. He worked so hard over the summer, but at what cost?

Me.

“Let’s talk about something else,” I beg.

“Fine.” Jasmine gives me a small smile and launches into a new doctor crush she has at the hospital.

The drinks keep flowing, and my bubbly laughter starts. My head is beginning to feel fuzzy after two very strong drinks, and I know that I need to stop. The deejay starts up on the other side of the bar, and a cute guy comes and asks Jasmine for a dance. She flips her long blonde hair behind her shoulder, in the way only she can make sexy, and sways her hips to the dance floor with the stranger.

My head is thumping with the music, and I watch as the crowd becomes thicker. I’m pushed hard into the bar as someone is shoved into me.

“I’m so sorry,” the guy quickly apologizes in his thick British accent.

“It’s fine.” I adjust myself back onto the chair.

“No, really. I tripped. I have two left feet.” He smiles at me. He has short strawberry blond hair and deep blue eyes. He isn’t bad looking, but not really my type.

I nod, not replying.

“Let’s me buy you a drink, please.” He waves down the bartender.

“No, thank you. I’ve had enough for the evening.”

“Then a bottle of water?” he keeps on.

Water? That can’t hurt anything. I slightly nod my head, and his smile widens. It’s a harmless drink, right?

“I take from your accent you’re not from here.” His face is still bright.

“No, I’m from Vegas,” I confirm.