In Too Deep

“Nothing. I just wanted to let you know that Ronan doesn’t make decisions for me. In fact, I’m done with his bullshit.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Chloe. Give me the phone,” Johnny said.

“Who’s that?” Brendan asked.

“No one,” she answered, still waving Johnny off. “That thing you mentioned earlier that I could do for you? I’m in. I don’t care what Ronan says.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Maybe a little. But that doesn’t matter. Stop by my place tomorrow and show me what I need to do.”

Johnny made another grab for the phone. “You shouldn’t call dudes when you’re drunk. Don’t you know that?”

She started to laugh and she wanted to explain that this was Brendan, but when she shifted to keep the phone away from him, she lost her balance and fell off her stool. The phone skidded out of her hand as she thumped on the floor. In the back of her head, she knew she should register some pain, but all she could do was curl up in another fit of laughter.

“Ah, hell. I knew the second one was too much.”

Through her teary eyes, she saw him grab her phone. “Chloe’ll call you tomorrow.” Then a pause. “I’m a friend.” He huffed and held out the phone. “Tell grumpy dude that you’re fine.”

“I’m fine, Brendan. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” she yelled since it seemed like Johnny and her phone were far away. A moment later, Johnny’s hands were under her arms and he hoisted her off the floor.

He held her shoulders for a moment. “You okay?”

The way he stared into her face, with his eyes bugged wide almost sent her laughing again. She bit her cheek and nodded.

“Give me a few minutes to finish cleaning up and we’ll get you home.”

She waved a hand, which set off a wobble in her whole body, so he caught her arm again. “I can call a car.”

“I’m not sending you home with a stranger and hoping you arrive. I’ll drive you.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Johnny. You’re a good guy.”

He helped her sit down again. “Let’s see if you’re still saying that tomorrow morning.”