“Well, he just downed at least six beers in the last thirty minutes while we were talking at the bar. Not sure how many he had before I got here,” Scott said.
“I’ll drive his truck!” Jess announced. “I mean, I think he should drive with you, and I’ll follow y’all in his truck. ”
I looked at Scott and raised my eyebrows. I was just about to say, I told you so, when he grabbed me, and we headed out the door.
Shit, I wish the room would stop spinning.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I was pacing back and forth in the living room, trying to remain calm. For the last thirty minutes, I’d been trying to call Gunner. When the bartender from the dance hall answered Gunner’s phone, I was stunned. I was guessing that Gunner must have dropped it or left it on the bar.
Where is he?
I grabbed my cell and called Heather.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey, sweets. Is Gunner home yet?”
“Um…no. When did he leave?”
“Well, he was really wasted, so Scott was giving him a ride home, and Jessie was following them in Gunner’s truck. ”
Oh, just great. I can’t believe he got drunk. “Well, I guess that’s my fault he got drunk. I acted like an insecure, childish brat,” I said.
“No, sweets. He really shouldn’t have lied to you about Jessie,” Heather said.
“Where are you?” I asked.
“Oh, um…Josh and I are, um…well, we’re heading home…or I mean, back to my house. ”
I let out a laugh. It was going to be their home before the accident happened. Josh had almost his whole apartment packed up and ready to move in with Heather. My heart started aching for them both.
“Okay, sweets. Well, drive safely and call me tomorrow. ” I hung up and started pacing again.
I’d decided to have Jeff just drop me off at home. I had hoped Gunner would have just come home right after I left, so I hadn’t bothered to pick up Alex. I’d thought we could make up. Gah! I’d wanted him so bad all night, and then that stupid Victoria had gone off and ruined everything.
Just then, I heard two vehicles pulling up. I didn’t have any of the lights on, so I walked up to the window and peeked out. Scott was helping Gunner out of the truck, and then it looked like Gunner was pushing Scott away. Jessie walked up and grabbed Gunner by the arm. Then, Scott and Jessie started to bring Gunner up toward the front door. I was just about to open the door for them when I heard Gunner talking to Jessie.
“I’m really sorry I’s your first, Jessme. ”
Her first? Her first kiss? Her first love? Her first crush?
“Drew, you’re really drunk, and you need to sleep this off before you talk to Ellie. Do you think she’s asleep?”
“Shheee’s probably at my Graaaammm’s house,” he said with a slur.
“Oh, okay. Well, you can make it inside the house and to bed on your own, right?”
“Don’t worry, Jessme. I won’t try anything on yous. I wuv my wife very much. ”
I rolled my eyes.
Jessie laughed. “Drew, I know you better than that, and I know how much you love Ellie. Just do me a favor. Always be honest with her, Drew. Honesty is so important in a relationship. ”
When I heard a bang on the door, I jumped back.
“Jesus, Gunner, be careful,” Scott said.