Chapter 7 07

"I was so humiliated, Aziel. Damn. I don't think I've ever felt that kind of embarrassment in my entire life," I complained as I rushed out of the house.

Aziel let out a deep sigh on the other end of the line. "You don't even know how to feel shame," he muttered.

I stopped walking and forced myself to breathe.

"Okay, fine. I've buried shame somewhere deep in my system a long time ago but last night was different. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Do I really look like a fucking minor to you?"

I slid into my car and glanced back at the house. It looked quiet. Aunt Aurora was probably still asleep, so I wasted no time pulling away before she could wake up and stop me again.

I started the engine, rolled down the window, and gestured for the guard to open the gate. They complied reluctantly. As if they had a choice.

I placed my phone on the holder and switched it to speaker.

"You just look really young-"

"Wow, Aziel. Wow," I cut in sharply. "Thanks for the fucking compliment."

The gate finally opened, and I drove out. "I'm twenty-six years old. How exactly do I look underage?"

"The guard was just doing his job. What can you do if that's how you look to him? And you should've brought your ID. If you had-"

"I forgot it at home, okay?" I snapped. "I was in a rush. I didn't even think to check my wallet. And I didn't expect anyone to think I was a kid. I was so embarrassed. People were staring at me last night."

I drove faster than I should have.

"And then some random guy walked up to the guard and said he knew me. He even told him I was a minor so the guard completely shut me out!"

Aziel burst out laughing.

I rolled my eyes. "If my humiliation is entertaining to you, then screw you."

He laughed again. "Maybe you were just unlucky yesterday."

I didn't reply. Because he was right. I was unlucky.

Was it karma for helping those people do something questionable? But why me? I didn't trespass. I just helped.

"When I got home, Aunt Aurora was still awake. She lectured me again, said I'd just come crawling back anyway, so I shouldn't have acted stubborn in the first place. She even said I wouldn't survive without her or Dad. The audacity."

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

If Dylan Fontanilla had just told the guard I wasn't a minor, I wouldn't have had to go back home at all.

"What if they're right-"

"Finish that sentence and we're no longer friends," I cut him off immediately.

He sighed. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I know you can survive on your own. So where are you going now?"

I sighed. "Where else? The bar you mentioned. I'm going back there and proving to that guard I'm not a minor. I can stay there as long as I want, right?"

"Atlas won't be home for a while, so you can stay there. Just don't cause trouble, Kaia. I haven't fixed the mess I got myself into yet. I can't help you if anything happens. Stay out of trouble."

I hesitated.

Does that include staying away from Dylan Fontanilla?

"Fine," I muttered. "And when exactly is this mess of yours going to end? You didn't know that woman already had a boyfriend. This isn't your fault... it's hers."

"I don't know what to do anymore," he said, frustration seeping into his voice. "Neither my dad nor her father will listen to me. I was dragged into this bullshit-"

"Then do your best to stay out of it," I cut in. "I'd hate for my friend to be labeled as the other man."

He scoffed.

I shook my head. I couldn't even give him advice. I had zero experience with situations like that.

"I'll come see you once everything settles down," he said. "For now, just stay out of trouble. I'm warning you, I won't be able to help-"

"Yeah, yeah," I interrupted. "I'm close to the bar. Isn't it weird going to a bar this early in the morning?"

He chuckled and I felt a bit lighter.

"I already told Atlas to inform the staff you're coming. They won't be surprised if you show up early."

I groaned. "Can you also tell your cousin to give their guard a raise? He did his job well even if he mistook me for a minor."

"You were pissed earlier, and now you want him promoted. You're weird... but fair. I'll pass it on."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

I parked at the bar and grabbed my phone and keys. I took my suitcase from the trunk and ignored the few curious stares as I walked in with my head held high.

A guard stopped me but it wasn't the same one from last night.

I smiled. "Do I really look like a minor?" I asked, amused.

He cleared his throat and nodded.

I let out a small laugh and pulled out my ID. His eyes widened when he checked it.

"You're... twenty-six?" he asked, clearly surprised.

I chuckled. "Do I look seventeen?"

He scratched his head, embarrassed. His gaze dropped to my suitcase. "Ma'am... this isn't a hotel."

"Atlas already gave you a heads-up," I said. "I'll be staying in his room for now."

His eyes widened again. "You can call him to verify-"

"No need," another staff member said. "We just assumed Kaia Clemente was older."

I blinked.

Was he implying my name sounded old?

Before I could respond, he smiled and handed back my ID. "Your room's ready."

He took my suitcase without asking.

Inside, the bar was too quiet. Staff members were cleaning up from the night before. The smell of alcohol lingered, making my head throb.

"Your room's on the third floor," the guard said.

I nodded but my attention drifted.

Two waitresses and a waiter were trying... or let's just say, failing... to wake a man slumped over a table.

I licked my lip then laughed softly.

Of course.

What a coincidence.

"I'll head up later," I said. "Third floor, right?"

"The room at the far end."

I nodded and walked toward the man instead.

Each step felt heavier. The staff were still trying to wake him.

"Sir? It's morning now."

He didn't move.

I sighed.

"Excuse me."

They all turned to me.

"I'm the one staying in your boss's room," I said calmly. "And I know him."

"Is he your boyfriend?" one waitress asked.

I smiled but didn't answer. "I'll handle him. You can go back to work."

They hesitated but they still left.

I stepped closer.

"Aziel told me to stay away from trouble," I muttered. "But you're really unlucky."

I reached under the table for his coat because his phone was probably there.

Suddenly, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me down onto his lap.

My eyes widened as he rested his head on my shoulder.

He smelled strongly of alcohol.

I held my breath and grabbed the coat. His phone was inside.

As I tried to stand, he tightened his grip.

"Bri..." he murmured.

That was enough.

I stood up abruptly. He nearly face-planted into the table.

I clicked my tongue.

Is this what heartbreak does to people?

I found his cousin's contact and typed instead of calling.

To: Iverson (Ugly)

Your cousin's with me. He passed out last night and is still asleep. He's at the bar near his cheating girlfriend's house. He smells like alcohol and I can't stand it. Pick him up before I leave him outside. Bring an air freshener.

I looked at Dylan Fontanilla one last time.

"Get up," I said quietly. "You still have a lot to do, Lieutenant. She's not worth your tears."

Then I walked away.