Leaning over the sink, I stared at myself in the mirror and was disgusted by the person looking back. I was better than this. The man that acted out last night wasn’t me. He was a jealous ass**le and I’m a lovesick fool. I quickly showered and brushed my teeth before throwing on my jeans and t-shirt. I didn’t give a f**k what I looked like; I just had to get to Suzy.
I barreled down the highway, making my way to the hotel. Izzy hadn’t replied to a text I sent her before I left. I kept the phone in my pocket on vibrate but it remained still. I weaved in and out of traffic, needing to not waste another minute away from Suzy.
The closer I came to the hotel the more butterflies filled my stomach. What if she didn’t forgive me? I know I hurt her and I prayed that our love for each other could overcome the words of the previous night. As I shut off the bike, sitting in the parking lot of the Shepard’s Hotel, I texted the only person that may be awake at this hour – Sophia. It was only eight AM, but I was banking on her above anyone else.
Me: Sophia, it’s City. I’m at the hotel and need to see Suzy.
I walked toward the door, waiting for a reply, with the phone gripped tightly in my hand. A lump formed in my throat, worry hanging in the air so thick I could almost taste it.
Sophia: Room 1215. She’s still passed out but I’ll let you in. You have a lot of sucking up to do.
Sophia wasn’t a bullshitter and she was Suzy’s best friend. I knew no truer words were ever spoken.
Me: I plan to do a lot of sucking up. I’ll do anything.
Sophia: Anything?
Me: Just open the damn door, woman.
Sophia: You better make it good. I’m waiting.
The elevator ride seemed to take forever, stopping on every other floor to let off guests. Everyone had been downstairs enjoying the complimentary breakfast. When the bell chimed and the twelfth floor illuminated, I thought my heart literally stopped in my chest.
Fisting my hands at my sides, I squeezed them, trying to release some tension. I lightly knocked, waiting for Sophia to answer, and swallowed hard. My mouth felt dry, my stomach ready to expel the last ounce of alcohol, and my heart was ready to burst from the rapid pounding in my chest.
“Quiet,” Sophia said after she opened the door. “Follow me.” She motioned and led me through the suite.
Izzy lay on the couch, passed out and oblivious to my presence. Someone else I didn’t recognize, mostly because they were face down, lay on the floor next to her. The hotel suite was a mess. Wrapping paper, boxes, clothes, and glasses were everywhere. The girls partied harder than I would’ve thought, but then again, this was Izzy’s doing and she didn’t do anything half-assed.
Sophia stopped in front of the door to a bedroom and crossed her arms over her chest. “Now listen here, mister,” she said, poking me in the chest.
I looked down at her boney finger, digging into my flesh, and smiled. The girl had balls and big ones at that. I loved Sophia for the simple fact that she’s Suzy’s friend, but she and I could’ve been friends if we had met first. She had the piss and vinegar that reminded me of my sister. She was fierce, loyal, and cared deeply.
“She’s crushed and I haven’t seen her since I put her to bed last night. She loves you, City, and you better get down on your knees and beg for her forgiveness. Do whatever it takes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded. She hadn’t told me anything I didn’t already know.
“Don’t be a smartass,” she said, slapping me on the shoulder. “You made her feel trashy and like shit. You need to make her feel like the princess she deserves to be treated as. You’ve always done that for her. Made her feel good about herself. I was always your cheerleader even when she wasn’t sure about you. So don’t f**k this shit up.”
“I got this.” Fuck, I really hoped I did.
“You better, but I want to tell you a few things first. The guy she was dancing with, she didn’t want to dance with him. Not at all, but your sister told her it would be her last dance as a single girl and she couldn’t turn him down. She said some bullshit about bachelorette etiquette. Your sister can be very persuasive.” She paused, tapping her lip with her finger.
“Fuck, she’s a pain in the ass.” I sighed, looking toward my sister passed out and dead to the world.
“Second, the smell on her last night was the weirdo stripper your sister hired. Suzy told her more than once that she did not want a stripper under any circumstances. The guy came in and did a quick dance, but Suzy was totally uncomfortable. As soon as he realized that, he broke contact and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek when he was finished. She didn’t touch him at all and he didn’t do anything inappropriate.” She straightened her back, looking me straight in the eyes. “City, if you would’ve seen him you would’ve laughed. You’re like an Adonis compared to this man. You’re the only thing that has Suzy’s eyes and heart. Grovel, my friend, grovel.” She leaned over, kissing my cheek before she left me to enter the room.
I stood there, staring at the door and closed my eyes. I’d been a complete tool. How in the f**k did I even think Suzy would allow someone to touch her or that she’d been unfaithful? I knew Suzy inside and out, but I let my territorial bullshit get in the way. My heart ached at the thought that maybe I made our relationship fubar. Was it f**ked up beyond repair? Had I crossed the line that she wouldn’t forgive? I’d listen to Sophia and beg for her forgiveness. Not as a sign of weakness, but because of the love I had for her. It was the only way I could fight for what I wanted most–Suzy.