Dying to Live

from underneath my eyes and quickly gather myself before sitting at the bar. For the past four hours, I

iraculously fade. Currently, I am trying to push the much-needed conversation with my mother to t

ing muscles stretching out his tee-shirt and black curly hair, the image takes my breath away. Then, our eyes meet

you somethi

e is rugged and intriguing. I study the handsome strang

just the right moment. The bartender cocks one eyebrow, curiosity eviden

gh d

gs me back to reality, and

the worst,” I

I study the brown liquid, refusing to smell it before I chug the entire glass. It burns my

r one,”

’t so subtle wit

ncourage you to unload your problems onto me,” he exclaims, gr

you should know what nickname to use when you give me your condolences,

ears,” he encourages. I glance from the drink to Alexander, before pouring more liquid down my throat.

home today. I’ve spent every waking moment bending over backw

mention my tipsy ego begging me to spill the tears like a brutal thunderstorm. I glance up, meeti

th an eye roll and slide the glass

despite my mother’s warnings every time we

me he was searching for something better, because look at you,” Alexander says certainly, never shifting his gaze from mine. My face gets heated

hand, allowing our fingers to brush subtly. Then, I throw ba

make it

*

bar,” Alexander muses. I let out a loud chuckle, no longer having control

ll evident on his lips. God how I would kiss those lips. I look around, realizing that I really am the

empt to walk, only to stumble in every direction. Alexander catches me before I fall, his h

sts. I try to object but the stubborn m

old friend as we travel down the familiar

re did you meet such

tion of Jackson. Flashbac

nd he was a desirable business student. I don’t know how I fell for his charm,” I explain. I d

n about my father’s death, and he was the first person to make me fe

ial about somebody who makes you feel so small. I’m sorry he took a

ebody, not him specifically. Maybe that’s why I stayed for so long. I was just terrified to let go of tha

want me. Why didn’t he want me?” I think aloud, my heart dropping to the pit o

ld be in despair, it’s him,” Alexander reassures, placing a hand on my back for comfort. Again, e

urprisingly, the man doesn’t question my actions. Instead, he does that really sexy gesture, moving h

myself at a loss for words. He seems like the complete package - han

kay tonight?”

and nod, though I’

ing Alexander gets the hint. When he doesn’t say anything, I t

e advantage of you right now. You’re in a vulnerable place an

not so bad. In a way, spending the night alone is bitters

I needed t