Hot Holidays

CHAPTER 2: Ellie

CHAPTER 2: Ellie

––––––––

Ellie leaned over by Alison as Harker walked away with the manager of The Blue Newb.

“He likes you.” She poked Alison’s arm.

“Who? The manager? You think?” Alison stared at the two men.

“No, not the manager. Harker.”

“Barker? No.” Alison chuckled. “I drive him crazy. He’s said it a hundred times.”

“I thought his name was Harker?” She was so embarrassed. She’d been calling the man the wrong name all night.

“It is but I call him Barker in my head because all he does is bark at me.” She lowered her voice, imitating Harker’s. “Alison, the program isn’t fast enough. Alison, my computer isn’t working. What did you do to it? Alison, shut up for one second so I can think.” She rolled her eyes. “That man doesn’t talk; he yells.”

“I didn’t notice that. All I see is a guy who can barely take his eyes off you.”

“Plllleeeese.”

“I’m serious.”

“Well, if you’re right, it’s too bad,” said Alison.

“Why? He’s hot.”

“He’s my boss and I’m not desperate enough to hook up with a guy who bitches at me all the time.” Alison frowned and took a sip of her drink. “But give me another month of celibacy and I might be.”

“Maybe if you were nicer to him.”

“Me?” Alison downed her margarita. “I’m a saint.” She waved at their waitress, signaling another round and then nudged Ellie’s arm. “Drink up. I’m not going to be the only one sloppy drunk tonight.”

“I can’t. I have to deal with Marc tomorrow. It’ll be bad enough without the hangover.”

“Why isn’t he out of your apartment again?”

“It’s not my apartment. He’s on the lease too.”

“And he won’t leave?”

“Nope. He refuses.”

“Don’t you pay all the bills?” Alison handed the waitress some money as she dropped off the two drinks.

“I do.” One more thing in her life that was unfair.

“Then stop.”

“I can’t. It’ll screw up my credit.”

“What are you going to do? You can’t keep living with the cheating jerk.”

“I’m not sleeping with him if that’s what you think. I’ve been crashing on the couch because the asshole won’t give up the bed but not for too much longer. The lease is up in a couple of weeks. Then I’ll sign without him and he’ll have to leave.”

Alison pushed Ellie’s glass toward her. “Drink up. I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about dealing with Marc tonight or tomorrow.”

“Why do you—”

“Look who’s here and he’s even better looking than his picture.” Alison grabbed her head and turned it toward the dance floor. “I wonder if he’s watched any porn.” She squeezed Ellie’s arm. “If not, you could take him home and teach him a thing or two. You’re so lucky.”

“Oh shit.” Ellie grabbed her drink and gulped it down. Suddenly, getting drunk was probably the only way she was going to make it through the night without having her head explode.