Was that beer number ten or beer eleven? Jeff wondered as he stared at the empty bottle in front of him. But his mind was too fuzzy to produce an answer. It was just another reminder of how much things had changed. Used to be that he'd never have more than a beer or two after a show but those days had long since passed. Now he welcomed the numbness that alcohol provided him with so he'd drink until he forgot everything, including his name.
It was easier that way. Hurt a lot less. For a little while at least. Of course the hangover that he suffered through the next morning sucked and then he'd remember how badly he missed her. And the vicious, cruel cycle would just start allover again.
"Life sucks." He muttered under his breath and glared at the empty beer bottle, debating on whether or not he should have one more beer or call it a night.
When bartender passed by and he signaled the older man, waving a finger in the air and calling out his order. "I'll have another."
"You sure?" The bartender questioned, his face betraying how unsure he was about serving him another drink. "Cause you've had a lot already."
"Yeah man, I'm sure. Celebrating my big win." He said derisively, lips twisted in a sneer, eyes rolling in annoyance. "Can't you tell man? I'm on top of the fucking world!"
"Ok," The older man said hesitantly. "I'll get you another beer but only if you're not driving."
He pulled his key card from his pocket and held it up for inspection. "See? I'm stuck here for the night. So no worries. Make with the beer."
Another bottle of Budweiser was placed in front of him and he inclined his head in thanks. It was funny how manners always seemed to creep up on you even when you didn't intend to use them. Pushing aside the unwanted observation, he brought the bottle to his lips and took a long swallow from it, pretending to savor the taste. Truth was, he stopped tasting them a long time ago.
"They say that people who drink alone are either anti-social or miserable." A soft, amused voice stated from beside him. "Since I can tell that you're not anti-social, it must be the misery thing."
He looked at the woman standing beside him in confusion, brows knitted together. In his inebriated state, he couldn't figure out where this conversation was going. But she kind of looked like Trish so he wouldn't get rid of her just yet.
"So I had to ask myself why such a good looking guy would be so unhappy." The blonde said smoothly, sidling closer to him. "Then I realized that you must be miserable because you haven't met me yet."
Jeff blinked, partly in surprise and partly because he saw three of the woman. But he made no attempt to respond. Not sure that if he opened his mouth, the answer he gave would be the right one.
"So sugar, why don't we remedy that little problem right now. Come up to my room with me and I'll introduce myself all night long." She offered him a devilish smirk then licked her lips seductively. "I think that will lessen your misery."
His eyes drifted over her and felt a ripple of dismay surge through him. She really did look like Trish. The same blonde hair and petite, trim frame. For a minute, he contemplated accepting her offer and using her to ease his loneliness for the night. After all, he was a man and this chick was obviously willing. He opened his mouth to respond but no words would come out because his tongue felt too heavy to move.
"You game baby?" The blonde practically purred in his ear, her hand settling on his thigh and sliding upward.
"He would but he's with me." Someone informed the woman coldly and an arm settled loosely around his shoulders. Lips pressed a gentle, soft kiss to his cheek. "Sorry I was late honey but you know how traffic is."
"Maria?" He asked dazedly, clueless as to how she got there.
The brunette diva threw a look at the blonde, "Thanks for keeping him company until I got here."
"Sure thing." The blonde said sourly, her face looking as if she bitten into a lemon. Her eyes swept over him once again then she stalked off dejectedly.
Maria waited until she was out of earshot then turned her attention to him. She studied him carefully and nodded slightly to herself. "How about I help you upstairs and into your room before some other skank tries to take advantage of your precarious situation."
Jeff stared at her for a second then nodded dumbly and allowed the tiny brunette to help him out of the bar.