Chapter Seventeen: The More I Drink
"The call has been made. Quinn will be in Dallas soon." Godric slipped his phone back into his pocket as he joined Eric outside on the porch of the safe house.
"Have you ever met him?" Eric questioned, leaning against the porch railing with his arms crossed. "Have you ever met this shifter?"
"No I haven't." Godric shook his head.
"Then how do you know we can trust him." Eric narrowed his eyes.
"Because I have faith that we can. And I trust Alcide's word, Eric. Must we go through this again? This is our only option." Godric sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "They could find themselves in trouble at a moment's notice, and not even Isabel will be able to help them. If Quinn is there with her then..."
"I get it." Eric grumbled. He knew Godric was right, but he wasn't happy about it in the least. He wanted to be the only one to protect her, to swoop in and save the day. He didn't want some shifter he had never met to take his place. He was supposed to be her one and only, not some other poor excuse for a man.
"You lost the right, Eric." Godric could tell exactly what Eric was thinking, it was written all over his face. "You lost the right to her. You walked away. And I understand that you love her, and she'll always be the love of your life, but you left her, remember? You cannot keep her from being happy. The most you can do right now is keep her safe from a distance. So allow that. Maybe one day you two will resolve this, and you'll find that you love her too much to be away from her. But for now, all you can do is stay here and let her be happy."
Eric looked off into the night, a frown settled on his face. He had to remember that this had been his doing. He had decided this for the both of them. He had been the one who had been afraid, who didn't want to know the loss of a loved one, not again. He had been the one who had left. But that didn't mean he no longer cared. It didn't mean that he didn't want to protect her with all of his being. He desperately wished he could do that by being at her side at all times. But Godric was right; he had lost the right to that luxury. It had been his decision to leave, and he did not regret it, not entirely. Maybe one day he would, but not yet, not right now.
"I just want her to be safe." Eric spoke softly, his gaze rising up to the cloudy sky.
"I know you do." Godric laid a hand on his progeny's shoulder. "And she will be."
"Are you positive?" Eric glanced down at his maker.
"No. But I hope for it." Godric offered him a small smile. "All we can do is hope that all will be well in the world for the next twenty four hours."
"How do I look?" I spun around in front of Sookie inside of our luxurious hotel room in one of the highest rated hotels in Dallas. Sookie had begged me to choose another hotel, but I had money to burn in my bank account, and this weekend was about going all out and having fun. And what's more fun than splurging on some fancy hotel room? It was like I had died and gone to hotel heaven. It was gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous with the silk sheets and the Jacuzzi tub. I made a note to have a nice relaxing bath before we left tomorrow, wanting to enjoy as much of this life as I possibly could before we had to return to our old, life threatening life.
Somehow, they just didn't compare.
"You look beautiful, Ellie." Sookie winked at me. "Like a single woman on the prowl."
"That's the idea!" I grinned at the blonde as I turned towards the full length mirror in the bathroom that was nearly as large as the hotel room itself. Sookie stood by the vanity, curling the ends of her pony tail as I ogled myself in the mirror. I had to admit, I looked fantastic. The emerald green dress I had bought the moment we had arrived in Dallas hugged my body perfectly, stopping at mid thigh and showing more leg than I normally would have been comfortable with. But I was living in the moment, and that meant getting all dolled up, doing and wearing things that weren't the norm, and just having fun. And I actually liked the way my legs looked as I spun around for a second time, my wavy hair falling around my face. I brushed back my bangs as I smiled at myself in the mirror. I slipped my feet into the gold high heels before twisting back towards Sookie. "I am so ready for tonight."
"Now remember..." Sookie began before I rolled my eyes and interrupted her.
"I know, I know, nothing stupid." I held my hands up in defence. "I promise, Sookie."
"Good." She before setting the curling iron back down onto the counter before pressing down the imaginary wrinkles in her bright yellow dress, a grin settled on her lips. "Because I'm really looking forward to tonight."
"Me too!" I slid my arm through hers and tugged her back into the main room, grabbing our ID and money and jackets along the way. "Here's to being single women!"
"Ah, Ellie, I'm not single." Sookie pointed.
"Shush, tonight you are."
"I don't think Sam would appreciate that." Sookie giggled as I all but dragged her out of the hotel room.
"Well Mr. Merlotte won't have to know about any of this." I smirked at her. "Whatever happens in Dallas, stays in Dallas."
"I'm pretty sure that's Vegas..."
"Vegas, Dallas, what's the difference?" I laughed, pulling her to the end of the hallway where the elevator was sitting.
"Well if you think about it, a whole lot." Sookie pointed out, only to get slapped on the arm in response. "Okay okay, so Dallas is exactly like Vegas."
"Tonight it is, anyways." I grinned at her. "Oh Sookie, I'm so happy we're doing this. You have no idea how much I need this right now. I so so so needed this."
"Well I'm happy that you're happy." She squeezed my arm. "I haven't seen you smiling like this in a very long time."
"It's funny, because I should be upset over what happened with Eric, and I guess a small part of me is." I pulled my long dark hair over one shoulder. "But the other part of me just wants to be happy again. And I really feel like I'm on my way to being really happy."
"Well then I'm glad for you." She smiled at me. "Because you of all people deserve happiness."
I couldn't stop grinning as we entered the elevator and began our descent to the main lobby where we had a cab waiting for us. Sookie was trying desperately hard not to start burst out laughing as I sang along to the song playing in the elevator, my hips swaying as I prepared myself for the night of dancing I had planned. But wouldn't you know it, even in good old Dallas, I could be caught shocked beyond believe.
Because as the doors swung open once we landed in the lobby, I never expected to come face to face with Quinn of all people.
"Quinn?" My eyes grew as wide as saucers as I took the large man in, surprised to find him in this very hotel.
"Well wouldn't you know it, everywhere I go beautiful women always pops up." He was such a charmer as he sent Sookie and I warm smiles. "You two look beautiful."
I caught Sookie blushing and I nudged her in the side as I grinned up at the man. "We were just on our way out."
"Well I won't interrupt your evening then." He stepped to the side, his hand holding the elevator doors open.
"What are you doing here anyways?" I asked curiously as Sookie and I stepped out of the metal contraption, Quinn's hand falling to his side as the doors slid shut and began on up to the higher floors.
"I'm on some business." He held up his briefcase. "I'm surprised you two are here, where are the male escorts? I don't see the hoards of bodyguards I'm certain you two need."
"Oh we're not that bad." I laughed. "And we're just here for the weekend, trying to just get away from everything."
"Understandable." Quinn nodded. "I'll let you two have at it. Don't have too much fun though. I don't think those men of yours would be very happy."
"Man." I pointed at Sookie. "I'm young and free for the taking."
"Is that right?" his grin widened. "Over the whole Northman situation already?"
"You have no idea." I rolled my eyes. "We should probably go though; we have a cab waiting for us."
"Have a good night." He winked as us before pressing the elevator button and waved us off.
Sookie and I waved at the man before we turned and headed towards the glass sliding doors. We were nearly out of the hotel when I found myself stopping, an idea forming in my head. I glanced at Sookie, who was staring at me knowingly, and I couldn't help from grinning ear to ear as I spun back around and hurried over to the elevator just as Quinn was stepping into it. I placed myself in front of the doors, holding the contraption in a standstill as I stared up at the man with sparkling eyes.
"You wouldn't by chance want to come out with us, would you? You can act as our bodyguard and everything. You know how I like to get myself in trouble."
Quinn's grin twisted into a smirk. "No, you and trouble?"
"I know, who would have thought?" I laughed. "No but really, if you're not busy, you should come. Sookie won't mind."
"I don't want to intrude on your weekend."
"It's not intruding if we're asking." I pointed out. "Please come, it'll be outrageously fun, I promise."
"Outrageously fun, huh? That's a lot to live up to."
"It's me, obviously it'll happen." I shrugged carelessly. And for the first time in god even knows when, I was acting carelessly and like a twenty something year old woman who didn't have any worries in the world. I knew that wasn't true. I wasn't just any ordinary woman. But this weekend, I was forgetting the fact that I was a Phoenix, that there was an impending invasion on our hands. This weekend was just about making a fresh new start.
"Well I can't possibly say no, now can I?"
"Obviously not." My grin grew. "We'll wait for you if you want to get settled or anything."
"I'll be back down in a flash." He assured as I took a step back out of the elevator, watching as the doors slowly slid closed.
"You like him, don't you?" Sookie commented from behind me, a smirk plastered across her face as I turned towards her, my cheeks burning red.
"No." I shook my head. "We should go tell the cab to wait."
"Already done." She nodded before grabbing my arm and pulling me over to a set of chairs in the lobby. "And you definitely like him."
"I hardly know him." I pointed out. "And anyways, I've just gotten out of the craziness with Eric, I'm not exactly looking."
"No one says that you have to go from one serious relationship to another. That's what this is whole fresh start is about, isn't it, just having fun and seeing what happens." Sookie smiled encouragingly. "There's nothing wrong with thinking he's good looking, because even I have to admit that he is. And you just light up when he's around. I know you hardly know the guy, but that doesn't mean you can't have a connection. And you definitely do."
"I don't know." I fidgeted with the hem of my dress. "I think it's just too soon."
"I understand that. Just know that every time you two have been together, he's been flirting his ass off." She patted my arm. "There's no shame in moving on, Ellie."
"I know that. I just don't think I want to put myself in that position again, not right now anyways. Quinn and I are just friends, really Sookie."
"Alright, I believe you. But if you feel like doing the nasty, just let me know if I have to find another place to sleep."
"Oh god Sookie, you're terrible." I giggled, shaking my head at her comment. "So not going to happen."
"I'm just saying." She lifted her hands in defence. "I know vampire sex is mind blowing, but shifters aren't so bad in bed the either, you know."
"Why are we having this discussion?" I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. "This is just so wrong."
"He's a good looking man who is flirting with you. He's single. You're single. I mean, I'm sure he's just an animal in bed." Sookie winked, sending me into another fit of giggles.
"You are so dirty minded."
"You've rubbed off on me."
"A little too much it seems." I peeked at the blonde over the tops of my hands. "No more dirty talk from you, Sook. If Sam only knew what comes out of your mouth!"
"Oh he hears much worse in the bedroom." Sookie smirked widely.
"Oh dear god you did not just say that!" I stared at her in horror.
"I'm just saying..."
"I think you're drunk."
"I am so not drunk, Sookie." I rolled my eyes as I chugged back the rest of the alcohol in my glass, the number of drinks I've had tonight too great to remember. But I wasn't drunk. I mean I felt a little off, but I couldn't have been drunk. I was able to stand up perfectly alright, and I could walk...
"Oops, sorry Quinn." I giggled as I nearly fell right into Quinn's lap as he sat at the bar beside me.
"I think she's drunk." Quinn mused with a wide grin on his face.
"Just a little bit..." I was grinning like an absolute mad man as I waved the bartender over for another round.
"Nah uh, I don't think you need any more." Sookie snorted with a shake of her head, shooing the bartender back away.
"You're no fun." I pouted. "I'm fine, really."
"You're drunk." Sookie pointed out. "Maybe we should..."
"No!" I quickly exclaimed, throwing my hand right over her mouth to silence her. Sookie raised an eyebrow as I nearly fell over, Quinn laying his hands on my shoulders to steady me. "Come on, this is the first time in years I've been able to have fun!"
"But you're drunk."
"And we have a very nice large handsome man to protect me from anyone who would want to..." I blinked, forgetting where my train of thought was going. "Sorry, what was I saying?"
"That's alright; you're not the first to get distracted by my good looks." Quinn teased, squeezing my shoulders as he forced me back down onto the stool I had been previously occupying. "Let's just try sitting for now."
"And some water." Sookie shouted loud enough for the bartender to hear.
"Really, I'm fine. You're all party poopers." I stuck my tongue out at them.
Sookie snickered. "Yeah you are so drunk. Godric would just be thrilled with you right now."
"Oh he probably knows." I shrugged, and shrugged, and shrugged some more. Shrugging was completely amusing. Did you ever realize just how amusing it could be to shrug your shoulders?
Okay, so maybe I was drunk. But I deserved one night when I could get intoxicated as hell. I didn't care if I found myself sleeping by the toilet tonight, waking up with one heck of a hangover. I just wanted one night to have fun, to just let loose and not worry about anything. I think after everything I've gone through lately, I deserved at least that.
"We should dance!" My eyes grew wide as I twisted around on the stool and shot a glance over to the dance floor of the club. "Please please please please please please..."
"You're not going to stop saying please until we say yes, are you?" Sookie groaned.
"Nope! Please please please please..." I was suddenly silenced by Quinn's large hand circling around my wrist and tugging me off of the bar stool.
"Come on you annoying little drunk Phoenix." He grinned down at me, his dark eyes sparkling. "Care to join us Sookie?"
"You guys go ahead." Sookie waved us along, a knowing look on her face.
I stuck my tongue out at her as Quinn led me across the dance floor to a fairly empty spot large enough to fit his form comfortably. I nearly tripped over my own feet, and then a pair of a complete stranger's feet, but I made it unharmed. I couldn't remember the last time I had been completely drunk. Actually, I wasn't sure if I ever had been. I had never been a big drinker or partier. My brother had raised me right I suppose, and after he had passed away, I had to work my ass off just to pay the bills. I didn't have time to get flat out drunk. And once I met Godric, he had turned my world completely upside down, but in a completely fantastic sort of way. God knows that once all the trouble began, I hadn't had a chance to even think about getting intoxicated, not to the point that I could barely even walk. And I had to admit, while this was totally out of character, I was enjoying myself.
I'm sure I would be saying the opposite tomorrow morning, but for now, to hell with it all!
"Sookie thinks I like you." I blurted out.
I apparently didn't have any censors when I was drunk.
"Oh?" he raised an eyebrow in amusement as he set his large hands on my hips as I swayed dangerously from side to side. We didn't really dance; mostly we just stood there in the middle of the sweaty dance floor taking up space. But I don't think I could have done more than move a few inches without losing complete balance. Quinn didn't seem to mind though.
"Yep. But it's Sookie, she's a little..." I waved him closer. He chuckled as he ducked his head down so I could whisper in his ear. "She's a little different."
"is that so?" he looked like he wanted to burst out laughing as his dark orbs turned to meet mine, his face still incredibly close. I could feel his hot breath on my neck and it sent a thrilling chill right up my spine. I had to grab onto his muscular arms to keep upright and it was surprising just how warm he was. I knew from Sookie that shifters ran incredibly warm. But to be this close to one, especially one I didn't know all that well, well it was a bit shocking. Then again, I've spent years around vampires. I've only been close with Godric and Eric over the past few years of my life, more so them than even humans.
"You're warm." I commented.
"We're like that." He nodded as he straightened, a kind smile on his face. "Do you want to get some air? You're running hot yourself."
"Ah, yeah, sure." I nodded. "What about..."
"She's going to the ladies room and then she'll meet us outside." Quinn gazed over the top of my head, and I guessed they were communicating silently.
"Okay!" I nodded, and nodded and...
Nodding was extremely amusing too.
"You are most definitely drunk." Quinn chuckled as he wrapped an arm around my waist to lead me around the many bodies in the club more effectively. Once we were outside, like the gentleman that he was, he shrugged off his sports jacket and wrapped it around my bare shoulders. He led me over to a bench just outside of the club and sat me down, the world beginning to spin in pretty colours all around us by that point. "How are you feeling, babe?"
"The world is looks incredibly awesome when it's spinning." I closed one eye, and then the other, and then repeating the process. It was amazing what I would find thrilling when I was intoxicated. I was certain I looked like a complete mental case, and I probably was. But who cares. Quinn didn't seem to mind my drunken quirks. Or at least I hoped he didn't judge me for tonight.
Though I wasn't entirely sure why I cared.
"I'm taking a wild guess that you're blowing off some steam from the Northman situation." Quinn guessed as he gazed down at me.
"How'd you guess?" I rolled my eyes. "Is it written on my forehead...its' not is it?"
I raised a hand and began rubbed my forehead as if I would rub off some imaginary ink. Quinn's smile only widened as he grabbed my hand, his large palm encasing my own small hand and tugged it gently down from my forehead. He held my hand in his lap, and I found myself enjoying his touch. He was still amazingly warm, even though he was only wearing a thin shirt and it was still chilly here in Dallas.
"He did quite a number on you." He mused. "For you to be drinking like this."
"How do you know I don't do this all the time?" I pointed out at him...literally pointing my finger up at him, which I think he only found more amusing.
"You don't seem like the type."
"You're right." I shrugged my shoulders, pulling Quinn's jacket tighter around my form. "I'm damaged."
"You're damaged huh?"
"Yep. Extremely damaged. I'm scary and damaged, in case you didn't know."
"I doubt that. You seem anything but scary and damaged." He squeezed my hand.
"Oh but I am. Eric damaged me." I craned my neck to stare up at Quinn.
"Well if it helps, you do damaged very well." he raised a hand up to brush some of the hair back behind my ear. "And you're not the only damaged one, so don't worry."
"You're not damaged. You can't be. You're extremely not damaged. You're like...handsome, and beautiful. And pretty. Very very pretty." I nodded rapidly.
"Pretty huh?" he laughed. I found that I liked his laugh even more than I liked his touch. It was deep and made my cheeks flush. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered that such a beautiful woman has called me pretty or not."
"Be flattered. Be very flattered. Eric was pretty. But he's an asshole. You're not an asshole." I was just rambling like no other.
"How do you know I'm not an asshole?"
"Because if you were, you would have tried something with me. I'm not exactly stable right now." Again, I was pointing at him. "But you're not. Because you're pretty. A good pretty."
"Is that right? Well I guess I can't complain then."
"Nopers!" I bobbed my head up and down before catching sight of Sookie coming out of the club, my jacket lying over an arm. "Sookie! I've missed you!"
"Oh I just can't wait to see you tomorrow." She shook her head with a laugh. "Come on; let's get you back to the hotel."
"I'll grab us a cab." Quinn squeezed my hand one last time before standing and striding a few feet away
"Psst, Sookie..." I grabbed her arm and pulled her down beside me.
"What?" She raised an eyebrow. "If you're going to throw up, don't do it on me."
"That's not what I was going to say!" I yanked her closer. "Oh no wait..."
Sookie groaned as she pushed me around just in time for the vomit to rise and make a very unpleasant splash all over the sidewalk.
"Oh yeah, this is going to be such a fun night." Sookie snorted, holding my hair back and rubbing my back. "Such a fun night."