Her voice cracked like she was about to cry, and then she added, "Jason just wants to help me fulfill my last wish... I swear, we never meant to hurt you..."
I could hear Jason’s voice now, soothing, tender. "Ava, don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll take care of everything."
They were practically in a bubble of their own, ignoring me completely. Their little affectionate exchange made my stomach churn.
"Jason, if you care about her so much, then stay with her!" I yelled, the words burning in my throat. "Forget the wedding. Just cancel it!"
I felt this wave of emotion rising like I was going to break down at any moment, but no tears came. I just reached for another drink.
One glass after another, I drank until the world spun around me, a kaleidoscope of light and noise, each color blending into the next.
I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point, I felt someone supporting me, warm hands pressing against my back. The faint smell of laundry powder filled the air.
It was Chase Thompson.
"Em, you’ve had too much to drink," his voice was soft, full of concern.
His hands steadied me as the world around me continued to swirl. I closed my eyes, grateful for the warmth, even if it was temporary.