“So, I can take you to work? Don’t forget, we’re going on a double date with Nolan and Harper tonight. I can pick you up after work and take us straight to the restaurant.”
“I guess that makes the most sense,” I said.
He held my hand during the entire ride, and before I was ready, he’d stopped near the embassy to let me out.
“I love you, Kassidy,” Evan said, kissing me once more before I got out of the truck. “Be safe today.”
“I love you, too. And I will.”
It was a busy day at work, but Evan and I texted each other continuously, mostly sending funny memes and videos to each other as we worked.
29
EVAN
That evening, I could see Kassidy’s excitement when I picked her up for our double date. I knew she’d been stressed lately, and I was glad we were having a fun night together with our friends. Kassidy and Harper had chosen an Italian restaurant for our date, and the two of them hadn’t stopped chatting since they’d greeted each other in the parking lot. Kassidy’s obvious happiness was rubbing off on me, and I was content just watching her and spending time with Nolan outside of work.
“I wish that I had a job where I felt like I was making more of a difference. The more you tell me about St. Christopher’s Refuge, the more amazing it sounds,” Kassidy said, popping a bite of cheesy breadstick into her mouth.
“I definitely got very lucky when I found my job,” Harper answered. “But you’re a diplomat. You don’t feel like you’re making a difference?”
“Maybe when I was working in Afghanistan and people really needed help. But in America? I’m just helping companies become richer.”
“Have you thought about what you’d rather do?” Harper asked.
“I have,” Kassidy said. “Evan and I actually talked last night about me moving to DC permanently, but I’m not sure what kind of job I’d want.”
“Really? You’re going to stay?” Harper asked, standing up and hugging Kassidy. “I’m so excited!”
“Thank you,” Kassidy said with a blush, and when the waitress came back to check on us, she ordered a glass of wine, and Harper ordered a cocktail.
“You two are so cute together,” Harper said. “And I feel like I have Evan to thank for your decision to stay, at least partly.”
“You’d be right,” Kassidy said with a smile.
“I knew it. It’s pretty clear from where I’m sitting that he’s crazy about you,” Harper said.
Kassidy’s blush deepened as she glanced at me, and I smiled at her as I pulled her closer. “I’m definitely crazy about you,” I told her, kissing her on the temple.
“I’m crazy about you, too,” Kassidy replied, then took a sip of her wine.
“It seems like my tolerance level isn’t so good tonight,” Kassidy said a few minutes later, gesturing to her glass of wine. Her voice sounded a bit off, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint what was different.
“Maybe the alcohol content is higher than you’re used to,” Nolan said, then glanced at his fiancé. “Are you feeling okay, Harper?”
“Yep, I’m perfect,” Harper said with a smile as she took another sip of her drink.
“Oh, I already knew that,” Nolan quipped, staring at her lovingly.
“You are so sweet, Nolan,” Kassidy said, and I looked at her in surprise, suddenly jealous that she’d called another man sweet. The envy disappeared quickly, though, because unexpectedly, Kassidy was leaning against me, her eyes closed. “Are we back on a cruise ship? I feel like we’re rocking right now.”
“Are you okay, Sunshine?” I asked worriedly. She seemed unsteady even as she leaned against me, so I pushed my chair back and pulled her into my lap. She went willingly, curling up against my chest and tucking her head under my chin, and I rubbed her back gently. “Something is wrong. Nolan, can you find out when our food will be ready? She needs something to eat to soak up the alcohol.”
He nodded, getting up and walking towards the kitchen area. A few minutes later, he was back with another plate of breadsticks.
“They gave me these, since our food isn’t done yet.”
I started to reach for a breadstick, but Kassidy interrupted me, opening her eyes again. “Can I have some water? I’m really thirsty,” she said. I could barely understand her. I scooted my glass of water over to her and she took a few sips and then stood up shakily. “I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Let me carry you,” I said, standing up myself and reaching out to pick her up.
“I can walk,” Kassidy said as she swayed back and forth on her feet. I had to put a hand out to steady her.
“Maybe so, but you aren’t going to,” I said, but Harper interrupted, standing up as well.
“I’ll help her get to the bathroom and keep her safe. It’s too crowded in here for you to carry her, and you aren’t going to be allowed into the women’s bathroom, anyways.”
“Alright, you have a good point,” I conceded, letting her help Kassidy, but only because I trusted Harper completely.
30
KASSIDY
I could barely keep my eyes open as Harper led me to the bathroom.
“I don’t feel so good,” I said. “What’s wrong with me?”
“I’m not sure, but we’re going to figure it out. Once you use the bathroom, we’ll see if drinking more water will help.”
“Okay,” I said, although I wasn’t sure if it was out loud or not.
I somehow managed to use the bathroom, and once I’d washed my hands, Harper started to lead me back to our table. Before we’d taken more than a few steps, though, we came to a stop.
“What are you doing?” I heard Harper say, and I peeled my eyes open to see what was going on.
There were two men standing in the hallway, blocking us from going any further. “Alexander?” I asked, recognizing one of them. My muddled brain couldn’t figure out why the Paradise Cruises executive was there, and I was worried I was imagining him.
“It’s so nice to see you, Kassidy,” I heard him say, stalking towards Harper and me. His leering face was the last thing I saw before I drifted into darkness.
Evan
“Do you think she’s okay?” Nolan asked as we waited for Kassidy and Harper to return from the bathroom.
“I’m not sure. She only had one glass of wine, which shouldn’t have affected her so strongly.” I kept my eyes pinned to the hallway they’d just gone down, impatient for Kassidy to come back so I could keep an eye on her. I’d seen her drink alcohol before, and she’d never reacted like that.
Something niggled quietly in my gut, and I tried to push it away. I took a deep breath to steady myself, trying to prevent myself from getting up and charging my way into the women’s bathroom, even though I’d agreed not to. I trusted Harper with my life, and I trusted her with Kassidy’s as well. I tried to keep my mind off of Kassidy by changing the subject, talking to Nolan about a new case for a few minutes. Then, I checked my watch.