Free Drunk and Disorderly (Love in the City Short) by Liv Morris

onto the floor. He stares at me stunned. I’m stunned too.
    “That’s it. You’re crazy. Completely nuts.” His voice is raised, almost to the point of yelling. “I think it’s better that we stay away from each other tonight. I’ll see you when it’s time to step in front of the microphone. Until then get the hell out of my sight.”
    “For your information you weren’t the best sex I’ve ever had.” I know. I’m lying through my teeth here but no way am I letting him get away with thinking that he was all that. Even though he was. Well, you get my drift.
    I turn on my heels and head back to the bar and straight into the chest of Mr. Reynolds. He’s standing with his hands across his chest looking between Coop and me. It would be safe to assume he heard some of what we said. Likely witnessed my ice toss. I’m tempted to crawl under one of the casino tables.
    “I have no idea what is or has gone on between you two. But the success of tonight’s event is too important to let some lover’s spat affect it. I expect both of you to act like grown ups. Am I making myself clear?” Oh boy, Mr. Reynolds isn’t his usual jolly self.
    “Sir, we just came to an understanding, right, Ms. Montgomery?” Coop says.
    I nod in agreement. “I can assure we won’t let anything like this happen again.”
    “Okay.” Mr. Reynolds eyes us speculatively. “I need to help with a display, but I’ll be watching.”
    Mr. Reynolds heads to a table by the stage where Coop and I will be standing later. I swear I heard Mr. Reynolds muttering under his breath, but I couldn’t make it out.
    Now with an empty glass in my hand, I continue my trip across the room to the bar. I don’t even glance back at Coop, but I feel his eyes on me. Burning my backside. Deliciously. Damn him.
    People start arriving about thirtyminutes after the “incident.” I’m finishing up my second drink and contemplating a third. The room isn’t spinning. I’m still able to stand, so I order one more. This next drink was my big mistake as the third one was what tipped the scales of sobriety.
    I feel a hand gripping my arm hard, just above the elbow. Fingers dig into my flesh and I let out a little cry protesting the pain.
    “Hey,” I say, wincing from the discomfort. Following the arm attached to mine, I see it belongs to none other than Coop. “What the hell do you want?”
    “For one, that this night was over. And second, for you to sober up. How many drinks have you had?”
    “Sober up?” I ask. “I’m fine. Just dandy.”
    “Good God.” He holds my hand while pulling me with him. He’s likely twice my weight and a good eight inches taller than me, so all I can do is follow him. “I think you’re going to be Vanna White tonight. Just stand up at the mic, look beautiful and smile.”
    “I’m fine. Seriouz…” The word won’t come out of my mouth right.
    “See what I mean. You can’t even talk.”
    I decide to keep my mouth shut, afraid that anything I say will make his point valid. He practically drags me across the floor to the front of the ballroom. There’s a little stage for us to stand on. Coop helps me up a step to the platform then guides me on to the raised floor. He steps up to the microphone, which is attached to a podium and raises the mic a few inches. He side eyes me. It’s a quick glance but he conveys a lot with it. Mostly, Keep your damn mouth shut.
    He taps the mic to gather the crowd’s attention and so the evening begins. Tap… tap… tap.
    “Good evening, ladies and gentleman. I’m Andrew Cooper, Peachtree’s new assistant football coach.” There’s a roar of applause, shouts and hollering. I guess he truly is a big deal after all. Whatever. “Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m looking forward to giving back to the Atlanta community here at Peachtree. Joining me tonight is Ms. Montgomery. Our new art teacher.”
    I do a perfect Vanna White impression and wave at the crowd smiling like I’m Miss