chapter 17

Emilio Mendez*

"Justin, why did you offer me that kind of a deal?"

As soon as that question came out of her mouth, she bends over and vomited probably all of what she ate tonight. I hastily seize her hair out of the way and pat her back.

I can't believe she's drunk like this. I had a hunch they would be celebrating tonight since its her last day at work as she once mentioned it to me but I didn't expect her to be this drunk. But somehow, seeing her alone waiting for me at the lobby made me smile. At least that jerk Mr. Parker is not with

her.

When she finished throwing up, I offer her my ash handkerchief and she wipes her mouth. I resume guiding her until we reach her front door. I glance down at her door and notice that it has two locks.

"Keys, Bethy."

Instead of giving me her keys, she looks up at me with shock clouding her eyes.

"You want a kiss right now, Emilio?"

"What!" I stare at her in horror as I realize she had misunderstood me. "No! Jesus Christ Bethy, I mean...the keys to