Page 130 (1/2)

“My daughter is Alyssa Bradley,” Gabriel told one of the security guards at the door “If she co a break from the music”

“Yes, sir,” he said, nodding at the two of us “Only Alyssa Bradley is allowed through”

The wine had hit htly in ht red curtains He helpedtaters

“You need water,” he said, sliding in the booth next to me “It’ll combat the alcohol a bit”

I rubbed attilasses to calm my nerves”

“That rarely works,” he said sagely “Trust me from personal experience Deal with your shit when you’re sober You won’t have unhealthy copingrun”

I nodded and took a sip of water

“I don’t usually drink,” I admitted “I don’t like the way it makes me feel like I’m not in control”

“And you usually feel the need to be in control?” he askedme to my seat

“Well someone needs to be,” I quipped “Got knows my mother never was”

He sat back and studied me for a moment “What makes you say that?”

“Years of living with her?” I suggested, shrugging my shoulders “She’s been pretty wrapped up in her shitty boyfriends for the past ten years of my life It’s like my dad never really existed to her”

“Everyone has to lance in my direction as I sipped at my water “Is that why you’re with her? Because she moved on?”

My stoly when I looked away fro that involved my mother and her boyfriends Especially the current one

“I didn’t come out here to talk aboutthat I had another glass of wine to steadyto let it ruin my break away from school”