Page 4 of Timelessly Ours

Alcohol.

Don’t panic. We can figure this out.

After a hot shower.

I sniffle along with a deep breath and hold my head high as I walk to the bathroom. It matches the guestroom with its midnight blue and ivory colors. The tiled floor is a smooth white. My bare feet move over to the plush rug in front of the sink. Gold hardware isn’t what I would have imagined for a man like Royce Collins. But it does accent the room beautifully.

Not like the sad little titled room I have back in my apartment. The one that fits one person at a time with mildew growing in the corners and space for either a shampoo or body wash in the shower.

I move over to the toilet and wait for the urge to hurl. I feel queasy as hell but…it doesn’t come.

Also, might want to rethink that, Nicky. If you deposit those painkillers, there’s zero chance of him giving you another dose.

Luckily, I’ve always been good at holding my liquor.

Hey, some women are proud to become CEO’s of million-dollar corporations. Me—I’m proud to be vomit-free since I was eighteen.

I wash my face, using the peppermint scented bar soap to wash off my makeup.

God, I was a mess last night. A real hot mess.

Way to go, Nicole. Way to prove your brother right.

I laugh at myself remembering how angry I was at him last night. At all of them.

My stomach churns but it’s not from the alcohol consumption. It’s the gut-wrenching realization I came across last night.

Tears threaten again and I turn, marching to the glass-enclosed shower that’s three times as big as mine. I turn the knob and watch the room begin to steam as I strip out of my bartender uniform a tad too eagerly.

There’s that queasiness again. “Slow your roll, hotshot,” I remind myself.

I step in and under the hot spray. It’s calm against my skin—scorching because that’s how I like it—but calming. I lather the peach scented shampoo over my hair and let the water run down my body. Rinsing away the alcohol seeping out of my pores.

This time I can't fight back the tears as I replay what I remember about last night.

12 hours ago

The Buffalo Blades just kicked off their new season and won. After losing in the finals last season, they needed this win. Their fans needed it.

And I'm more than happy to be part of the celebration tonight.

As head bartender at their favorite sports bar, Bridges, I'm always part of the celebration.

Might as well serve the drinks since I don't drink.

I'm also celebrating something tonight.

My biggest win yet.

Sober for two years, after being released from rehab. I’m not counting the months I spent there recovering and reflecting.

I breathe in the joy and smile as I witness some of my closest friends... and my twin brother, the captain of the Buffalo Blades, rein in their victory.

I'm no idiot, I know my brother doesn't love the idea of my working behind the bar again, but it's what I'm good at. I'm quick with my hands and feet, I charm every customer in the house... even the ladies. And I'm finally making my own money. Not letting Nick pay my way, regardless of how much he makes playing pro hockey.

“Nicole,” one of my best friends, Cora Knight, also my brother’s live-in girlfriend, calls.“Nick and I are heading out.”

I meet her across the bar for a quick peck on the cheek. “Love you. Keep him humble for me, will ya?” I tease.