Chapter 7: One Step too close
Merlina’s POV
I watched Craig, his hand gripping the drink like it might be the only thing holding him together.
He was all tight muscles and tension, not quite meeting my eyes as he took a fast and almost frantic sip, like he was trying to drown something with the alcohol.
"I already got one," he muttered, his voice distant, distracted, as if it hadn’t fully processed what I said.
I reached into my purse without thinking. "Oh. Okay... Can I at least cover the cost? I’m sorry you had to go through all that trouble."
I stretched my hand out, holding the cash. But the look on Craig’s face stopped me. Confusion first, then something sharper, like he was silently asking, Do you know who the hell I am?
There was a hint of arrogance in his eyes, that made me wonder if I overstepped some invisible line.
"Keep it," he snapped, his tone sharp. "You need it more than I do."
The words hit harder than I expected, a twist of something sharp pulling at my chest. I wasn’t sure if it was meant as an insult or just poorly timed, but it still stung. I forced a smile, but it felt wrong. The silence between us thickened, uncomfortable.
Across the bar, Keith and Phoebe were still deep in conversation, oblivious to the tension curling around the table. But Megan, of course, picked up on it immediately. She smiled sweetly, as if it were any other night.
"I think I’ll meet up with my brother," she said, already reaching for her purse. "See you guys later."