Chapter 39: Toxic
Sarah
I let Josh guide me over to the open bar, my mind still reeling from the heated confrontation with Matthew. The bartender, a handsome guy with a friendly smile, asks what we’d like.
"Two vodka cranberries, please," I say. "And make them doubles."
Josh raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything.
A strong drink is exactly what I need right now.
As the bartender mixes our cocktails, Josh turns to me, concern etched on his face. "Seriously though, Sarah. What’s going on with you and Matthew? The tension between you two is thicker than the humidity tonight."
I sigh, not really wanting to get into the sordid details. "It’s complicated," I say vaguely, accepting my drink from the bartender with a grateful nod.
Josh isn’t deterred. "Complicated how? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like my best friend is in a pretty toxic situation."
I take a long sip of my drink, the tartness of the cranberry mixing with the sharp bite of vodka. I welcome the burn in my throat.
"Matthew and I...we’re just going through a rough patch," I say, not meeting Josh’s eyes. "Newlywed growing pains, you know?"
Josh frowns, clearly unconvinced. "Sarah, I’ve known you for years. I can tell when something’s not right. And the way he grabbed you just now, the things he said...that’s not normal."