"I know a cure for that," Owen said. He gave me a smacking kiss and got us two more beers. He really was not kidding about wanting to drink and party.
My only consolation was that Anya appeared to be captivated by Jasper. Owen told me they had flirted very heavily the night she stayed over, and it seemed like they were picking up right where they left off.
"Wouldn't that be a good couple? Then they could both go off to wherever his new job is and leave us in peace," Owen said.
"I like the sound of that. But I wouldn't want to break up your clan," I said.
"Quinn, it’s a game," he said. "I know it’s my job, but it’s also just a game. This is real life." He slipped his hand around my waist and squeezed.
"How drunk are you?"
He shook his head. "I can handle it. Sienna never liked me to drink."
I frowned. It was the most effective way to get me off his case, but I was disgusted that he had used it. "Well, you have fun with that, and I'm going to go look up your roommate. Something still doesn't feel right."
Jasper had moved Owen's computer to a kitchen cupboard and I pulled it down and tucked myself into the corner. From there, I was not shocked to pull up scant results for Jasper Collins. He had a few social media accounts, but there was nothing about his work. No profile webpage, no advertising, no freelance hub connections.
I looked up and accidentally caught Jasper's eye. He was watching me with a steady look that belied his carefree, partying facade. The look made a chill run up the back of my neck. It only got worse when I
saw Anya shamelessly flirting with Jasper. She rubbed her tightly clad body along his, but her eyes were on Owen.
"Not in the mood to party?" Owen asked. He leaned heavily against the counter next to me.
"I guess I'm still wishing our quiet night together had stayed that way," I said.
I knew Owen needed to relax and I knew he was surrounded by friends. If anyone was allowed to cut loose and drink, it was him. He was home, he wasn't going anywhere, and he needed to blow off some steam. Still, I did not like the smell of alcohol on his breath or the semi-glaze creeping across his eyes.
"Can I make a confession?" he asked.
"Are you sure you want to do that now?"
"You mentioned it earlier, and earlier I couldn't really find the right thing to say." Owen took both of my hands. "I probably still can't figure out the right words, but I've got a better chance now that I've had a few beers."
"A boozy confession? How romantic," I said.
"Really, Quinn? I'm about to tell you that I think I've always loved you and all you can do is judge me for drinking a few beers?" He dropped my hands.
"You know that's not true. I'm not judging you. I just think maybe this isn't the time or the place. There are other things you should be worrying about," I said.
"I don't want to worry, that's the whole point," Owen said. His voice was getting too loud. "Sienna made me worry all the time. The only time I felt like I could be myself was with you."
"Please, Owen, can we at least go outside?" I asked.
"You know what she used to say about you? Sienna used to call you flighty. Said you weren't really that good at anything so you tried anything. She said you tried your whole life to find something you could do better than her. Is that the reason you're with me? Is that the reason you quit your nursing program and have been messing around with my profession?"
My chest hurt, but I took a deep breath. "You know better than anyone the hurtful things Sienna could say when she was on a downswing."
"What? You don't think I noticed?" he asked. "You don't think I asked if she wanted to get help?"
"I think maybe this conversation really has nothing to do with me," I said. I pushed out of the kitchen corner, but Owen grabbed my arm.
"I'm trying to tell you how much I care for you and you're walking away?" he asked.
"You're drunk and you're hurting me. I'm leaving," I said.
I yanked my arm free and dodged through the crowded apartment to the door. I thought the fresh air would help, but as soon as I got to the front steps and took a deep breath, I felt a sob rise up from my chest.
Owen had not meant any of it to come out that way. He had drunk a few beers, let his guard down, and his filter was gone. I knew if I just went home, I would probably hear drunken apology messages all night. It would be best to just wait and see him tomorrow.