Chương 72: Chapter 72 - Don't Let Me Down

I got off the phone with Celeste, surprised that she wanted to see me.

I pinched my hip hard but I wasn't dreaming. She truly asked to come and see me. 'Damn who knew just getting into a fight would worry her this much.' This fight was not my first rodeo, my temper when it comes to things close to my heart is astronomical. Just remembering the events of that night made the fury run once more in my veins.

I had hit him hard with the bottle. The glass shattered and he slumped to the floor. I felt my blood rush to my ears, all the voices muddles around me into just a buzzing noise. I had tunnel vision, and he was only target.

He just never knew when to quit while he was ahead. For this nobody to even think he was on her level was pure insanity. He could barely charm his way into making friends among us, what did he think would happen there.

Maybe because I was not around much but I was sorely reminded of when Maverick also wanted to make a move on her back at the Gala. He wasn't as crude about it but still made a pass. Regardless I became blinded by rage.

I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up only to throw him harder on the ground. I got on top of him and began punching him wildly. My fist sometimes did not even connect to his face and would hit the hard floor beneath us.

But I did not care.

'How. Dare. He.' It was all I could think of. I felt hands pulling me off and shoving me to the ground but it did not matter who those hands belonged to. That creature needed to stop breathing today.

It wasn't until Alan got in my face when I heard her. It wasn't even a millisecond when her voice pierced whatever rage I was feeling. Her eyes were wide with fear and anxiety. I... caused that fear and anxiety.

Suddenly everything slowed down. The voices became more muddled and nothing mattered anymore. I was ashamed. This side of me was meant to be only whispers and rumors for her. Never the truth.

This ugly side that I never wanted her to know, she saw. I am sure she knew but seeing made it more real.

'Fuck I need to get out of here.' I turned my back and fully shoved off everyone who dogpiled me. I walked away. I have partied here before and was familiar with the laws. I could get into some deep shit if I did not handle the situation now. Grabbing my phone I called a friend. "Hey I need a place to stay tonight and a favor to ask."

My buddy Bee is a local prosecutor. When my parents sent me abroad for school they actually sent me to a military boarding school. I remember thinking at the time 'Aren't these types of schools only for high schoolers?'. But alas no it was a university and their idea was to force me to behave. That was where I met Bee.

Of course I found loopholes at every turn but it was harder keeping tabs on my people of interest. But with the school I built deep connections to not waste my time. So when I called, Bee was already ready. "Hey man. Send me your location imma send my sister Apple to get you. Verbally tell me what happened and I will stop by with my crew to get it cleaned up."

I normally would not want to evade the law especially when I was at fault, but I needed to get home. I also did not want to cause Alan any further issues.

The rest of the night was a blur. I rarely felt anxious but I was riddled with it. Bee took care of things and the wedding was still on as normal, but I felt sick. I have never blown up that bad.

No one called me. Alan only sent a text letting me know that it was not a big deal and that he would deal with his cousin. I felt alone and isolated. I fucked up.

But Celeste then did call me. Like liquid IV I felt rejuvenated. Her voice soothing the bruises and cuts on my body and soul. I looked around my place after her call. It was a mess from my nightmare and even more so after just throwing myself inside.

So I cleaned. I cleaned like the devil was stalking me. By the time I finished I just got in bed without even checking the time and slept like I died. I ended up waking up early to be ready when Celeste arrived.

But before I could get fully ready I saw I had a few missed calls. I was concerned it was Celeste but it was actually Rebecca instead. I dialed her back to see what was up.

She was normally not someone I would be on friendly terms with. But besides myself she and Alan are other people who know about my real feelings for Celeste. Rebecca was the first to find out when I panicked after seeing when Celeste withdrew from everyone after her breakup.

"Hello?" When she found out she promised to keep it a secret and has only given me small bits of information about Celeste when I asked. Which only happened when she stayed indoors and away. I never pried into exact details just small check ins to ensure she was safe.

"Hey Dean um thanks for returning my call." She seemed hesitant on the phone. Worried I would chew her out I assume. "Sure, everything ok?" There was only one common person of interest for the two of us.

"Ahh well its more so a warning and a gift." Her words confused me. 'Warning and gift?' She cleared her throat and spoke more quietly. "Felix is bringing Sol to my wedding, my future mother in law insisted on handling the guest list and approved of his request to bring her."

Ahh so there is the warning. "I adjusted the seating chart so they will be in the back. I gave Celeste a plus one incase she wanted to bring someone to keep her company. But considering her circumstances I am worried for her. So, my gift. I am moving your seat to be right next to her. Keep her company. I am willing to overlook the bachelor weekend if you just be there for her."

Her voice became even quieter as she spoke her next words. "For as long as I have known her she wears a mask. She hides what she really feels. But with you, I see just a crack of the real her. So... don't let me down."