Interlinked

Chapter 44

Chapter 44:

We're in August.

I go to New York in three weeks from now.

Where the fuck is Richard?

   Stop thinking, my mind keeps begging me as I stare at brain damage shot while the loud music blasts in the crowded club. I stare at the shot and my eyes enjoy the human creation of the brain in one of the world's most destructive makings: alcohol. Only a human knows that everything around him is destructive when it exceeds the limits, even fighting to bring back a love that never existed is as toxic as this drink I'm staring at.

  "Hey!" An unusual loud voice that belongs to female rings in my ear and I turn around to see who the voice belongs to.

Nothing I've seen in my life and definitely not repulsive in anyway. She's got pale skin with red hair and striking green eyes that link to the freckles on her face. The redness around her eyes is quite noticeable and I'm guessing it's either she was crying or she's baked. Since the makeup on her face is properly adjusted, then I'm going with the second option.

 "Hey?" My word comes out more of a question rather than it is an open invitation to let her take a seat to my left.

"Why so lonely?" Her is voice a bit louder than earlier as the DJ drops the bass and hollers rise in the club.

 "I was," I look around and see what appears to be like Raquel's back but that's not possible ... the girl has fair short hair and Raquel well ... I don't think people can grow their hair this instantly. In a matter of seconds I turn around and drink the shot in front of me before turning back to her. "Waiting for the right person."

 "I'll take it that you've been waiting for me then?" She asks and I try to swallow the lump in my throat. I smile nervously at her, but at the same time I'm hoping she does not realize the struggle I'm going through at the moment.

 "How do you like your drink?" I ask her and she instantly flashes a bright smile, quite appealing too.

"I'll have a beer," she winks and plops herself on the empty stool to my left.

"Just a beer?" I joke, a slop sided grin plasters on my face as I signal for the bartender.

"It always starts with a beer," so I'm guessing she's flirtatious.

 I smile at her and notice the bartender is standing right in front of us. "Two beers please," I speak and then move my forefinger as it pushes the glass in the bartender's direction. "So what's your name?"

"Amber." She confidently says and I nod, "What's yours?"

"Zayn," I reply and I feel a hand draping over my shoulders. I look to the side and see Richard with messed hair and an extremely dark stare in his eyes.

 "Hey, baby!" He says loud enough for the entire world to hear him and I bulge my eyes in surprise. "Who's this?" He asks, motioning his free hand in Amber's direction.

 "Uh," I cough, and look at Amber who by the look on her face is overwhelmed. "Amber. Amber this is-"

"Dani," he rushes to speak and I knit my eyebrows and stare dumbfounded at Dani, "Zayn's boyfriend." And that's when I snapped my head in his direction and gave him my full attention.

 "What?!" Amber and I say at the same time only Amber is a little louder than me. I look at her and she glares at me and from the look on her face I'm probably dead. "You're GAY?!" She shrieks and the bartender stops dead in his track.