She finished the wine quickly and held her glass out to him.
“Refill, please!”
“Of course.”
Back then, he would have stopped her right away, knowing she couldn’t hold her liquor.
Now, with his memory gone, that fact slipped right past him. Believing she enjoyed it, he topped off her glass without a second thought.
Meanwhile, she was on her way to getting thoroughly tipsy.
Oblivious, he asked, “You’re a fan of red wine? This one’s nothing special. I’ve got better stuff at home. When we get back to Srixby, I’ll pour you a glass.”
“That sounds perfect!” Hadley’s response came with an eager nod, and her tongue loosened up even more.
She propped her chin on her hand, giving Eric a teasing look.
“You were acting weird earlier… Did seeing Linda spark something for you?”
Eric paused, searching for the right words. She was not behaving like her usual self.
“Hey!” Hadley called out again, lifting her chin, finishing the wine in one go, and setting the glass down with a loud thud.
“Are you even listening? Say something!”
That was when it hit him—she was completely drunk.
He could hardly believe it. Was her tolerance really this bad?
Still, she had an odd sort of charm in this state.
“Answer me!” Once more, Hadley demanded an answer, grabbing the front of his shirt and tugging at it.
“Don’t just sit there. Did you remember anything?”
Her vision blurred as she looked up at him, his face swimming before her eyes.
She mumbled while shaking her head.
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“You must’ve remembered the good times, right? You two were together for so long. There’s got to be plenty you haven’t forgotten.”
“No,” Eric replied, giving a slow shake of his head while his brows knitted together.
Worried she might topple over, he slipped an arm around her waist for support.
His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard.
“You’re lying!” Hadley yelled, tears threatening to spill.
“I know you remember! Why else were you staring at her like that?”
Her hand shot out, grabbing his tie as she sprang to her feet.
“Now tell me the truth!”
“Hadley!” Eric called her name, not wanting her to fall, and pulled her close, holding her securely in his arms.
“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me—just answer the question!” Hadley’s words came out sharp, and her breath carried the heavy scent of wine that drifted straight into Eric’s face. Oddly enough, he didn’t mind it. The smell lingered like something warm and addictive, more inviting than the drink itself.
“Quit squirming!” Out of nowhere, Hadley grabbed his face, holding it between her palms as she shouted, “I told you to stay still!”
“I’m not the one swaying here.” Eric let out a quiet laugh and gently said, “You’re the one who can’t stay steady.”
“That’s a lie!” Her lower lip stuck out, and her eyes were starting to tear up.
.
.
.