I walked back into the club, thankful for the dim lighting to hide my tear stained cheeks.
I walked right past the table that Erin, Jade, Susan and Tara had gotten near the corner.
"Hey, Adrienne!" I heard Susan call after me, but I continued to walk back to the restroom.
I went in and stood over the sink.
I grabbed some tissues and tried to salvage what was left of my makeup.
Erin and Susan walked in behind me.
"What's the matter? What's going on?" Susan asked.
I just shook my head.
Meanwhile, Hayden had made his way back into the club and walked over to Adam.
"Hey, I thought you left me," Adam said half laughing, holding a beer out for Hayden.
Hayden just shook his head, clearly still dazed. "Sorry, Addie and I needed to talk."
Adam noticed Hayden's dazed look and raised his eyebrows, taking a swig of his beer. "I am not asking -- I don't even want to know."
Hayden rolled his eyes, taking a swig of his own beer.
~~~
"That bastard, what did he do to you?!" Susan exclaimed.
"Please calm down," I replied, wiping my eyes.
"I'm serious -- what did he do this time?"
"It's not what he did, its what I did, alright?!" I exploded.
Erin and Susan looked at me, completely confused.
"He said some things, I blew up at him and then I kissed him." I looked down at the ground, completely ashamed of my actions.
Erin shook her head in confusion and Susan's eyes widened, "you did what?!"
~~~
"She did?" Adam asked, a look of genuine surprise on his face.
Hayden nodded, avoiding eye contact with Adam. "Yeah- this whole thing just got even more complicated."
"It doesn't have to be -- " Adam countered. "I mean, you're a player - she's engaged...let it be a mistake and that's it."
Hayden looked at Adam, "I guess that's the way you see me too then, huh? Some raging womanizer?"
Adam shrugged, "well, I was half joking....but if you look at your track record, it sort of speaks for itself...but hey man, I'm not judging -- to each his own."
Hayden shook his head, "well I'm tired of people seeing me that way -- I'm different now. I've made a lot of mistakes but I'm working on turning things around."
Adam nodded, "I'm sorry man. I really was just busting your chops - I wasn't trying to insult you."
"I know," Hayden replied. "I just know how badly I hurt Adrienne and for what? A few parties and one night stands? It's all meaningless...."
"Well, like you said- turn things around for yourself," Adam replied. "Go out and meet a nice girl- "
"--I don't want to meet another girl," Hayden said, his eyes looking out over the expanse of the club. "I want Adrienne."