Chapter 37 Two doors, two men

Chapter 37 Two doors, two men
Trisha’s POV

I looked out the window and noticed the sky had shifted to evening. The living room lights felt warmer now, and Elias looked even more tipsy. His hand kept drifting between the glass and the bottle, like he couldn’t decide which one he trusted more.

I reached for his phone on the table to check the time. Tom would be home soon. I set the phone back down and pushed my chair back to stand.

Before I took a step, Elias caught my wrist. His grip was clumsy but strong.

“Please don’t go,” he said.

I let out a breath and tried to pull free, but he didn’t release me.

“I have to, Elias. It was nice hanging out with you, really. I might stop by again. But right now I need to get home. My fiancé will walk through the door any minute.”

His fingers slackened. He finally let go.

“Can you take me to my room? I don’t feel good. I need to sleep this off.”

That much I could manage. I slid my arm under his and helped him rise. He leaned a bit too heavily on me as we walked down the hallway. The door to what seemed like the master bedroom was already half open.

The room stopped me for a moment. Everything inside looked expensive. The kind of expensive that feels cold if you touch it. The living room had been impressive, but this was something else.

Then I noticed the open briefcase on the bed.

Stacks of hundred-dollar bills filled it, neat and bright like they had never been touched by anyone.

My mouth fell open.

Oh my god.

Elias mumbled something behind me, reminding me why we were here. He sagged a little to the side and I quickly steadied him, moving him toward the bed before he slipped to the floor.

Satisfied, I eased Elias down on the bed and pulled the blanket over him. His breathing settled almost at once. I straightened and glanced around the room again. My eyes drifted back to the briefcase on the mattress.

The money looked unreal. My body leaned toward it before I even realized what I was doing. I stopped myself. I wasn’t about to touch anything. For all I knew, this could be a setup. I liked nice things, sure, but I wasn’t stupid. And if Elias meant what he said earlier about liking me, then maybe I needed to show him I didn’t come running at the sight of cash.

I let my gaze sweep over the rest of the room. Expensive products sat on the dresser. A Versace shirt was tossed over the couch like it cost nothing. He probably had an entire closet full of clothes like that. But I wasn’t here to explore his life or his money.

I headed for the door instead. Every step felt deliberate, like I needed to prove to myself I wasn’t tempted. I slipped out of the room and made my way through the apartment. When I reached the front door, I pulled it shut gently behind me. The lock clicked on its own.

I crossed the hall to Tom’s side of the apartment and paused in front of his door. I lifted my hand to knock, but then I heard footsteps coming from the opposite end of the hallway. Tom appeared, walking toward me with his keys in his hand.

I shifted my stance quickly so it looked like I had been waiting for him. 

As soon as Tom came close enough, I pushed myself off the wall and stepped in to hug him. My arms barely touched him when he pushed me back.

“Oh my god, you reek of alcohol,” he said. “Where did you even get alcohol? You smell terrible.”

I stared at him, confused. We drank all the time. Yes, I had alcohol, but he was acting like I had rolled in a gutter.

I dropped my hands and straightened. “You were taking a time, so I went to a nearby lounge to drink and pass the time.”

“You could have gone to a restaurant to eat,” he said. “Instead of going out there and ridiculing yourself. What if someone carried you off? What if something happened to you because you were drunk?”

My mouth opened in shock. I didn’t even know how to respond. That was when I noticed the door to Elias’ apartment move. Elias stepped out, leaning on the frame, watching us.

I switched into acting mode fast. “Are you serious, Tom? I’ve had the worst day and you can’t even ask how I am. You just started insulting me out here. Do you even love me anymore?”

Tom rolled his eyes and moved closer. “That’s not what I meant, babe. You’re drunk. Stop shouting. Let’s go inside.” He opened the door. I thought he was about to help me in, but he stepped inside alone and left me standing there.

I scoffed and glanced around. Elias was still at his doorway, swaying slightly. I gave him a tight smile before I followed Tom into the apartment. I wondered what he was doing outside again, but I didn’t get long to think.

Tom’s voice cut into the silence. “Did you cook anything?”

I let out a short breath. “Are you serious? What part of I lost my phone did you forget?”

“You lost your phone, not the password to the house,” he said. “Or did the alcohol make you forget that too? Are you telling me you didn’t cook anything for me? I’ve been working all day.”

I stared at him. “Wait. I know that tone. Why are you talking to me like I’m some stranger? What is this about?”

He didn’t answer.

I shook my head. “I thought you’d at least be happy to come home and see the video you’ve been trying to upload. I uploaded it. But you’re here yelling at me.”

Tom’s eyes widened. He shot up from the couch. “Really? Where can I find it on the internet?”

My voice rose. “Are you fucking serious, Tom. Is that all you got from what I said?”

Tom sighed and stepped closer. “Look, I had a long, rough day at work. I was thinking about you the whole time. Thinking about your phone situation. I couldn’t wait to get home. I’m sorry if I spoke to you in a way you didn’t like. You know I would never do that on purpose.”

I watched him, unsure if I should believe him yet.

He touched my arm. “Go shower and go to bed. I’ll come in with you. Or no… We’ll shower together, then you can lie down and wait for me. I’ll get us something to eat and also get you your phone. I’ll even get a drink for myself so I can get high with you. Then we’ll have fun tonight. How does that sound?”

I found myself smiling a little, even though part of me still felt bruised by the way he talked to me outside. “I guess that could work.”

“Great,” he said. “Go shower first. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

I nodded and started to walk past him. Before I got far, he spoke again.

“But first, can you tell me where you posted the video? I want to find it.”

“Sure.” I took his phone from his hand, typed in the page, and gave it back to him. “There. I’ll be right back.”

He glanced at the screen, then at me. “You’re going to shower now?”

“Yes. Are you coming with me?”

“In a minute,” he said. “Go ahead.”

I nodded once more, then headed toward the bathroom.