Nix appears at my side. We reach for her at the same time, keeping her upright by holding onto her arms on either side. Her head lolls to the side, her body about to give out.

“What the fuck did you take?” Nix snaps.

“Hydrocodone… it’s just for pain.” Her voice is nothing more than a sleepy whisper.

“That’s some strong shit. How much champagne did you drink?”

“Um, two… I think.”

“Great. Can you go and get the car? I don’t feel like carrying her,” I tell Nix. Even though I wouldn't mind carrying her, I do, however, want a moment alone with her. Nix curses under his breath and disappears down the alley toward the parking lot.

Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her closer, holding up most of her weight now. Her silky red hair dances in the wind. Parts of it reflect the colorful neon sign from above the restaurant, making her skin glow.

Closing her eyes, she actually leans against me. Her head ends up on my chest, her arms hanging useless by her side. If I wasn’t already sure she was really out of it, I am certain now. Clearheaded Leni would never lean on me like this. She would never be this trusting.

“Don’t drool on my shirt,” I whisper when she cuddles up to me even more. I don’t really care if she messes up my shirt. She looks up at me like she’s about to say something, but her lips stay sealed while her eyes slowly close. Her facial features relax, and her legs give out completely.

A moment later, Nix pulls up, parking a few feet away from us. Noticing she is out completely now, he gets out and opens the back door. I carry her to the car and place her limp body on the back seat. She instantly relaxes. Curling up on her side, she tucks her hands under her head like a pillow.

“You’d better get in with her or buckle her up or something.” Nix isn’t wrong, especially considering he is driving. My brother takes the speed limit more as a suggestion than a requirement.

I close the door at her feet carefully and walk around to the other side. There, I slide my hands under her head and lift her up slowly, just enough for me to sit down and let her head rest on my knee.

Her breathing remains even, her body motionless beside the subtle rising and falling of her chest. Her red hair fans over my leg, and I use the moment to catch a few strands between my fingers.