Now or Never

edge of the bed, and then the other. Gripping the sheets, she steadied herself before standing. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember the last time she was this hung over. If she kept this up, she would need an intervention, she thought grabbing her robe from the back of the computer chair and cinching it around her waist. Cautiously, she shuffled out the door and down the hall to the bathroom. Her head pounded with every step. The tile floor was cold beneath her bare feet causing her to shiver.
    Grasping hold of the sink Grayson stared at her reflection. She looked like death warmed over. Her hair was a mess and parts of it stuck to the sides of her face. The face staring back at her was ghostly pale, and her eyes had dark circles underneath them. Not her best look. After splashing water on her face, Grace made her way to the kitchen, and lowered herself slowly into a chair.
    “Who was that nice young man who brought you home last night?” Her mother asked, a little too loudly, with a twinkle in her eye as she set down a steaming hot mug of coffee. Instant of course, but on a day like this Grayson could care less.
    Grayson groaned and dropped her head in her hands. “I have no idea.” She mumbled.
    “He’s a Taurus. I wouldn’t let this one get away.”
    “Of course he is. Too bad I can’t even remember his name; let alone what he looks like.”
    Her mother handed her two aspirins and Grayson popped them in her mouth and swallowed them down with coffee.
    “You shouldn’t drink that much. You never know what you could have missed out on.”
    “I’ll try to remember that sage advice next time my evil twin drags me to a bar.”
    Her mother chuckled. “He looked awfully familiar.” Her mom snapped her fingers. “Ethan’s cook out. That’s where I saw him.”
    Grayson’s head snapped up causing the room to swirl around her. “What did you say?”
    “The young man, he’s on Ethan’s team. That was nice of him to bring you home. He even insisted on tucking you into bed. A real gentleman, you don’t see them much these days.”
    “What did he look like?”
    “Reddish hair, well built. Not bad looking at all.”
    “Where’s my phone?” She stood up and stumbled back to her room. How the hell could Derrick have brought her home? She didn’t even remember seeing him. How much did she have to drink last night? What if she did something humiliating? Maybe someone slipped something in her drink. Shit Grayson, get it together.
    She searched all over and couldn’t find her phone. She probably lost it in her drunken haze. Could this morning get any better?
    “Your phone is on the TV stand.” Her mom yelled from the kitchen.
    Her head felt like it was going to explode. Every footstep felt as if someone was holding a pan and banging on it next to her ear. She grasped the phone and opened her messages. She cringed and dropped onto the love seat. Damn it, she must have drunk texted Derrick. What was she back in high school? They really should have a “do not send this drunken text message” application for phones. That or someone needs to start leaving her phone at home before going out and making bad decisions.
    Grayson took a deep breath and opened her text messages.
    The first message she opened was from her to Derrick.
    I can’t stop thinking about your hands on my body.
    Really Grayson? She groaned inwardly as she opened the reply from Derrick.
    Is that so?
    Yep. You’re incredible. Ugh these idiots won’t stop hitting on me.
    That’s what happens when you go to bars.
    Come see me.
    I told you I’m busy.
    Date?
    Does it matter?
    I don’t know…maybe?
    Have fun Gray and be careful.
    Fine.
    Not as bad as it could have been , Grayson thought, starting to feel some relief. He called her Gray again too, so that’s a plus. Looking back down at her phone, she continued to try and put last night’s events back together.
    Two hours later. Their conversation continued.
    Luna left me. I don’t have any way home and I have no money for a cab. I’m way too drunk to drive.
    So your solution is to text me at 0230?
    Never mind. I’m sure one of these guys will take me back to their hotel. I don’t even want to have sex right now. I can barely stand.
    I’ll be right there. Are you still at The Trap?
    Yesssss. Thank you sooooooo much. xoxoxs
    Gray set the phone down and fell back into the couch. XOXOXs? Seriously? She put her head in her hands and shook her head, how embarrassing.
    So she