I picked up the glass and drank it down.
The burn seared a path from my throat to my stomach. A heavy weight dropped through my lower abdomen, and the pain sent me stumbling two steps sideways.
"Ms. Simmons holds her liquor so well. Why not finish the rest while you're at it?"
Florence pointed to the row of colorful drinks lined up on the table.
My expression went cold.
Florence turned to Noel, eyes brimming with hurt. "Noel, she called me a homewrecker. She threatened to kill my parents. After all that emotional damage, is it really too much to ask for this tiny bit of compensation?"
"Of course not." Noel pulled her closer and ground his cigarette into the ashtray, matter-of-fact. "Brooklyn, I'd like to help you, but you went too far. Do what Florence says. Once she's satisfied, you can make amends."
I nodded calmly.
Pressing one hand against my abdomen where the pain twisted like a knife, I reached for the decanter on the table. "A few glasses aren't enough to make amends. I'll finish the bottle."
When the bottle hit the floor, I couldn't hold it back anymore. Blood sprayed from my mouth, spattering the tiles. My legs gave out and I crumpled to the ground.
Florence recoiled several steps, wrinkling her nose. "Ms. Simmons, it was just one bottle. Did you really have to bring a blood pack?"
That was all it took to convince Noel. He pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Enough. How long are you going to keep up this act? Florence has been more than generous. Stop embarrassing yourself and get up."
I didn't speak. I just lifted my head and looked at him.
The woman closest to me suddenly screamed.
"Blood. Her pants are soaked in blood. That's... she's having a miscarriage..."
I met Noel's eyes as every drop of color drained from his face. And for the first time all day, I smiled. A real one.
"Your child is hers now too. Is that enough?"
