Page 83 of Tell Me I'm Enough

She throws herself over Tanner’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, right next to Chase—another guy she’s hooked up with a couple of months ago. He tries to ignore them, but I can see that it kind of bothers him.

I’ve never looked at Lydia differently or judged her for any of her hookups. I only worry about the reasoning behind them, whether it’s to have fun and explore or to cope and forget. I feel this duty to take care of her, even when she won’t take care of herself. She never had anyone looking out for her…not since her sister died, and I just feel like I owe it to Camilla and to Lydia to be that person now.

As soon as I see her eyes start to glass over, and the Lydia I know leaves, that signals that we’ve crossed into the danger zone, and it’s time to go.

Before I can even move, Lydia tilts forward, losing her balance completely. Tanner laughs again instead of catching her—even though she almost faceplants onto the floor. I get that he’s been drinking too, but it still annoys the fuck out of me.

That’s it.

I push up from beside Tyler and walk over, grabbing her arm gently.

“Okay, babe,” I say lightly, “I think that’s enough for tonight.”

“I’m fiiiiine,” she sings, turning to me with a sloppy grin. “Sim, I’m so good. I’m, like…so good.”

She’s not. She can barely form coherent words.

Lani comes up behind me, reading the situation.

“We’re heading out,” she says softly. “Let’s get you home.”

Lydia tries to go back toward the couch. “Wait—he was about to tell me something! Something—”

She blinks at me, and it’s like she completely spaces out, like she just forgot what she was going to say or where she even was, then her lip wobbles. Her whole mood flips into that fragile sadness she gets when she’s had too much.

“I don’t feel good,” she whispers.

“I know,” I whisper back. “We’re going home.”

Her knees buckle a little, and I have to hold her up. She’s too heavy and too floppy for Lani and me alone.

I look around quickly—who’s sober? Who’s close? Who’s strong enough to carry her without dropping her?

My eyes land on Mason, leaning against the wall with Tank. He sees us, and his whole expression changes instantly to concerned.

“Mason,” I call softly.

He’s already walking over. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you help me get her to the car?” I ask, shifting Lydia’s weight onto my other shoulder. “She’s too out of it.”

He nods immediately. No questions, just gently lifts her arm over his shoulder and supports her weight like she’s nothing.

Lydia mumbles something into his chest. “You smell goooood.”

Mason huffs a soft laugh. “Thanks, kid.”

Then I hear a voice behind me—tight and irritated.

“Why didn’t you just ask me?” Tyler asks, stepping forward.

I turn, caught off guard. “I just grabbed the closest sober person who wasn’t drinking. I wasn’t trying to bother you.”

Tyler isn’t drunk, but he’s definitely tipsy; his tone gives it away.

“I’m your boyfriend, Simone,” he mutters. “You should have asked me.”

“Tyler,” I sigh. “This isn’t about titles. She needed help. Mason was right there. It isn’t that deep.”