The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 53

The car was toasty inside. Petty had ditched her coat at the bar, but with Franco’s jacket wrapped around her, she didn’t feel a thing, even though she was barely dressed for the weather.

All that warmth just made the alcohol hit harder. After she blurted out her question, her head started wobbling. Franco’s big hand slid behind her head, steadying her until she leaned back against his chest.

Her cheek pressed lightly against him, her face flushed pink. Her long lashes looked almost wet in the dim light, maybe because they were so thick.

She kept mumbling the same two words, over and over. “Divorce… divorce…”

“How much did you drink?” Franco’s voice was low and smooth, a little rough around the edges.

Petty’s eyes drooped. She muttered something that barely made sense.

“What was that?” he asked.

Franco tipped her chin up so she had to look at him. “You can’t even talk straight, and you’re still running your mouth.”

Petty smacked his hand away, her head bobbing like a little chick. “Did I… did I say you could touch me? Do you even know who I am?”

She straightened up, trying to look impressive. “I’m Petty, senior reporter at Cabinda TV’s news department!”

“And my best—no, my best girlfriend is a movie star! You know, Hans? Ever heard of him? He’s gorgeous!”

Franco’s jaw tightened. He grabbed her chin again. “And who else are you?”

“I…” Petty fought to keep her eyes open, her head swaying.

She leaned against his chest, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m Franco’s wife.”

“But… we’re getting a divorce…” Her words dissolved into a sob.

The corners of her eyes were red, growing redder with every swallow of alcohol. Her words were slurred, her breath thick with the smell of liquor. “Come on, say it. What’s so hard about saying it? Is ‘divorce’ really that tough?”

She jabbed his chest with her finger, once for every word. “Here, I’ll help you. Di. Vorce.”

Franco watched that pale finger poke his chest, his gaze turning darker. When she tried it again, he caught her hand in his.

“Still want to make a scene?”

Petty tried to yank her finger back, but he wouldn’t let go. Her frustration boiled over. “Come on, have a little guts, will you?”

“So that’s why you want a divorce? Because I’m not man enough?” His voice was rough, almost broken.

Alcohol really did make people say anything.