Chapter 89 Sweet Moments
The trio drank all night until the three of them started to feel the effects of alcohol. Antoinette was the first to express it.
"I think we have to stop now, I'm getting drunk." "It's a good idea," Michael Agreed with Antoneitte's suggestion, feeling the warm buzz of the alcohol himself. "Yeah, we should probably call it a night soon."
Bridget, who had been quieter, looked up and nodded in agreement, her usually sharp gaze softened by the evening's indulgences. "Let's not end the night on anything less than the high note we're on," she suggested, pushing her empty glass aside.
"I'll call my driver to take me home. As for you, Michael? How are you going to get home? Are you going to book a Grab? Wait, you brought your vehicle with you, right? Are you even allowed to drive?" "Don't worry about me, Mrs. Estolas. I can handle myself. I may have drunk alcohol but I'm still roadworthy," Michael assured. "Okay, if you say so. How about you Bridget?" Antoinette asked, flickering her gaze to Bridget.
Bridget glanced at Michael and then spoke softly. "Michael…can you take me to my hotel? You said you can still drive right?" "No problem," Michael responded promptly, though he was conscious of ensuring he truly felt capable of driving safely. "But let me grab some water first. I want to make sure I'm absolutely clear-headed before we head out."
Antoinette, always the mother hen, nodded in approval. "That's sensible. And Bridget, make sure he drinks that water. No taking chances."
With the plan set, they gathered their belongings. Michael paid extra attention to his level of sobriety, taking a moment to assess himself honestly. After downing a bottle of water and taking a short walk outside to clear his head, he felt confident in his ability to drive safely. Though that was just feeling, he needed to make sure.
And there, he realized he might have something in his inventory that could help him sober up. In his inventory was an energy drink.
[Energy drink: Restore the system user's condition to an optimal level.] With that, Michael picked it from his inventory and then drank the energy drink. It tasted like cola and as soon as he gulped every liquid from the can, Michael felt a rush of vitality coursing through his body. It was as though every cell was rejuvenated, every trace of fatigue washed away. The lingering haze from the alcohol lifted entirely, leaving his mind as clear and sharp as a morning in spring. It was an extraordinary sensation; one moment he was navigating the foggy aftermath of a celebratory night out, and the next, he was as refreshed as if he had emerged from a revitalizing sleep, without a hint of headache or dizziness.
The energy drink had not only erased the physical symptoms of his alcohol consumption but seemed to have endowed him with a newfound energy. Michael felt ready to tackle any task, his senses heightened, and his reflexes as quick as if he'd never had a drop of drink.
Then, he returned to where they were. "Okay, I'm all ready. Can you stand up Bridget?" As Bridget attempted to rise from her seat, her movements were less assured than usual. The hours spent in the dim, music-filled ambiance of the upscale bar, coupled with the cocktails they had indulged in, seemed to have taken their toll on her more than she had let on. Michael watched with a mix of concern and readiness, his recently rejuvenated senses picking up on the slight unsteadiness in her stance.
"Sure, I'm good," Bridget said, her voice carrying a confidence that her balance momentarily contradicted. As she stood, her high heels clicked against the polished floor, a sound that under different circumstances would have been a testament to her poise and elegance. However, the alcohol had subtly eroded her coordination, and within a few steps, a misstep had her wobbling dangerously.
Michael, whose reflexes were sharpened by the energy drink, reacted swiftly. He stepped forward, his arms extending just in time to catch Bridget as she tipped over.
For a moment, Bridget found herself over Michael, her eyes locked on his.
"Whoa there," Michael said with a chuckle. "Looks like that last drink got to you more than you thought."
Bridget nodded sheepishly, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting Michael's again. "Yeah, I guess so. Thanks for catching me."
"Anytime," Michael replied with a grin, his eyes twinkling with good-natured humor. "Shall we head out now?"
"Yeah…but I don't think I can walk." "Don't worry about it, I'll carry you," Michael said, lifting her up in his arms effortlessly. Bridget's surprise was evident in her wide eyes as Michael scooped her up, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck for support.
"Wow, you're strong," Bridget remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice as Michael carried her with ease.
Michael chuckled, feeling a surge of pride at her comment. "Just one of the perks of staying in shape," he replied, adjusting his hold on her to make sure she was comfortable.
"I'm not heavy right?" Bridget asked.
Michael shook his head reassuringly. "Not at all, Bridget. You're as light as a feather."
Bridget let out a soft laugh, the tension of the moment easing as she relaxed into Michael's arms. "Thank you."
"Anytime," Michael said with a smile, his heart warmed by her gratitude. "Now, let's get you safely to your hotel."
With Bridget comfortably nestled in his arms, Michael made his way out of the bar and towards his vehicle. Once they reached the car, Michael carefully settled Bridget into the passenger seat, making sure she was buckled in securely before closing the door. As he got into the driver's seat, he glanced over at her with a reassuring smile.
"Ready to go?" he asked.
Bridget nodded, her earlier wobbliness replaced by a sense of contentment as she leaned back in her seat. "Yeah, let's get going."
With that, Michael started the engine and began the journey to Bridget's hotel.
As they neared the hotel, Bridget turned to Michael. "Michael…I don't think I can get up to my room. Can you carry me up there too?" Bridget asked bashfully.
Michael nodded understandingly. "Of course, Bridget. I'll make sure you get to your room safely."
With gentle reassurance, Michael lifted Bridget once again, cradling her securely in his arms as he navigated through the hotel lobby. Bridget's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she offered him a grateful smile as they made their way to the elevator.
As the doors slid shut behind them, Bridget leaned her head against Michael's shoulder, her exhaustion evident in the way her eyelids drooped. Michael held her close, his steps steady as they ascended to her floor.
Once they reached her room, Michael carefully set Bridget down on her feet, supporting her as she fumbled for her keycard. With a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit interior.
"Okay…I have to leave now," Michael said, but before he could take another step, Bridget grabbed him by the arm.
"Wait…stay here for a moment," Bridget said, her voice soft yet urgent.
Michael paused, turning to face her with a questioning look. "Is everything alright, Bridget?"
Bridget hesitated for a moment, her gaze searching his face. "I just...I don't want to be alone right now," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Understanding flooded Michael's expression as he nodded in response. "Of course, Bridget. I'll stay with you."
With a grateful smile, Bridget stepped back, allowing Michael to enter her hotel room. The door closed behind them with a soft click.
For a moment, they simply stood there, uncertain of what to do next. Then, as if sensing the tension in the air, Michael took a tentative step forward, closing the distance between them.
"Is there anything I can do to help, Bridget?" he asked softly.
"Yes…watch me sleep."
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