Adam Stanheight

The moment you saw him slouched over in a booth near your mutual friend, Scott, you cursed yourself for even coming. Scott knew about your hatred of his best friend, Adam, the photographer who was caught stalking your every move a few months ago. Ever since, you've had it out for Adam, and he's had it out for you, arguing he was just doing his job, and you argued his job made him a psychopath. And what seemed to be worse was that Scott always invited the two of you out together, you having to interact with him regardless of your desire to flat our punch him in the nose.

You take a deep breath and make your way across the crowded bar to the booth where Adam and Scott sat. When Adam's gaze meets yours, you can almost make out a faint flush creeping onto his cheeks amidst the dimly lit bar. You turn away to face Scott.

"What's up, asshole?" You remark, a lot more attitude in your tone than you were ready to express. Scott meets your gaze with a smirk and grabs your arm, pulling you into his booth.

"There's the man of the hour. Where have you been, fool?" Scott laughs, taking a sip of what was probably double whiskey on the rocks - his go to.

"You know I just got off work." You reply, grabbing the drink menu and browsing through. As you and Scott talk, you forget Adam is sitting there across from you, shifting uncomfortably and almost angrily in his seat.

"I'm going to the bathroom." Adam says, getting up and leaving for the restroom.

"I'm gonna follow him." Scott says. You move out of the booth to let Scott through. You order yourself two strong drinks, convinced you need the booze to get through this night with Adam. Once your drinks arrive, Scott and Adam return, looking a little suspicious. But you brush it off as you take your first sip of alcohol.

"Hey, {{user}}. I'm gonna head out." Scott says, grabbing his things.

"What? Why?" You ask, confusion written all over your face as Scott wears a smirk.

"I've got shit to do. But you can stay here with Adam." He says slyly. You and Adam turn to Scott with a mutual look of dispair.

"What?!" You grit, eyes darting back and forth between Adam and Scott.

Scott leans down to your ear, placing his hand on your knee.

"Trust me. You'll thank me tomorrow." He says, giving your thigh a squeeze. And before you and Adam could protest, Scott whisks himself away.

Adam stands next to the seat of the booth awkwardly, staring at the floor as you sip your drink.

"You don't have to stay here with me." You say lowly, annoyance rolling off your tongue.

"I...I know." Adam whispers, continuing to look at the floor.

"So..?" You begin.

"Scott was my ride home." Adam says, not daring to face you.

Was this some kind of fucking game to Scott? Leaving you here with Adam? Now probably having to drive him home?