When the taxi stopped at Luke’s building, Cassie got out of the vehicle. She grabbed both her purse and Luke’s briefcase; she wanted to make sure he did not forget it. Cassie walked around to Luke’s side of the vehicle to find him struggling to get out of the car. After he finally managed to make his exit, Cassie paid the driver. 

Cassie could tell that the ride through the city somewhat helped Luke sober up. He was able to walk more steadily than he had coming out of the restaurant. However, after a couple of steps he stumbled a little. Cassie grabbed his arm to steady him. When she was confident that Luke was not going to fall over, Cassie hooked her own arm through his so it looked as if Luke was escorting her and less like she was helping the struggling man to walk. 

They walked into the building and through the lobby to the elevator. The security guard smiled and waved at Luke as the pair passed. Luke nodded his head in acknowledgment. When they made it through the elevator doors, Cassie silently sighed relieved. No one else joined them on their ride up, which was not too much of a surprise as it was still only three thirty. 

Luke leaned against the elevator walls and closed his eyes. “Fourteenth floor, my apartment is on the fourteenth floor.”

Cassie pressed the number. 

After a moment of silence, Luke rolled his head on the wall to look at Cassie. He stared at her for a few seconds, long enough for Cassie’s mind to wander. 

“You are beautiful.” Luke said suddenly.

Cassie was startled by the random outburst. She smiled. “Yeah, thanks. You’re drunk.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re really, really beautiful.” Luke slurred.

“That’s really, really nice to know. But you are drunk.” Cassie said mocking her friend.

When they reached Luke’s floor, he somehow managed to pull his keys out of his pocket without dropping them. He led the way to his apartment. As the walked down the hall he turned to Cassie to reiterate his earlier statement.

“You don’t believe me.” Luke said somewhat offended.

They reached Luke’s apartment and he struggled to unlock the door. 

“I believe you’re drunk.” Cassie stated.

After finally unlocking the door, Luke opened it wide.

“Welcome to my abode…” Luke said before stumbling in over the threshold. 

Cassie followed Luke placing both her purse and his briefcase by the door. She watched as Luke disappeared into what she assumed was his room. 

Looking around, Cassie took in her surroundings. It was the first time she had the chance to see Luke’s home. It felt less like a home and more like a sterile hotel suite. The walls were white and the furniture was tan. There was very little color.  The layout of the apartment was open with few walls separating the main rooms. From the front door she could see everything except the bed. There were very few elements that made the space ‘homey.’ She noticed a few pictures in frames, but that was it. His living room furniture looked as if he ordered it from a catalog and had it delivered as is. There was no additional effort put into the arrangement. 

Cassie sat down in one of the living room chairs. It was stiff. When Luke did not return from the back after five minutes, Cassie went to check on him. He was on the bed still fully dressed in his suit-pants and tie—he managed to work his way out of his jacket, which was in a heap by the door. Cassie picked up the discarded clothing and opened what she assumed was the closet door. Her Guess was correct, inside were a myriad of expensive suits on hangers. She found an empty hanger and hung the jacket in the closet. 

When she was finished in Luke’s room, Cassie closed the door and sat on the sofa. Directly across from Luke’s room was a shelf lined with movies. Not wanting to leave him alone, Cassie decided to stay until he awoke. She determined that watching one of his many movies would help the time go faster. 

As she perused Luke’s collection, Cassie got a feel for his taste in movies. There were a number of thriller movies and a whole shelf dedicated to James Bond. After deciding on an action movie, Cassie went over to the entertainment center to set up everything. She found the remote to the television sitting on a side table. After a couple of tries, she managed to do something right because the television came on and all the lights on the numerous electronic devices flickered to life. She spotted the Blue Ray player and placed the disc into the console.

The sun is gone, was Luke’s first thought when he awoke from his nap. His second was of the pounding in his head which felt like a man inside was trying to break out using a sledgehammer. While a familiar feeling, it was one Luke had not felt in many years. He groaned and turned his head. Staring him in the face was a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin. He silently thanked whoever it was that was thoughtful enough to leave the two necessities on his nightstand. 

Luke struggled sitting up. He placed both feet on the floor. His shoes were off, he did not remember doing that. Reaching for the pills, Luke heard a faint noise. He decided he would investigate after he took the aspirin and finished the glass of water. 

Once the glass was empty, Luke stood and walked out into his living room. It was dark, but the dim glow of the television shed light on his tan sofa. He noticed a figure laying on, what Luke considered, the most uncomfortable piece of furniture. 

Walking toward the figure, Luke  tried to remember the day’s events. Everything was still a little foggy. He knew he won his case earlier, and that afterward he had lunch with the partners. When he stopped in front of the sofa, some of the events from the day became somewhat clearer. Seeing Cassie triggered his memory. She was sleeping in his apartment. He vaguely remembered being upset she closed out his tab and walking through the lobby of his building. The elevator ride up to his floor was still a bit of a blur for him.

They were friends, he and Cassie. Luke knew that much, but he did not think she would stay. Then again he was not thinking much of anything when he fell onto his bed earlier in the day. Looking to the clock on top of the entertainment center, Luke assessed the time. It was close to  ten o’clock. He slept for over six hours. 

Luke sat down in the empty chair that faced the door to his bedroom. He watched the slow rise and fall of Cassie’s body as she breathed. Her hair curly hair fell in her face. She was curled up in the fetal position with her head on her arm. He looked over to the television. Now that he was closer, he was able to see the credits running on the screen. Whatever movie she was watching was not long over. 

Cassie moved when Luke shifted in his chair. She slowly opened her eyes. As she adjusted to the lack of light, Cassie found Luke was sitting in a chair staring at her. 

“How do you feel?” Cassie asked sitting up.

Luke shrugged. “My head hurts. It would be nice if the pounding would stop. The aspirin should kick in soon though. Thanks for that.” He said.

Cassie nodded, “Yeah. You’re welcome.”

They sat in silence for awhile, each lost in their own thoughts. Cassie was the first to speak.

“What happened Luke?” Cassie asked.

Luke stared at her. He did not want to answer the question. He was embarrassed and ashamed that Cassie had seen him earlier in the day when he was drunk after too many drinks. Six years sober and in one afternoon all of his hard work was gone out the window.

“Luke.” Cassie said.

“It was just one sip.” Luke said.

“I think you had more than just a sip Luke. I saw your bar tab. It was way more than just one sip.” Cassie said. She was concerned. While they had not been friends for long, the two spent a lot of time together, and Cassie had never seen him the way he was at that moment. 

“It was just one sip that sent me over the edge.” Luke started. “I had lunch with a couple of the Senior Partners and our clients. We were celebrating. Nia, she’s the pharmaceutical rep who was in court with me, order a forty-year-old scotch.”

Cassie was confused. She understood that he was an alcoholic but with six years of sobriety behind him, she did not believe that earlier in the afternoon was the first time Luke was in such a situation. “I don’t understand. You’ve celebrated wins before I’m sure. What made this one different?” She asked gently. Cassie wanted to help him.

“Things.” Luke said simply. He looked down at his hands in his lap. However, before Cassie could respond, Luke continued. “I work for a huge law firm, Cassie. We have a lot of clients. Some of them are more reasonable than the others. I won the case because I’m a good lawyer. But I would’ve preferred to settle. We should have settled. Those people deserved more than what they got.” Luke said.

“Luke…” 

“Sometimes I don’t know why I do it. I think to myself that the pro bono work we do helps to balance everything out. And sometimes, we have clients who aren’t morally bankrupt who are willing to settle when they know they’re at fault despite whether or not the little guy has the evidence to support their claim.” Luke explained. When he finished, he looked up at Cassie.

“Is that why you stayed at the restaurant’s bar all afternoon?” Cassie asked.

“I stayed because I’m an alcoholic. Just one sip is never enough.” Luke said. “But it is part of the reason.”

Cassie nodded. Noticing the empty glass sitting on the side table next to Luke, Cassie stood. She reached for her own glass and picked Luke’s up as well. Luke watched as she went into his kitchen and pulled the pitcher of water from the refrigerator. She poured water into each glass. When she came back, Cassie placed Luke’s glass back in its spot on the side table.

“You really should buy some coasters.” Cassie said sitting back down. She tucked one leg underneath her body.

“I rarely have anyone here who isn’t sitting at the table playing poker.” Luke said. “Can I ask you a question?” 

“You just did.” Cassie said. She smirked.

“Please, no smart ass answers right now. My brain can’t take it.” Luke said.

“Ask away.” 

“Why did you stay?” Luke asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you stay here while I was sleeping.”

Cassie did not answer immediately. She contemplated his question turning it over in her head to compose the best answer. “You’re my friend.” Cassie stated. “And I was worried about you. I wanted to make sure you were okay, that you’d have someone to talk to if you needed or wanted to talk.” 

“Thank you.” Luke said.

“You’re welcome.”

“I owe you.”

“You’ll pay me back eventually.” Cassie said.

Luke smiled and nodded knowing what she said was true. “So what did you watch?” 

“I honestly don’t remember.” Cassie laughed. 

Luke stood up and walked over to his movie shelf. “Are you up for another one?” He asked. The aspirin was starting to kick in and the pounding in his head was beginning to subside. 

“Sure.” Cassie said. 

Luke chose one of the few comedies he had on his shelf. He needed a good laugh. He removed the disc Cassie watched from the Blue Ray player and inserted the new one. 

Cassie scooted over on the sofa to make space for Luke. The sofa had the best view of the television and if he wanted to, Luke could rest his feet on the coffee table. When he sat down, the cushion sunk a bit. Luke put his feet up and rested his arm on the top of the sofa.

“So what are we watching?” Cassie asked. She pulled her other leg onto the sofa.

“You’ll see.” 

The opening credits began and Cassie smiled at his selection.

“Good choice.” Cassie moved around making herself more comfortable and settling in for the movie. 

A loud sound from the television jolted Luke out of his slumber. He looked around at his surroundings and then down at his chest. Cassie’s head was resting there. She took long deep breaths. She was sleeping. Luke stared at her for a moment He then lifted his hand to move a stray strand of Cassie’s hair away from her face. In the months since their serendipitous run-in, Luke began to value Cassie’s friendship and her presence in his life. He enjoyed her company and the time they spent together.

Cassie moved and her eyes fluttered. “Is it over?” Cassie asked referring to the movie.

Luke nodded his head. “Yeah. You fell asleep.”

“Not before you.” Cassie said sitting up. She placed one foot on the ground and tucked the other under her body so she could sit face to face with Luke.

Luke smiled. “I was the first to fall asleep?” Luke asked in mock disbelief.

“Yes.” Cassie smiled. She then tilted her head slightly. “How are you doing?” She asked somberly.

Luke did not say anything. It was a loaded question. In that moment he was fine. He was better than he had been in a long time because Cassie was with him, his friend. But if he dug deeper, Luke knew there were things he needed to deal with. He needed to figure out where he was headed, both in his professional and personal life. 

“I’m okay.” Luke finally responded.

“Are you sure? Luke you…”

“Cassie I’m going to be fine. Today was not my best, but it sure as hell wasn’t my worst either.”

“That’s what you’re going with?” Cassie asked. “That today was ‘not your best’? After six years of sobriety you drown yourself in liquor during the middle of the day and you describe it as ‘not your best?’”

“Cassie…”

“Im worried about you.” Cassie said.

“There’s nothing to worry about.” Luke lied. He knew what a huge setback the day had been. But it was not something he was ready to admit out loud. 

“Luke.” Cassie said. 

Luke did not respond. 

They sat together on the sofa in silence, Cassie staring Luke down and Luke never withering from her glare. 

As they sat, the air conditioner popped on and a cool blast of air flowed through the apartment. The new air movement blew the strand of hair back into Cassie’s face. Before Cassie could put the defiant strand back into place, Luke reached out for a second time and took care of the piece of hair himself. Instead of his hand going back to its original position where it rested on his lap, Luke gently ran a finger down Cassie’s face. 

Cassie did not react to Luke’s actions. So he did it again tracing the side of her face with his index finger. Luke lifted his hand to trace Cassie’s face a third time, but he stopped himself. 

“Cassie.” Luke started. He was going to apologize, but he was not quite sure how. Luke stood up and grabbed their now empty water glasses. He left Cassie on the sofa as he went into the kitchen. 

Luke rinsed the glasses before putting them in his dishwasher. When he turned around, Cassie was standing in front of him. He opened his mouth to say something, but Cassie moved into his space before he could respond. Much like she did the first time they kissed, Cassie pull Luke’s head down to meet her own. She covered his lips with hers. 

Cassie took Luke by surprise, but still no time went by before he pulled Cassie into him and eagerly responded to her actions. Their kiss deepened as Luke’s tongue parted her lips and their two muscles began a duel. Cassie’s hands moved under Luke’s shirt. She needed to touch skin. It was not her head that was responding but her desire. 

Luke pulled back when his need for air outweighed his desire to continue kissing Cassie. “Cassie?” Her name came out as a question.

“Bedroom.” Cassie heaved.

Luke looked at her questioningly, but he could see she was determined. He decided not to question her further and followed her through his apartment to his bed.