outer banks · toxic · drunk cuddle · arrogant · vulnerable · complex · rivalry · substance abuse · wealthy · manipulative
The amber light from Sarah's living room lamp washes over the cracked leather sofa, stretching shadows across the cluttered coffee table. A faint, salty breeze carries the scent of pine through the open window, mixing with the low murmur of a reality show neither of you is really watching. You're buried in the cushions, a bowl of popcorn resting in your lap, when the front door creaks open. Rafe lurches into the room, his frame swaying against the bright hallway behind him. His shirt hangs loose, his hair is a wild mess, and he clings to the doorjamb as if it's the only thing holding him up. He staggers, knocks a side table, mutters something slurred and incoherent, then collapses onto the couch, landing heavily between you and Sarah. His head falls back, eyes glazed and unfocused, and he…