Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Gilbert!” Sherilyn stumbled, nearly losing her balance as Gilbert pulled her into his arms. “What’s wrong with you?”

The question was redundant. That close, Sherilyn could smell the scent of whiskey on Gilbert’s breath distinctly. “Are you drunk?”

Gilbert smiled. “Ah, not drunk.”

A drunk person never admitted they were drunk even if they could barely stand straight.

That bottle of red wine at dinner? All him. Sherilyn hadn’t touched a drop. If he wasn’t drunk, who was?

Sherilyn attempted to stabilize him by holding onto his arm. “Can you walk?”

“Hmm.” Gilbert nodded, leaning heavily against her without moving. “With your help, yeah.”

Sherilyn sighed. She couldn’t just push him away. He’d probably fall to the ground.

“Okay, I’ll help you, but take it slow.”

“Okay.” Gilbert looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her curling eyelashes, like two delicate fans fluttering against his heart, tickling it.

“Gilbert?” A familiar voice called from behind as they moved from the private booth to the lobby. Turning around, they saw Caroline.

“Caroline.” With one arm draped over Sherilyn’s shoulder, Gilbert looked more like he was embracing her than being supported.

“What’s going on here?” Caroline approached, confirming what she saw wasn’t

a mistake.

The surprise in her eyes was unmistakable, flitting between them. How were they together in such an intimate manner?

Feeling Caroline’s gaze, Sherilyn immediately tried to distance herself from Gilbert.

“What are you doing?” Feeling Sherilyn move, Gilbert frowned, displeased.

13:05

“Stop fidgeting! You’ll make me fall!”

Sherilyn was stunned. Gilbert was drunk, leaning on her before Caroline. Wasn’t he worried about upsetting Caroline? Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Whatever, she had warned him. It wasn’t her fault if he got into a fight with Caroline later. Sherilyn turned her head away, deciding to stay out of it.

Gilbert seemed pleased, giving Caroline a casual smile. “We were just grabbing a bite. How about you?”

“I…” Caroline gestured toward the dining room. “Crew gathering.”

Her curiosity deepened. Were they in a place in their relationship where they could dine together?

Caroline forced a smile. “The director and producer are here. Want to say hi?”

“No, thanks.” Gilbert chuckled, declining. “I’ll stay out of your crew’s business.”

“Oh… okay then.” Caroline’s smile faded slightly. “Well…”

With a nod from Gilbert, he dismissed Caroline. “You go ahead.”

“Okay, then.” Caroline bit her lip, glancing at Sherilyn before turning to leave. But she didn’t go far, pausing around the corner to look back.

And Sherilyn found it weird and wondered, ‘Gilbert just let Caroline go like that? Caroline doesn’t want to leave. Are they fighting?‘

“What are you thinking about?” Seemingly boneless, Gilbert slumped against Sherilyn. “Pay for me, will you?”

“Sure.” Sherilyn returned to reality and nodded, asking, “Where’s your phone?”

“In my pocket.” After saying so, he didn’t move, relying on Sherilyn as if ready to doze off. Sherilyn was flabbergasted. Was she supposed to fetch it for him? Fine, she’d do it.

Biting her lip, she awkwardly reached into his suit pocket.

13:05 05