Intoxicated

The night's proceedings were not what Matt was hoping for. As always, Zack gave himself a limit of five hundred dollars. After spending three hundred of it, he hit the jackpot on a slot machine and won ten grand. Deciding to go out on top, he pocketed his winnings.

Matt was not so fortunate.

He was already fifteen hundred in the hole, losing every hand he played. His bar tab was also impressive for just one person. Brian, Zack, and Johnny stood a few feet away, watching Matt at the card table.

“Someone has to stop him,” Zack spoke. “And it’s not going to be me. He’s a sore loser, and with all the drinks he’s had and money he’s lost… It’s not going to go over well if I try and stop him.”

Johnny smirked as he took another drink of his beer. “I’ll bet you ten grand he’ll take a swing at you.”

“I know he will,” Zack huffed. “That’s why I’m not doing it.”

“I’m amazed he’s still going.” Brian had been by his side since he started, which had now turned into babysitting. “He’s had to put close to a bottle of Jack down by now.”

“He won't leave that table,” Johnny’s amusement was evident. It was usually him that was too drunk for his own good. “He hasn't even pissed.”

“Maybe we can find him a girl.” Zack was only partially joking.

Brian shook his head. “Any good woman is not going to want to be near him right now. And we cannot let his first lay after the divorce be a hooker.”

Johnny scanned the room, already knowing where they were. Years on the road had shown and taught him a lot. He could pick the girl trying to turn tricks out every time. “It’d at least be a good story.”

“No,” Brian said firmly, setting his glass on the empty table they were by. “I’m going to get him up to his room. You guys staying down here?”

“I’m done gambling. Me and Johnny will be at the bar by the pool.”

“I’ll meet you there in a few.”

Brian left his sober friends and went to Matt, groaning as he got closer to him. Matt’s words were slurred and by the tense, angry look on his face, Brian knew it would only be a matter of time before he went off.

“Hey man.” Matt jumped when Brian’s hand came down on his shoulder. “Let’s call it a night.” Staring at the chips on the table, the somewhat coherent Matt knew he should. Tonight had not been a good one.

“I’m losing everything.” It was only loud enough for Brian to hear, and he knew Matt wasn't just talking about gambling.

“Come on, let’s get up to your room. We have tomorrow off, you can video the boys all day if you want. “ Matt nodded and pushed his chair back. His head spun when he stood, letting him know how drunk he was.

“Shit.” He grabbed the chair for support. Brian made sure he was stable before letting him walk.

A short, fat, balding man, looking to be in his late forties snorted as they walked away. “I’m gonna miss taking the drunk losers money.”

Brian barely got the quiet “fuck” out before Matt was turned, ready to fight.

“What was that?”

The man's eyes were like saucers. Clearly he didn't think Matt would hear him and he certainly didn't think he was going to be confronted. HIs mouth hung open as he stumbled over his words. “Uh, I...uh…”

“You what? Called me a drunk loser? Want to say you're taking my money?” Matt was standing over the man, his large body looming over him. “How about I take my money back? By force.”

“Sir,” the dealer interjected. He didn't look too phased, clearly seeing scenarios like this before in his line of work. Matt didn't acknowledge him. Brian knew where this was going and had to stop an arrest and a lawsuit from happening.

“Matt,” Brian all but ripped him away. “Let’s go. You’re fucking drunk.”

“This guy wants to talk shit.”

“Yeah, let him. He’ll also cry like a bitch when you beat his ass.” The man didn't reply, knowing it was true.

Matt took a step back, his lethal stare unfaltering. “Fine.”

Brian stayed back as Matt walked away, turning to the man who started it.” The next guy you try to shit talk might not have a friend to stop him. I’d keep my mouth shut unless you're going to back it up.” He didn't wait for a response.

It didn't take long for Brian to catch up with Matt who was stumbling through the lobby. He held him steady as they waited for the elevator, helping him inside as the doors opened.

“Wait!” a voice called out as the doors began to close. Brian held them open as a woman walked through.

Matt perked up. Even in his drunken state he recognized the woman in the blazer. He tried to think of something to stay as the doors closed, but was quickly quieted as the elevator lurched forward, making his stomach churn. After settling his stomach he faced her, both she and Brian staring at him confused. His mouth hung open but nothing came out.

“Matt, you okay?” Brian’s concerned voice came from behind him.

Matt took a step forward, the woman becoming concerned as well. He felt it coming, couldn't stop it if he tried. He doubled over as bile spewed from his mouth.

“Oh!” the woman gasped and stepped aside.

“Fuck, Matt!”

Once Matt was done he stood up, his body covered in sweat as he leaned against the cool, tiled wall.

“I’m so sorry,” Brian apologized, not knowing what else he could do at the moment.

“It’s okay, Things happen. Is there anything I can do?” She looked between Brian, who was staring angrily at the vomit, and Matt, whose eyes were closed as he held his stomach.

Brian looked at the mess on the floor and his mess of a friend. He wasn't going to ask her to clean up Matt’s vomit. He had no other choice but to ask her to at least get Matt to his room.

“I have to clean this up. Could you take him to his room and maybe sit with him until I can get there?”

“Um,” she looked at the large, drunk man, wondering if she could handle him. “Sure.”

“Thank you so much.” The small room was beginning to smell. Thankfully the chimes came and the doors opened to let some of the stench out. “He’s on this floor, room 1262. His key should be in his wallet.”

Brian pulled Matt off the wall, handing him off. “Matt, go with… What’s your name, sorry?”

“Sam.”

“Matt, go with Sam. She’s going to help you.”

“I don't need help,” he mumbled as he began down the hall.

Brian rolled his eyes. “Just punch him if he pisses you off.”

“Will do,” Sam laughed as she ran after him. She caught up to him just in time to stop him from running into a wall.

“Whoa!” She wrapped an arm around his waist, his arm going around her shoulder. “Let’s get you to your room.”

Notes

If anyone noticed, what was supposed to be a two shot has now been changed. Im thinking it will be a three shot, but that could change as well seeing as im inconsistent and can never stick to my original plans. I'm writing in spurts and posting as I go.