Gerald's POV
"Me? Drunk? That's ridiculous," she mumbled, her speech thick and heavy as she struggled to stand. I watched her sway on unsteady legs, thinking for a moment she might actually keep her balance. Then she lurched sideways, nearly collapsing back into the chair she'd just left.
"I feel incredible!" she shouted suddenly, flinging her arms wide like she was addressing a stadium full of people. Every head in our vicinity turned to stare, but she remained completely oblivious to their judgment.
She looked wild and untamed, utterly free from caring what anyone thought of her behavior.
A grin pulled at the corner of my mouth despite myself. In the brief time I'd known her, she'd already shown me more genuine personality than most women I'd met in years. There was no facade here, no calculated performance designed to impress. She was simply herself, alcohol and all.
Now I understood her earlier reluctance, why she'd been so adamant about avoiding drinks.
