sutton

“momma off the rails again?” cassia inquired, brows furrowed in concern. she was no stranger to sutton’s mother and her shenanigans, and that was putting it lightly. “i know you can take care of yourself, but every once in a while, it’s good to let someone else do it. you deserve a break,” she explained with a matter-of-fact nod. as sutton extended her invitation while tacking a quip at the end, cassia let out a giggle. “you’re lucky you’re gorgeous, sutton. most girls can’t get away with saying that shit, you know? but yeah, we can do that. can i crash there? my apartment is dark and lonely tonight.. and honestly, it’s been an emotional week,” the girl stated without giving too much away. after her night with asher, she was exhausted.

“When is she not? I don’t even think that woman knows how to be stable for one fucking second.” Sutton tried to play it off like her last statement was a joke but she truly did feel that way. As much as she hated to admit it, she agreed with her. Sometimes she just needed a break. “I know right! Imagine if I was ugly. It’s really an appalling thought. I would actually have to rely on my personality for shit. Sounds like a miserable existence.” A genuine laugh slipped her lips. “Of course, you can stay with me. We’ll just call room service instead. Fuck the bar.”

“Yeah, whoever it was. Cause I don’t even know. So, I guess I’m lucky then,” she smiled softly as she took a small sip. Emmy paused for a moment at the mention of TMZ, her brow furrowing at the woman. “What do you mean, TMZ? Only famous-Should I know who you are?”

Sutton blinked away her surprise and stopped herself from responding immediately. She knew any words that followed her question would probably be offensive, since she was going to be defensive. “Duh, you should know who I am.” She let out a soft laugh. “Got your phone on you? Look up Sutton Holloway.” For a moment, Sutton thought that might be a good idea but she quickly changed her mind when she thought that a negative article might pop up. “Actually don’t. Just know that I’m famous.”

“Pay no attention to the man behind the green curtain.” Malcolm chuckled, taking a dismissive sip of his drink. It was often difficult being friends with someone like Dominic. He was far more charming, far more handsome, far more generally than Malcolm was. But the man had grown used to being the underdog in their friendship. Who was he if he wasn’t a supportive friend? “You don’t always have to be so tough, you know?” Malcolm grinned, nudging her so gently it was barely an action. “It’s okay to react to negative criticisms and it’s okay to fight back. You don’t always have to do things with the amount of poise you do. Not everything is always instagram filters and brand deals, Sutton.” In his mind, Malcolm believed his words weren’t anything she hadn’t heard before. He expected her to dismiss them and to have some rebuttal was opposed how she actually felt. But, he hoped to at lease let her know she had someone in this fucked up world. “It must be hard to act so perfect.”

Not being tough was easier said than done for Sutton. She spent her whole life putting on the facade that she didn’t care, so when she really did, it was hard for her to display emotions of any kind. “It’s funny you say poise, because most people would say trashy.” Sutton joked with a forced smile. “Look, I can handle it. I built my image on being this way and honestly I feel like being cold suits me. Can you imagine me being not that bitch. Absolutely fucking absurd.” 

A saddened expression couldn’t help but take residence on Malcolm’s face. Surely he probably had his reasons to dislike Sutton. But, Mac wasn’t the type to hold grudges. And he definitely wasn’t the type to kick someone while they’re down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Malcolm pursed his lips nervously. There was some negative energy radiating off the fiery redhead beside him so he took on the challenge of lending her a supportive hand. “I tend to take things that Dom says with a grain of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I love him to death. But, when he says that girls are crazy or that you’re a miserable drunk, there is one hundred percent a valid reason behind it.” A chuckle relieved his sentence before he took a sip of his drink. “Do you want to talk about it? Believe it or not, I’m a good listener. I’m most of the reason Dom ever bought you a good Christmas gift with my help because unlike him I listen.” Malcolm sheepishly confessed in hopes that Sutton would let her guard down.

A genuine laugh escaped her lips at his confession, even surprising herself for a moment. “Now it all makes fuckin’ sense. I was wondering how he was picking out all those perfect Christmas gifts.” Her amusement was short lived as she let out a sigh. Sutton wasn’t much to talk about anything that wasn’t surface level and usually when it came to issues with her mother, she would keep it to herself, but maybe it was the few drinks in her that made her want to talk. “My mom is here and she’s being a bitch. I can take negative comments on my instagram feed. As a business woman, I’ve grown to know that negative attention is still attention but when you have some bitch saying things right to your face everyday because she can’t get a damn fix...I just don’t want to go back home right now.”

angus took note of her face when he asked for her name, saw her smile falter and words automatically slipping from her lips before stopping herself. being from ireland, he didn’t pay attention to social media that much, it was only when he moved to los angeles that he finally set up an account. even then, it mostly consisted of photos with friends or of creations he’d made in the kitchen. “sutton.” he repeated with a smile, taking a mental note. “the names angus, or gus. what’s a pretty thing like you doing drinking alone? boy troubles?”

Sutton wasn’t looking for a distraction but she could certainly use one and the moment that she laid her eyes upon him, she thought she might have found the perfect distraction to ease her mind. Instead of getting so drunk, where she caused a public disturbance and ended up on some bored bloggers next post, she could find some much wanted attention in a different way. “I am the trouble.” An impish smile curled up on her lips as she tossed her red hair off of her shoulder. “And what about you? Why are you drinking alone?...Are you looking for trouble?”

“They never want to admit they are wrong. Men in general,” she gave a soft roll of her eyes. Emmy tilted her head as she looked at the redhead, giving a small smile. “I was stood up. I finally gave in to a friend’s choice in guys and he never showed up, so I am just kind of stayed here to drink it off. No biggy.”

“Like you said, men in general.” Sutton gave her a small smile, understanding all too well, how it felt to be stood up. “Well fuck whoever that loser was. You’re drinking with me now and I’m far better.” She said confidently as the drink finally arrived. “I was hoping to do some damage tonight. Wanna go out around the city with me? You might end up on TMZ.”

The irishman had finished his shift and decided to go out and enjoy what LA’s nightlife had to offer. Normally he’d ask his brother to acompany him, but tonight it was just Angus and apparently, the quite intoxicated redhead seated closest to him at the bar. She seemed quick-witted, however her snark was either the result of a rough day, or perhaps just instinct. When she turned to him, his fingers wrapped loosely around his glass of straight bourbon (another thing he loved about California) he gave a shrug. “Sure. It’ll be my good deed for the day.” Gus spoke with nonchalance, a small smile tilting the corners of his mouth as he waved the bartender over for another glass and the ladies drink of choice. The man on the other side of the counter seemed skeptical, but clearly didn’t have the energy to argue any further and turn a blind eye. “Here you go, love.” picking up the beverage, he moved to the stool beside her and sat the drink down. Upon his next sentence, his smile grew. “I best be getting a name, though.”

Sutton was honestly glad that she didn’t get any push back, she was for sure that anyone within her vicinity would have told her no, which would have led to her next public outburst, so she really should be thanking him for more than just buying her a drink. With a smile on her lips, she gladly accepted the drink that he got for her. A part of her wanted to drink it right in front of the bartender, but she knew that would probably get her kicked out. Although, the smile slipped slightly when he asked for her name. “You don’t kn...” Sutton stopped herself. Normally, this would be the time that she would be openly offended over something so small but she decided to drop it. Honestly, she was glad that he didn’t know what a mess she was. “The name is Sutton and can I get the name of the person I’ll be paying back later.”

Sutton probably hadn’t noticed who sat beside her. To be fair, the world moved around her so effortlessly, revolving around her with ease. She didn’t need to have shame nor did she need to acknowledge Malcolm. “I mean, uh. You are a little.. um–” Malcolm knew how Sutton was so in fear of upsetting her, he dismissed her drunken behavior. Waving down the bartender with a sweet smile and a polite gesture, he ordered two gin and cokes, sliding her one slyly once it arrived. “I know it’s not my place. But, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so… imperfect. I mean that in the best way possible.” Malcolm took a quick sip from his straw, bringing his eyes up to meet the redhead’s. “I’ve only ever seen you happy drunk.”

Sutton wasn’t sure if she should be offended or not, but then again, she spent so much time trying not to show any sign of vulnerability that she shouldn’t really be surprised that anyone would be shocked to see her acting this way. “Are you saying that I’m not perfect?” She asked but quickly spoke once more. “...Don’t worry, I’m not going to yell at you. I get told that I’m fucked up at least twenty thousand times a week, so this shouldn’t be a shocker for you.” Sutton joked, trying her best to seem like she was okay. “I’m surprised Dom never shared with you what a miserable drunk I could be.”

Emmy was stood up by a blind date. Again. It wasn’t the first time and she started to realize that blind dates aren’t worth the stress that formed as she prepared for them. Drinking an old fashioned, the Latina turned to look at the redhead beside her, rubbing her lip at the question. “He was just doing what he’s told. I’ll get you a drink, though. I totally get the needing more than what they let you. Don’t worry about paying me back,” she smiled softly, calling a different bartender to do the order for her.

“Well if his boss told him that, then his boss needs to be fired. I’m not even that drunk.” Sutton shook her head at the thought, even though she did have quite a few drinks in her. A smile quickly formed on her lips when she agreed to buy her another drink. “I knew there was something special about you, when I first saw you, and trust me I noticed you. You don’t seem like you’re here just for a drink though.”

the bar was the last place she wanted to be. it was a trigger like no other, but sometimes she needed the atmosphere – drunk people laying their emotions out there, making fools of themselves, and being real. that was why she was sitting at the bar with a glass of pepsi. she was watching a scene unfold across the room – a couple fighting, she believed, when sutton broke the silence. the brunette turned to face her and knitted her eyebrows together. “i’d prefer we go get you a bottle and take you home if you want to drink more,” cassia winced. “i sound like a mom. i hate it. but honestly, if i buy you a drink, leave, and then you end up either getting hurt or kidnapped because of the drink… well, that’s on me and i’m a guilty soul,” cassia explained with an uneasy laugh. “but i’d be happy to help you home and pour you a drink.”

Sutton was honestly surprised by her concern, which is why a slight smirk grew on her lips. “You sound nothing like my mother.” A short laugh followed her words as she tossed her red hair over her shoulder. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve been taking care of myself quite well.” There was no way she was going back to her place. It would only end up in a fight with her mother and she didn’t want to deal with it. “Can we make a compromise? There’s a nice hotel down the street and I’m probably going to stay there for the night anyways. They have a bar. We can go there and you can buy me a drink.” The last part was more of a joke but she put on her most dazzling smile anyways. 

It was normal for the singer to go to a bar by herself,she would have a couple and then head on home. She was on her second drink when she heard the voice of the woman beside her speaking. “I think that they would know it was for you since you are right beside me and will see you drinking it.”