A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy)

After Sam left, Zoe was about to head to the washroom to bring Jay a wet towel when the man suddenly sat up on bed. "Zoe," he called out.

"You're up? Does it hurt? You drank a lot," Zoe asked in concern.

"Nope. I was never drunk," Jay replied.

Zoe gaped. "Really?"

"Of course."

"Then you..."

"Yeah," Jay admitted.

"You're ruthless, you know that? It's your brother from another mother out there."

"Who's going to take care of you if I'm drunk?" Jay said as if it was only natural. "Your belly is swelling, y'know."

Zoe stroked her own stomach just then, feeling touched. "You did that for me?"

"Why else would I do it?"

Feeling warm in her heart, Zoe said, "Once I squeeze this one out, I'll get properly drunk with your friends."

Jay was left speechless.

Sam and Bob were drinking happily in the living room.

Quinn did not hurry them and killed time watching TV on the couch.

With Cordy leaving and Zoe taking care of Jay, she had no idea how long Sam and Bob were drinking. If anything, they seemed intent on getting drunk.

Still, Quinn was going to pick a movie when Bob called out with a muffled voice, "Quinn, I think your man's drunk!"

Quinn promptly put down the remote control and headed to the dining room to find Sam lying sprawled over the table, mumbling, "I'm not drunk... I can still drink. Bob... I'll leave you floored or else... Burp." As Sam burped loudly, Bob chuckled, "You're done, brother! You're not drinking anymore in that state-try again in ten years!"

"Are you mocking me?" Sam exclaimed and pushed himself up to stand.

However, he fell back as soon as he did and had to squint to look for his beer mug.

"You're done, Sam. Let's get you home." Quinn quickly stopped Sam and had to work hard to help Sam to his feet.

Turning to Bob in concern, she asked, "Are you leaving, Bob? Would you like to come with us?"

"I'm fine-I can get home on my own. Just help Sam get home."

"Alright, then we'll be going now."

"Yeah."

With that, Quinn started to help Sam out of the apartment.

However, when she finally got out of Zoe's house with considerable difficulty and closed the door, Sam suddenly straightened. Quinn gaped at him in surprise. "What are you doing, Sam? You can't pee here!"

"Do I look that uncivilized to you?!" he snapped right then.

Quinn did a double take-he was perfectly sober, a completely different man from the man who had drunk himself silly!

"I'm not drunk," Sam explained just then. "It's Bob. He wouldn't let me go otherwise."

Quinn raised a brow-was this really alright?!

Sam shrugged nonchalantly. "He's single-he can drink all he wants. I'm spoken for, so I should show some restraint. Quinn was actually shocked-did he just say that he was spoken for and should therefore show restraint? Was he really changing for her sake?

However, Quinn did not dare press the issue-there was something nice about an undefined relationship too.

After his three best friends left consecutively, Bob was left nursing half a bottle of beer on his own.