"We were just sitting here talking and then she clunked out. She was putting the drinks down like she could handle them," Neil said, stress lines growing across his forehead.
Tonya shook Lela's shoulder in an attempt to wake her. "Girl, how many drinks did you have?" She looked around the table at the host of empty glasses and answered her own question.
"Let's go, Lela. You've had one too many." She shook her again.
"You're going to have to walk though, 'cause I'm not carrying your heavy butt in the house."
Barely opening her eyes, Lela reached inside her purse and handed her house key to Neil. "Come on; let's go, baby."
Trey and Tonya looked at Lela like she was crazy. Neil looked flattered, but didn't take her up on the offer.
"I'll walk you to the car, Lela," Neil offered, placing the keys back inside her purse. "Tonya will make sure you get home safely."
Lela took his hand without protest. At Tonya's car, she took Neil by surprise by wrapping her small arms around his masculine neck and kissing him full on the lips.
Tonya had been so into her conversation with Trey that she didn't notice Lela trying to suck Neil's tongue out his throat. Once she did, she just stood there with her mouth open. When she got her faculties together, she shouted, "Oh my God! Trey, get your cousin and put her in the car."
"Come home with me tonight," Lela whispered softly.
"Let's get you home, Lela," Neil told her, defying his body he pulled away from her.
Trey opened the passenger door to the Chrysler 300. "Get in here, girl. Out here acting like a freak. And you," Trey turned to Neil, "I've told you to stop taking advantage of my drunk cousin."
Before Neil could explain, Lela blurted out, "Stay out of my business, Trey," and then passed out on the front seat.
"And who is supposed to help me get her out of the car? She can barely walk," Tonya questioned Trey.
"We'll follow you two to the house," Neil volunteered with pep in his voice.
Like the ride to the club, the ride home was quiet. This time because Lela slept the entire way. Pulling into the driveway, Neil got out of his car and offered to carry Lela. He placed her head securely on his chest and cradled her warm body close to his as he walked her into the house.