Resolution (Saviour) by Lesley Jones

let me nip to the loo and find Stella, then we'll go.”
    “ We'll meet you outside Loz. Think she needs some air.”
    I nod at Jo as her and Sam help Jemma to her feet. As I head for the ladies I see Stella up ahead. With Jarrod standing far too close to her.
    “Hey Stell, we're going next door for a dance, the girls are waiting outside, come on.”
    “ Hey Lauren, this is my friend, Jarrod. He was just…”
    “ Stell... Go and wait outside with the rest, I'll meet you out there when I've been to the loo.”
    I don't want to stand and talk to Jarrod. I need a wee badly. Then I need to get Stella away from the dickhead and out of here. Not that next door will be much better, it will be an older crowd, who will just love the look of sweet little Stella. I contemplate all of this as I hover over the toilet seat and have a much needed wee. And decide that I will stop drinking tonight. Seeing as everyone else is determined to get shit faced. Just for a change, I will be the designated sober person; I'm not really enjoying my drink anyway. I feel quite sick in fact, I think its nerves. Thinking about what tomorrow will bring my belly does back flips, all teenage girl with a crush stylie. I'm gonna rip his clothes off and fuck him senseless for the rest of the weekend. I actually shudder and squeeze my legs together as I think this. I smile at myself in the mirror as I wash my hands, touch up my lippy, smooth down my hair and leave the loos, trying to touch as little as possible on my way out. Yuk. I hate pub toilets. When I get outside everyone is waiting, including Jarrod.
    “ Say goodbye to your little friend Stell... We're off.”
    “ Noooo Lauren, Jarrod's coming with us.”
    Like fuck he is . I look across to Sam and shake my head. Hoping for some support.
    “ Come on Stell. Get his number and see him another time, this is a girls night remember?”
    “ Ohhhh but I…”
    I really can't be arsed with this. Drunk people are annoying when you’re sober. Ha, who knew?
    “ Stell, we're going, say goodbye, get his number or not, I don't care. He's a fucking idiot anyway.”
    Jarrod turns and glares at me , “Oh I know you, it’s Lauren, Lauren East. You. Ha, I know what you've done. I know your boys and I know your husband. Your house is up for sale with us, because you, you fucking slut, left him for some kid, for some young bloke. Yeah, I fucking know all about you, you fucking whore.”
    He's right in my face now. His revolting breath on me. My house is up for sale?
    “ Hey mate. That's my sister in law. Don't you fucking dare talk to her like that!”
    Stella pulls him away from me before I get a chance to say anything. He looks from me to her and says: “Sorry baby, just kidding. You go with the girls, I'll come next door and find you later and get your number.”
    Stella goes all puppy dog eyed and nods her ok ay to him and we leave for the bar next door. Finally, I think to myself. Next time I see Ryder I will ask him to knock that little prick out. Not gonna win mother of the year award for encouraging my son to fight. But hey, I think that ship sailed long ago.
    We walk into the spit and saw dust joint next door and the band are already in full swing and the dance floor is packed. I look around at the tattoos and missing teeth. And that's just the women. This nights just getting better and better. Jo is straight to the bar and ordering a round of shots for everyone. I decline and ask for lemonade. Why does everyone look at me with amazement at that request?
    “ What? I feel a bit sick. I want to be on top form tomorrow when I go and see Gabe and throw him around the bedroom,” I say with a smile.
    My stomach lurching at the thought.
    “Eeeewwwwwww Lauren! TMI, TMI. That's my brother you're talking about.”
    “ Fuck off Stella, I've seen you in action tonight. Don't try and come the sweet and innocent with me now.”
    “ Yeah well I don't want to hear about what you're gonna do to my brother.”
    “