Chapter 23. Intoxicated

As George returned to the table after taking a phone call, his eyes widened at the scene before him. "What in the world happened here?" he asked, flabbergasted, seeing the chaos that had unfolded before his eyes.

The group of young doctors, six from each department, were now completely wasted, their heads resting on the table as they giggled softly. Meanwhile, the stewardesses and the pilot stared at them in disbelief, with Jules and Rayleigh trying their best to sober them up.

Chantana chuckled sheepishly. "I didn't know they'd be so lightweight when it comes to alcohol. They only had three glasses of cocktails."

Jules let out a hearty laugh. "What did you expect? They're young doctors who've spent most of their time studying and perfecting their skills. I doubt they're used to partying," she said, shaking her head.

Rayleigh raised her hands in a gesture of helplessness. "Honest mistake," she said. "They need to deal with more stress and patients to build up their alcohol tolerance, Jules; we need more parties for the interns."

"This six, I go drink with some of the new residents. They're fine." Jules still can't believe seeing six people just drop drunk in front of her after a third glass. She raises her fourth glass of cocktail, still appearing unfazed by the cocktails.

George let out a groan as he surveyed the drunken group. "How are we going to get them back to the hotel?" he asked.

Rayleigh quickly stood up. "I'll pay the bouncers to help us get them out of here," she said. "After that, it's the hotel's job to take care of them."

As Rayleigh made her way to the bar to coordinate with the staff, the rest of the group kept a watchful eye on the young doctors, ensuring they didn't cause any further trouble.

Isabelle, who had been quietly observing the situation, leaned in and whispered to Chantana, "I'm impressed they managed to get this wasted on just three drinks. Clearly, they've been neglecting their social lives in favor of their careers."

Chantana nodded in agreement. "I can't even imagine the kind of hours they must put in at the hospital. They really need more alcohol," she said, a sympathetic tone in her voice.

George let out a hearty laugh, having overheard the ladies' conversation, talking in a tone that sounded like pity, but actually they were teasing the six young doctors who had collapsed from three glasses of cocktails: "I do hope we can meet in the future for more drinks. We can see how strong you're with alcohol." George said it with a confident grin.

Chantana's eyes lit up at the challenge. "Oh, you're on, doctor," Chantana replied. She loves drinking games.

-

Surprisingly, Mona decided not to go with Chantana and Isla back to their hotel near the airport and instead chose to follow Jules. As the group parted ways in front of the bar, having called it a day, the bouncers successfully ushered the six inebriated young doctors into their respective cars.

Rayleigh handed each of the bouncers a fifty-dollar bill. "I'm going to put this on their tabs," she murmured, earning a round of laughter from George and Jules.

As the group made their way to the hotel, Lauren, Rayleigh's ex-girlfriend, attempted to cling to Rayleigh. "Ray! You'll regret this! I'm the one who knows you best!" she pleaded.

Rayleigh's response was as chilling as it was resolute. "Speak one more word, and I'll make you regret everything, even if you're my ex. All the better." Her words sent a shiver down the spine of anyone who heard them, including Isabelle.

The tension in the air was visible when everyone walked into the hotel's lobby. Rayleigh's rigid attitude, along with Isabelle's protective presence, made it clear that there would be no place for compromise when it came to the well-being of their relationship.

As they entered the elevator, Rayleigh drew Isabelle closer, her embrace expressing a sense of security and belonging. Isabelle, in turn, leaned against Rayleigh, her eyes filled with unsaid love. The bell boy with them to bring their luggage can feel the tension inside the elevator.

Lauren, situated in the middle of Rayleigh, Isabelle, Mona, Jules, and George, stayed strangely silent as they climbed to their separate floors in the elevator. The six intoxicated doctors had been left in the competent care of the concierge after Rayleigh had discreetly slipped two hundred-dollar bills onto the service counter. With a warm greeting, the concierge staff told Rayleigh, "No problem, we'll make sure they're put into their rooms safely."

Back in the elevator, Rayleigh found it more challenging to contain herself, smothering Isabelle's face with plenty of tender kisses. This display of affection only angered Lauren, who was already upset and watched the scenario unfold with hatred.

Jules let out a frustrated sigh as she felt the tension rise. "Ah, sh*t, can this thing move any faster?" She complained, earning a faint smile from Mona, who appeared to have a similar mindset when it came to quickly dealing with awkward situations.

When they get on the same floor, they choose to upgrade their rooms into suites. As for George and Jules, they don't want to sleep in a small room after dealing with lots of strangers in the doctor's gathering. George and Jules, not wanting to be confined to a small room after the eventful evening, had decided to splurge on the King Suite. Lauren, born into a wealthy family, had naturally chosen to upgrade her accommodations as well, selecting the prestigious Presidential Suite, one of the finest in the Hotel Washington, with the thought that Rayleigh would go with her.

Rayleigh, however, was not one to indulge in unnecessary extravagance. She knew that Isabelle would be content with a standard room, as long as they were together. But Rayleigh wanted to ensure they had ample space to enjoy their time, and so she had selected the Monument Suite for them.

As the group made their way to their respective rooms, Jules couldn't resist a playful jab at Lauren. "Wow, that's quite the upgrade you have there, Thompson," she said, a warm smile on her face.

George, chuckling, quickly came to Lauren's defense. "She just wants to be comfortable; don't tease her, Moore," he said, opening the door to his in front of Jules's.

Isabelle, feeling protective of her friend Mona, was quick to interject. "Mon, this isn't summer!" she said, her tone stern.

Jules, sensing Isabelle's concern, reassured her with a genuine smile. "Don't worry, sweetie pie. I won't do anything to your friend. This isn't a one-night stand; I just need a friend to talk to," she said.

Rayleigh, reasoning and knowing the reasons why Jules needed a friend to talk to, turned to Jules and said, "Don't drink too much, Jules," before gently guiding Isabelle towards their own suite.