By the time Rajan arrived to pick her up, Zinnia was already sprawled out on the sidewalk, clinging to Lyra's leg like her life depended on it.
"Lyra! I'm soooo sorry! You should just kill me now! I totally deserve it for ditching you for my stupid boyfriend… hic!" she sobbed, her voice a mix of regret and drunken slurring.
Rajan, looking more than a little embarrassed by the spectacle in front of him, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh... Boss?"
Lyra, visibly exhausted from listening to Zinnia's nonstop wailing for what felt like hours, waved a hand dismissively. "Just get her out of here," she muttered, her voice drained of all patience.
Rajan, wisely choosing to say nothing more, simply nodded. In one smooth motion, he scooped up Zinnia, cradling her in his arms as he turned to face her group of friends. "Anyone else need a lift?" he offered politely.
Lyra shook her head immediately. "No thanks," she said, her exhaustion evident.