by Moose, S.
“How does this relate to me?”
“Wait, I’m getting there. I know you’ve been down about it, but I think that the breakups you’ve been through have helped you. Look at you, Mallory. You’re a strong, smart, and vibrant woman. Sure, you’re not going to cast a spell to have love find you, but you’re going to continue to work on yourself and love who you are. If a man can’t see that, then forget it. All your breakups were a huge favor to you.”
“What?”
Lisa raises her hands in defense. “You really didn’t understand any of that?”
I rub my forehead, trying to piece together Lisa’s ramblings. “No, I get it, and it makes sense. What I’m trying to figure out is this big favor all my breakups gave me.”
She puts down her hands and positions herself right in front of me. “The men you were with before held you back. You were a little dull and not as fun to be around. The light that you had around you when you were with those guys wasn’t there, but now it’s slowly coming back. It’s like you needed to experience this hurt to find out who you are and what you want. I want you to be happy. You’re my best friend. I’ve watched you cry over these assholes way too many times.”
I’m still on the bed, thinking about what she’s told me, and let it sink in. I was crazy to think all those breakups were completely my fault, and I finally realize that’s not the case. I’m twenty-five and even though love hasn’t been on my side, I know it’ll happen when it’s supposed to.
“Let’s do something tonight. Finish up work and then get ready.”
“I have so much …”
Lisa places her fingers on my lips to shush me. “No. We are going out. I don’t want to hear any excuses. As your best friend, I am pulling out the best friend card stating I get to make the rules tonight.”
“What best friend card are you talking about?”
Lisa places her hands on my cheeks and smushes my face inward. “Get your cute butt ready because we’re going out. We’re going to have fun and meet people. If we get a little drunk, then we get drunk. Are you with me?”
“Okay,” I mutter. “I need to finish work, though.”
“Fine. Finish your work and then let me know when you’re done.”
“Okay.” For one a night out doesn’t sound so bad. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.
Chapter 8
Mallory
After about two hours, I close out of my design application and look at the time. It’s late, and I’m sure Lisa’s ready to kill me about not going out again tonight. I leave the bedroom and find Lisa on the couch with a bowl of popcorn on her lap.
“You’re not mad about us not going out tonight?”
“Nope. I’m okay. I’m taking back the best friend card, baby bird, and will be invoking the card soon. We’re going to go out soon, though.” Her eyes don’t leave the television screen as she lifts her hand in the air with a thumbs-up. “I’ll let tonight slide. You’re lucky The Notebook is on. I’m going to make sure you have the time of your life so count on it.”
“Whatever you say.”
I head back to my bedroom and look out the window, admiring the sounds of New Orleans. As much as I want to go out and have fun, something’s screaming inside me to take it slow and not push myself to do anything I’m not ready for.
There’s a full-length mirror in the corner of my bedroom, and something catches my eye. My fingers run through my blonde hair, and it seems very plain. There’s nothing special about my hair or really anything about my style. I’ve never done anything drastic to how I look.
Back in high school, Lisa always tried to get me to go to the salon with her and get my hair done, but it never interested me. I hated the idea of being pampered. My mom wanted me to practice self-care. I worked out and played sports. That was my self-care. For junior prom and ball, I got my nails done. I was being pressured by everyone, so I gave in. It was alright, but not something I saw myself doing.
As I got older, the idea of spending all day at the spa wasn’t alluring. Instead, I’d just get massages and facials here and there for relaxation. Maybe I need to have a day of pampering to relax and get my mind off life in general. I went because of gift cards I received for Christmas and my birthday so I felt obligated to go.
Lisa comes into the bedroom with a box of tissues. “I hate those adoption commercials with the dogs sitting outside in the cold while chained to the fence. I want to adopt all the dogs and open my own dog shelter. What are you doing?”
“What do you think about having a spa day tomorrow?”
The box of tissues falls from her hands, and she rushes over and sits on the floor with me. “Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”
“What do you mean?”
“You never want to go to the spa or salon.”
I let out a laugh. “Yeah, I know. Maybe it’ll be fun.”
She presses her hand against my forehead. “You feel normal. Definitely not sick.”
“Can you stop?” I laugh and push her hand away. “Go find a spa and book us the works. I want to walk out a new woman.”
“Got it!” She hurries to leave my room to get to work on our spa day. “I’m going to mark today as the day baby bird becomes a big bird.”
“No. You are not calling me big bird.” I yell out.
When she leaves, I pull up my profile to see what people are doing and if I have any notifications. Immediately, I see my message indicator blinking.
Justin: How’s your night going?
Mallory: It’s going. After we stopped talking, I went for a run and stopped at a bar close to where I’m staying. I’m loving New Orleans. People here are super nice and no one’s rushing or being rude like how some people are in Chicago. I think I’m over the 24/7 busyness Chicago brings.
Justin: New Orleans has its moments. For the most part, people are nice and around this area everyone’s there for each other.
Mallory: That’s awesome. Oh, let me tell you about this cute little bar before I forget. It’s such a cute bar! Definitely going back. Apparently, there are late-night snack options. Who can say no to mozzarella sticks?
Justin: Which one?
Mallory: The Cure.
Justin: I’ve heard great things about that bar. You should go there again. From what I hear, people always have a good time and the drinks are the best in town.
Mallory: I’m planning on it for sure. It’s somewhere I can see myself having a drink or two and dancing to the music. I haven’t danced in so long. I’m not the greatest dancer or anything, but I can definitely get down.
Justin: The Cure is the place to be then. There’s always a live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes during the week. You’ll have to go and get down with the music here. Maybe we can meet up and we’ll get down together. If you’re up to it.
I’m frozen on my bed. I should type out a funny response or something quirky. Only I’m not very quirky and I’m too afraid to ask Lisa for help because I know she’ll take my laptop and do whatever she wants. Sometimes I don’t think she thinks before doing.
Mallory: Let me think on that. How do I know you’re not some crazy person waiting to pounce on me?
Justin: I promise you I’m not a crazy person. Scouts honor.
Mallory: Were you a Scout?
Justin: Nope.
Mallory: The lies are starting!
Justin: I apologize, but no I assure you I’m not crazy and I won’t hurt you. Ever. Let me take you out for lunch in a very public place and I’ll let you decide if I’m crazy or not. If you decide I’m not crazy, then we’ll grab a drink at The Cure, listen to the band, and dance. Sounds like a plan?
Mallory: Okay, I think that can happen. I’d love to meet you. Lisa and I were going to go out tonight and check out the band at the bar. It didn’t happen.
Justin: Why? What’s going on?
Mallory: I was busy with work, and when I was done, I was too tired to get ready and go out. Plus, Lisa gave
me some real talk advice and that put a damper on my mood, but in a good way. She brought up good points, and it helped to hear what she was saying. I’m not going to change who I am because of some asshole who can’t handle how intense I am. Or whatever it is they think. I’m Mallory, and I have no regrets.
Justin: You’re right. Don’t let the assholes of your past make you think you’re not worthy of love. Can you explain what you meant by being intense?
Mallory: I care too much. I give too much. I don’t know. I’m like my mom in a lot of ways. I take care of people and sometimes forget to take care of myself. For instance, I’ve never been into the whole spa day / pampering yourself kind of thing, but I’m doing it tomorrow with Lisa. Don’t get me wrong. I take good care of myself; it’s just sometimes I forget to put myself first.
Justin: Completely get it. I’m the same way. I’m glad you’re doing something for yourself tomorrow. Get the works done. You deserve it.
I feel a smile spreading across my face as I read his message. He’s a good listener, and I really enjoy our conversations together. This is so unlike me. I’ve never done anything like this, and here I am, forming some kind of bond with Justin.
I’m starting to like it.
Justin: About The Cure. You really need to come sooner rather than later.
Mallory: I wish we had ended up going tonight. For some reason, I’ve been chickening out. I’m a baby, if you can’t tell. Can you tell me why I should?
Justin: Late-night snacks. Remember?
Mallory: That I do. Who can pass up on mozzarella sticks? Oh! What if they have mouthwatering wings?
Justin: I guess you’ll have to go and find out. You know, the bar’s still open.
Mallory: There’s no way I’m stepping out of the apartment looking like Cousin Itt. No thank you.
Justin: I vote who the hell cares and go there. I guarantee you don’t look like Cousin Itt. That’s not possible. You’re beautiful.
Mallory: You’re making me blush. I have the goofiest smile on my face. You’re pretty good with your words.
Justin: I try. It’s not hard to want to make you smile.
Mallory: You’re making me want to get ready right now and meet you somewhere.
Justin: Sounds like a plan.
Mallory: What are you up to?
Justin: Nothing really. Getting work done and ready for tonight. You should really stop by The Cure sooner rather than later.
Mallory: You’re repeating yourself and now I’m very curious as to why you keep telling me I should go so fine, I’ll bite. Why’s that?
Justin: I own it.
My cheeks flare with heat, and I stare at the words.
I own it.
An overwhelming sense comes over me and I need to take the chance to go to the bar soon so we can meet.
Chapter 9
Justin
“You’ve been talking to this really cute girl, and you told her you owned the bar she went to and tried to convince her to visit?”
“Yep.”
I’m at the bar with Jerry tonight. His band is playing, and since one of the girls called off again, I’m bartending and making sure everything runs smoothly. We’ve never had major problems. Sometimes, people will get a little too drunk so we call them a taxi, but since I’ve been open, we haven’t had a fight or anything too wild happening. That’s how I want to keep it.
I show Jerry her picture from her profile. “She’s really cute. You got yourself a good one. Have you talked to her a lot today?”
I smile like a damn fool. Even though I’m twenty-eight, I feel like I’m seventeen and back in high school. “Yep. I wish she’d changed her mind and come last night. I’m dying to meet her. When we talk, damn, I don’t know, but I love it.”
Jerry cut his eyes to me and lifts his shot of tequila before downing it.
“Another one?”
He shakes his head and looks away before turning his attention back to me. “Amber cheated on me. Found out this morning. It sucks. I kicked her ass to the curb, so you can say I’m going to drown in this here tequila, then crash on your couch.”
“You okay? I’m sorry to hear that.”
Only I’m not sorry. Amber’s not good for him. She’ll cheat on him, they break up, and she comes crawling back. Jerry loves her, and as many times as I’ve told him it’s better to let her go, he takes her back.
“I’m good. This time, it’s over for good. She’s fucked me over too many times. I don’t need to deal with the fucking drama. I know I said it before, and I went back to her, but this time I mean it. I’ve had enough of her shit and lies. Who knows how many times she’s cheated on me? Sorry to unload on you. Would it be okay if I crashed on your—”
“Don’t even have to ask. The couch is yours. It’s not comfortable, but hey, we’re best friends, so whatever you need, I got you.”
“Thanks, brother. I knew I could count on you.”
We shake hands before Jerry takes the stage with the rest of the guys. The night’s steady, and by closing, I’m beat. After I head back upstairs, I shower off the night’s work, then walk to my bedroom and look at my phone to see if she said anything.
Mallory: Amazing spa day. Love it. Might be a little addicted.
Mallory: It’s so late, and I’m a little tipsy from the wine Lisa and I had. If you’re up to talking tonight, call me.
I dial the number she gave me and hit send. When the call connects after a few rings, I hear soft rustling on the other end, and I’m pretty sure she said shit.
“Hello?” I ask, waiting for her to say something.
I look at the time on my cell phone and see it’s almost one in the morning. It’s late. I don’t know why I called her, other than I want to hear her voice and have it be the last sound I hear before calling it a night.
“Hey.” Her soft voice filters through the phone, and I immediately smile. Some deep part of me knew I’d love the sound of her voice. “You’re calling me.”
“I am. Sorry, I know it’s late. It was a long night at the bar. One of the girls called off, and we had live music tonight. That always attracts a big crowd. I hope you don’t think it’s weird I’m calling.”
“Not at all.” The line goes quiet, and then I hear her yawn. “I’m glad you called me. I’ve been curious about what your voice sounded like. I know it’s weird.”
“Not weird at all. I’ve been wondering the same.”
I bend my free arm and tuck it behind my head, soaking in her gentle and sweet tone.
“Sorry if I sound groggy. We had a few bottles of wine and a little dance party. I think I might be a little tipsy.” She laughs, and another instantaneous smile spreads on my face. “Tonight, was busy, you said?”
“Yeah. I can’t complain, though. Busy means money, and money’s what I need to keep this bar. We’ve been doing well, though. I’m thinking about adding a popcorn machine so people can enjoy it while watching the band and chatting. I saw something like that at another bar when I was in upstate New York. Popcorn isn’t expensive either. I saw a machine on the marketplace earlier, and I’m going to stop by tomorrow to check it out.”
“That sounds really cool. Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
“This is super random, and you’re going to think I’m a weirdo for saying it.”
I laugh at her cute tone and how shy she seems. “Maybe I will. Who cares if I do? This is who you are, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about that.”
“You’re right. Here goes. I love popcorn. There’s been a time or two I’ve gone to the movie theaters just to get the popcorn, and I left. No one bats an eye at me. I’ve tried eating microwaved popcorn, and it’s not the same. I know, super weird. I love the popcorn from the movie theaters, and if I could go every day for some, I would.”
“You’re a little wild, aren’t you?” I laugh and joke with her. “Movie theater popcorn is the best. Do you add butter to it?” I love the randomness of our conversatio
n. She’s so damn easy to talk to. She’s real. Honest.
“Does a bear shit in the woods?”
“Not sure. I’ve never had the pleasure of witnessing that.” Her laughter vibrates through the phone. I can listen to her every day.
“Of course, I add butter to it. That’s what makes it so good. So, if you and I go to the movies together, then we’re going to need our own bags.”
I hear her mutter something. I can’t make it out, but I want to say she’s embarrassed for thinking that.
“Only if you let me pay for the movie and popcorns. Then we can definitely do that.”
“That sounds like a date. Are you asking me on a date?”
I laugh, but I keep it to myself. I don’t want her to think I’m laughing at her because if this is going where I’m hoping, then I’m going to ask her out on many dates.
“I think I’ve asked you on a few dates already. Are you going to run away?”
“No,” she softly answers. “I think I want to go to The Cure tomorrow. What time would you recommend me stopping by?”
“Any time. I’ll let you know it’s going to be busy tomorrow night, so I’ll do my best to talk to you. Please don’t be offended if I don’t have much free time.”
“I won’t be offended. Thanks for the heads-up, though. I wish I could go during the day, but I have a project that’s due and then a three-hour meeting with my team.”
I want to know more about her. I need to keep her talking.
“Tell me about your job. What do you do?”
“I’m a graphic designer. My company designs for several different high-end companies, and this project is worth millions. I’ve been working on it for so long. Everything’s going well, and I have a good feeling that the company will die for it.”