by Moose, S.
“That’s incredible. You should be proud of your work, Mallory.”
“Normally, I don’t ever brag about myself. I will say this, I am really proud of my work. It’s the best I’ve done. Enough about me.”
I want her to keep talking about herself. Whatever she tells me, I’ll take it.
“I enjoy listening to you talk about yourself.” I grin. “I’d love to hear anything you have to tell me. Think of this as our first date. We’re talking and getting to know each other.”
I inhale through my nose to diffuse the silence. Probably not the greatest thing to say since we haven’t met yet.
“I like that you said that. This is our first date,” she adds softly. “Since I talked a little about myself, I’d love to hear about you. How’s your family? Do you have any siblings?”
The question puts me in a haze. She doesn’t know anything about me and wants to know more, but I’m not sure how much I should share. I don’t want to scare her away, but she’s asking, and I should tell her. Be open since she’s been open to me.
“My parents left me and my brother when we were sixteen, and I haven’t heard from them since. My football coach took us in and raised us as his own. Instead of going to college, my brother and I joined the Marines and served.”
“I’m so sorry about your parents.” I hear her sniffle, and it breaks me a little to know she’s crying over me. “I don’t understand how they could’ve done that to you and your brother.”
“Don’t cry. Please don’t. It’s fine. I’ve accepted that my parents left us and never came back. I didn’t have the best childhood. My dad was abusive, and my mom was addicted to painkillers. It was me and my brother, Carson. He …” I paused, unsure how I should tell her, so I spit it out. “Carson passed away in an accident. It left me in a dark place, and I wasn’t sure how to get out of it, but somehow, I found the strength to do so, and here I am. The Cure was Carson’s dream, and I’m keeping it alive for him.”
There are a few beats of silence before I hear rustling on the other end. I didn’t want the call to end on something this dark.
“I’m so sorry that happened to you. I know we barely know each other, but if you need someone to listen, you can always call me. It doesn’t matter what time. I’ll be here for you.” She inhales and breathes out slowly. “I’d like to be the person you can go to when you need someone. If that’s okay.”
“That’s more than okay.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, you can.”
She yawns again and sighs. “If I’m being too much—”
“I know where you’re going with this.” I didn’t mean to interrupt her, but she needs to know what I’m thinking. “You think you’re too much, and so far, I don’t see it. I personally don’t think I will see what those other fools have seen.”
“You say that now.”
“Let’s make a deal.” I sit up on my bed and move pillows behind me to get comfortable. “If you’re becoming too much, I’ll honestly let you know, and if I’m being too distant, then you let me know. Deal?”
“Yes.”
“I liked talking tonight. Best first date.”
“Best first date.” She repeats.
“Go to sleep. We’ll talk in the morning. Sweet dreams.”
“Sweet dreams, Justin. I can’t wait to talk tomorrow.”
Me either.
Chapter 10
Mallory
The mood I’m in when I wake up makes me feel good. I haven’t woken up with a smile on my face in so long. Talking to Justin and getting to know him is making me have all the girly girl feelings with butterflies in my stomach and smiling from ear to ear.
How is it possible to fall for someone before physically meeting them?
My phone vibrates on my nightstand and I reach over to read the message. Cue goofy smile.
Justin: Good morning. I hope you’re not too tired.
Mallory: Good morning. A little. Nothing three cups of coffee can’t fix.
Justin: We don’t have to have any more late-night talks.
Mallory: But I like those talks with you. I like hearing about your day and night at the bar and what you’re working on. You know, we should meet soon.
Justin: Tonight. Come to The Cure with Lisa, and I’ll be sure to take care of you both.
Mallory: If I’m being honest, I’m nervous. Level 10 nervous.
Justin: I am too. I’d rather us break the ice and just do it.
Mallory. Fine. Tonight. We’re going to meet and it’s going to be fun.
Justin: It will be. I’m not sensing a lot of excitement on your end.
Mallory: Oh no! It’s been a long morning so far, and my team didn’t complete their end of the project, so I’ve been working double-time. I’m sorry. Trust me, I’m excited.
Justin: Sorry to hear that. I need to run to a meeting anyway, but I’ll see you tonight.
Mallory: Yes, you will.
The day’s dragging but in a good way. With everything that’s been going on, I needed today to go slowly so I could play catch up and finish everything on my plate.
I’m getting used to being away from Chicago and living in New Orleans. It seems to be a new adventure every day. Lisa and I are exploring, trying new foods, meeting new people, and I’m processing my new normal.
Lisa’s mostly sticking by my side. I don’t think I’d be able to get through the transition without her.
“Hey, girl.” She walks into the apartment and plops down on the sofa. “What are you up to?”
“Just finished working. You?”
“Did a little shopping. Explored a little. You know, the usual.”
I let out a laugh. “Always the usual.” I contemplate if I should update her on Justin. She knows he commented on my infamous video, but that’s all I’ve told her. Part of me wants to keep her in the dark for now while the other part of me wants to let her know.
“I’m sensing something from you.” She waves her hand up and down and stares at me. “Yeah, you’re totally hiding something from me. Spill it, sister.”
“Remember that guy who commented under my video?” She nods, repositioning herself so she’s sitting on her legs and leaning toward me. “We’ve been talking, and before you say anything, I checked him out and he’s legit. He owns the bar you’ve been dying to go to with me. His name’s Justin, and he’s a Marine veteran. His profile is real, and I did a little research on him. We’ve been talking a lot and getting to know each other. I’m not sure how to exactly explain what I’m feeling.”
“The Cure? His name’s Justin?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, honey. We’re going tonight, and I’m going to get you ready. You don’t have to go any further.”
She has me confused, and I raise a brow. “What’s going on?”
“I walked by there this afternoon and heard the name Justin floating around outside between two very handsome men. If he’s the guy you’re talking to, then you are going to be a stunner tonight.” Lisa lifts her hand toward my face and presses her finger against my eyebrow. “Honey, when was the last time you waxed? There are monsters growing on your face.”
“I’m going to need you to stop touching my face please.”
“This calls for an emergency wax, buff, and shine.”
“I’m not a shoe, Lisa.”
She rolls her eyes and grabs my hand, dragging me to the bathroom where she can work whatever magic she has for me.
Chapter 11
Justin
I’m not sure what to expect tonight. I feel like a teenager again. Just standing around, feeling nervous with sweaty palms, and watching the entrance like a hawk. Whenever I see the door open, I raise my head and stare in that direction to see who came in. A part of me is disappointed when I don’t see her while another part is relieved, I have no idea what I’d say to her or if I’d get the chance to. She said she would be here with her best friend, Lisa.
After se
rving a round of shots to a group of guys, I hear the sweetest laughter over the loud crowd. It immediately gets my attention, and I look over to see the most beautiful girl walk into my bar. Everything around me comes to a stop. The way she smiles brightens the dim bar. Her long blonde hair is in curls, and she’s wearing a little blue strappy dress. Her five feet three is a small frame, but her toned body has curves in all the right places. I can’t take my eyes off her. When she finally looks my way and our eyes connect, damn, something inside me clicks.
Behind her smile, I saw she was hiding a broken piece of herself. I wanted to reach over and fix her. To take her into my arms and tell her everything would be okay because she had me. As she’s walking to the bar, I can’t take my eyes off her. The smile she’s wearing is pulling at my heart.
“I’m guessing you’re Justin.” She smiles. Damn, her smile is the most beautiful smile I’ve seen.
“And I’m guessing you’re Mallory.” I realize how lame that was to say. Of course she’s Mallory.
She nods with a smile on her beautiful face and I can picture staring at her smile for days. “I am. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
Before I can say anything else, the girl she came in with pushes her to the side and extends her hand to me. “And I’m Lisa. Nice to meet you, handsome.”
“Nice to meet you too, Lisa.”
“Well, I’m going to leave you two here. I’ll be over there.” She points at a guy who normally comes in on the weekends. He’s a good guy. Kind of a loner, but I’m sure Lisa will be fine. “Have fun, kids.”
Mallory watches her friend walk to the guy sitting at a table nearby. “She’s the social butterfly between us.”
“You seem like one too.”
Mallory shakes her head and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Not really. I mean, sometimes, but it depends on the situation and who’s around.”
“Understandable. I sent one of my bartenders home tonight. She was sick, and I couldn’t let her work, so I might get busy. Remember, please don’t get upset if I need to work.”
I’m not sure why I keep explaining myself to her. She doesn’t seem like a woman who isn’t understanding, yet something tells me she needs reassurance.
“No worries. I met one of your bartenders when I was here. Is Crystal here?”
My eyes widen a bit. “Ah, yeah. She’s in the back and will be out soon. When you came in, everyone treated you alright?”
“Sure did. Everyone I’ve come across has been nice.”
“For the most part, you’ll find a bunch of nice and easy-going people. We have our occasional asshole, but it’s to be expected. How are you liking the Big Easy?”
“I could definitely see myself living here.” She pauses and looks around the bar. “This is where I belong, I think. I’ve been in Chicago my whole life, but being here, I don’t know, I fit in.”
“What’s stopping you from making that move?”
I watch her reaction. Her mind is racing with answers, and she seems unsure. Her head tips a little to the side, and she smiles at me again. “I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”
“Yo, Monroe! A round over here please.”
When I hear my name being called, I wanted to tell them to wait so I didn’t have to leave Mallory’s side. I don’t want to mess anything up with her.
I look to see a bunch of guys from my old high school at the end of the bar, waving to get my attention.
“I’m sorry, but I need to get their order. Are you going to be okay? Can I get you anything?”
She shakes her head. “No, I’m okay. And don’t apologize. I know you’re working.”
“Be back.” I head over to the guys and get their shots of whiskey ready.
“Monroe, how are you doing, man?”
I laugh as Austin Morrison grabs me by the neck and pulls me in closer.
“I’m good, Austin. Good seeing you. It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, I know, man. I’m sorry I haven’t stopped by. Working for Eli Boudreaux is a great gig, and he’s keeping us busy. Plus, I don’t know if you heard, but I asked Vanessa to marry me.”
“That’s great news. Congratulations. Yeah, I heard Eli’s keeping everyone busy.”
“It’s great, man. Can’t complain.”
I finish serving the rest of the group and head back to Mallory. Before I reach her, someone catches my eye, and I ball up my fist as my heart drops to my stomach. She would come in on the same night I meet Mallory. I don’t want her anywhere near this beautiful woman.
I want nothing more than to take Mallory to a private area and talk, get to know her. I rush over to Mallory and see what she feels like drinking.
“Surprise me.”
“You sure?”
“Sure am.”
With a laugh, I grab a glass and pick a fruitier beer. It’s light and one of our crowd-pleasers. My eye is steady on Angie. She notices me and Mallory.
Oh, fucking hell.
I slide the beer to Mallory. “Here you go, beautiful. Try it and let me know what you think. I’ve had this beer for two weeks, and people seem to love it, but I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
“Oh, I sure will. I love beer. There’s just something about a cold beer on a hot day.”
Angie makes her way over, eyeing Mallory and then turning her attention to me. This doesn’t faze Mallory, though. She’s drinking her beer and watching Lisa two-step with Jerry.
“Justin.”
The sound of her voice freezes my motion. I haven’t talked to her much since the day she left me.
After Carson’s funeral.
All she said was she couldn’t be with me anymore and things would never be the same. I was holding her back from her dreams, and she was tired of sticking around for me. It was time for her to leave, and since I wasn’t going with her, the best thing was for her to leave without me. I never chased her or begged for answers. I had just buried my brother and was in a world of hurt. Nothing seemed to pull me out of the funk I was in. Angie tried for a day, but my depression was too much for her.
I take a deep breath and try to talk to Mallory.
“Justin. Hello? Did you hear me?”
Mallory looks at Angie and then at me.
I clear my throat and use the rag that was over my shoulder to wipe the counter. “Hi, Angie. What’s up?”
“Nothing much, baby. I just wanted to stop in and say hi.” She eyes Mallory, then looks back at me. “I’m free tonight if you want to talk. I heard things have been hard lately, baby. You know you have me here for you. I know I left for a minute, but I’m back. Let me take care of you the way you want. You remember those days, right?”
“Nope. Sure don’t. Also, not sure where you’re getting your information. Things are better than ever.”
“So why are you living upstairs?” She leans in closer, trying to push her breasts up to grab my attention. “And why can’t you look me in the eyes when I talk to you?”
It doesn’t work. Whatever she’s got planned won’t draw me in.
“You know I saw Coach a few days ago.”
I look her in the eyes and keep my tone steady. “That’s nice.”
Angie’s wearing her usual going out outfit. Tight ass shorts with cowgirl boots and a crop shirt thing that leaves little to the imagination.
She used to turn me on with one look, but that was in the past.
Now when I look at her, all I see is a woman who is full of herself and can’t be bothered to be there for someone. If it doesn’t satisfy her or work in her favor, she doesn’t care. That’s the type of woman Angie is—she only looks out for herself.
I loved her for a chapter of my life. She was a great friend and girlfriend. We had memories together, and most are good, but things changed after Carson died. I despised her for leaving when I needed her the most, but now, she wasn’t worth the energy. I had enough in my life not to give her a second thought.
I try to t
alk to Mallory and see how she’s doing.
“Justin, I only want to talk. I want to say I’m sorry for hurting you and walking away when you needed me the most. I should’ve been there for you.”
I look at her, then at Mallory. She looks concerned, but I give her a smile, and it seems to ease the questions in her head.
For now.
“Please, give me a few minutes. Get someone to cover for you so we can talk. I owe you that.”
“That’s the thing, Angie. You don’t owe me anything. I never asked for an explanation, and I don’t want one now. You did what you did, and I moved on with my life. Things happen. It’s life. People break up and move on.”
“I want us to be friends. We had a lot of great times together.”
“Had. Past tense.” I remove myself from the conversation with Angie. I’ve wasted too much time on her. “What’d you think of the beer?” I ask Mallory.
“It’s good. Can I have another?”
“Coming up.”
I turn my back to the girls, and it wasn’t the greatest thing to have done.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No.” Mallory keeps her answer short.
“Thought so. I’m Angie.”
I turn around and see her sizing Mallory up. If I know Angie, and I’m almost certain I do, she’s trying to see if she has competition.
“Mallory.”
“And I’m Lisa.”
Both girls look at Angie, and Jerry comes over as well. The three of them look at me, then at Angie.
“Angie. Not tonight, girl. I don’t know what you’re doing here, but I think it’s best you leave Justin alone, sweetheart.”
“Whatever.” She turns to look at me. “Whenever you want to talk, you know where to find me.” She taps the bar and gives me a smile.
I don’t return the smile.
Angie makes her way out of the bar, and I excuse myself from everyone. I need to settle this now. When I reach her, I pull her outside and away from the crowd. I’m sure people are inside talking and trying to figure out what’s going on.