Page 51 of Tides and Tidings

Being at Sea Reads all day, every day, is great for being informed about so many things. Everyone trusts me and knows I would never share their secrets. Sea Reads is where people come to share their secrets they can’t tell anyone else. It’s where they come to get lost in a book and have a friendly face who will listen to what they have going on.

I looked around the dancefloor and saw people our age—early thirties—enjoying their lives to the fullest. Charlie and I do as well, but it doesn’t look like this. I wonder how many of these people have kids at home. Don’t get me wrong, I’m having fun, but I miss Wren and want to hang out with her.

I came back to the present and swayed to the music while finishing my drink.

The song ended, and the DJ paused the music, “Do I have any Taylor Swift fans out there?”

The crowd cheered, and I yelled as loudly as I could.

“Then y’all will enjoy the next thirty-minute mashup.”

Charlie put his hand on the small of my back and pushed me onto the dancefloor, “Go!”

“I don’t want to leave you standing here alone.”

A grin spread across his face, “I’m gonna get us some refills. You go have fun.”

“Are you sure?” I wanted to clarify.

“I couldn’t be more positive. I’ll bring your drink to you. If a guy comes near you, knee him in the dick.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Done!”

I made my way to the dancefloor, and as I started dancing, I could feel the drinks hit. The sobriety I was so proud of earlier had gone out the window. I sang along at the top of my lungs, and for once in my life, I didn’t care how silly I looked. I was living the life I could’ve never had in Seattle. None of this beautiful life I have would’ve been possible if I hadn’t taken a chance on myself.

Two years ago, I was working a dead-end, nine-to-five job. I was miserable, hated where I lived, and, most importantly, couldn’t adopt a dog. Now, I’m in a bar in Georgia with my incredible boyfriend, singing along to my favorite songs, and we have a sweet Little Bird at home.

There was a tap on my shoulder and I spun on my heel. Charlie stood there with a silly grin plastered on his face.

“For you, my lady.” He handed over my drink.

“Thank you,” I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

He pulled me into him and I stumbled. “Are you having a good time?”

“The best!” I answered honestly. “I think I feel my drinks a little bit.”

Charlie scrunched his face, “Me too.”

“I know this isn’t your type of music, but do you wanna dance with me?”

I watched the wave of uncertainty wash across his face before he shrugged, “Why not.”

I danced and sang until my voice started to crack from being so loud.

“No, nothin’ good starts in a getaway car!” I screamed.

Charlie was slightly swaying to the music, but his eyes were glued to me. He slid his hand into my back pocket and squeezed, “You look beautiful.”

I blushed, “You’re just saying that.”

He shook his head, the alcohol evident on his face, “I’m definitely not.”

“Hold on! I want to remember this night.” I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone to snap a selfie of us.

I took the opportunity to text Rose. The last time I was at the Riviera in Seattle, I was with Rose and my former coworkers. That was the night I met dick-head James. The beginning of the end, if you will.

Blythe: The bar Charlie and I are at reminds me of the Riviera. Which makes me miss you more.