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“Oh, he did?” Mom calls into the living room. She’s nearly forty five but you can’t tell. She keeps her hair a light brown and never lets a single gray show. She works out constantly and is probably in the best shape she could be in. Hell, I’m surprised she still keeps sweets in the house.
Dad comes sauntering into the kitchen wearing a grin on his face. His salt and pepper beard tickles my cheeks when he gives me a kiss. “Hey, baby girl. I was going to come in here sooner but Darla found me first.”
“Hey, Dad. Thanks again for keeping Darla tonight.”
“We love our girl. Plus, I did say she can have ice cream.” He winks down at Darla. She squeals happily as he walks over towards the freezer and pulls out a small tub of vanilla ice cream.
“This may be your chance to sneak out,” Mom whispers. I know she’s right. Even though Darla stays here often, it’s not always so I can go out with Nora from work. In fact, I haven’t been out to a bar since before Darla was born. When I became a mom, all my priorities changed and partying was the last thing on my mind. Normally Darla just stays because they want her for the night and I take advantage and actually get some good rest.
“You may be right. Thank you again,” I tell her. For once, I let Nora convince me to go out tonight and it wasn’t easy. I was stubborn all week and finally caved yesterday. I never go anywhere to do anything. All I know is work and Darla, that’s all I need. Luckily, Mom and Dad were eager to take Darla.
“You do deserve a night out. I know you don’t do anything when we have her. Go enjoy yourself. You’re only twenty three once.” She winks.
“Tell Dad bye for me and tell Darla I’ll see her in the morning.”
I glance over at Darla, wanting to go hug her one more time and give her a big kiss. But I take Mom’s advice and just sneak out through the front door. Darla is in heaven with her Grammy and Papa, so I doubt she’ll realize I am gone.
I sit in my car and take in a deep breath. The thought to turn around and go home crosses my mind. But I’d never hear the end of it from Nora, and besides, I’m dressed up and I don’t dress up for nothing. I sigh and drive off, headed to some bar named Joe’s. I hope I have as much fun as Mom and Nora have been telling me I’ll have.
***
Pulling into Joe’s, I park my car as far back as I can. I’m just trying to keep my car safe from the potential drunks that are going to be out. My phone dings and I see Nora’s text waiting to be opened. She was actually shocked when I said I’d come tonight. She’s only been asking me since I began working at the hospital.
Nora: Let me know when you get here and I’ll meet you at the door.
Paige: I just parked.
Nora: Yay! I’ll be waiting for you.
I toss the phone back into my purse. I’m not sure about bringing it inside. I don’t see a need for it, but I’d rather be safe and have it with me. I won’t be setting it down or anything. I get out of my car and glance down at my outfit. I decided to wear a pair of black shorts and a grey sequined sleeveless blouse with my black sandals. My curly brown hair cascades down my back, and I’m thanking God for mousse and hairspray as the humidity slams into me. My hair won’t frizz tonight.
As I get closer to the front door of Joe’s, I see Nora standing right where she said she would be. A sigh of relief leaves me and I put on the best smile I can, trying to rival hers.
“I’m so glad you decided to come!” Nora squeals as she throws her arms around my neck.
“Me too,” I tell her, a little unsure of my answer.
“Let’s go and get you a drink.” She breaks the hug and grabs hold of my arm, pulling me inside.
The bright lights and loud music are enough to drown any thoughts out of my head, but I still have the urge to text my mom and check on Darla. Nora must be able to read my mind because when we get to the bar she orders two drinks and turns to face me. “Have fun tonight, okay? Darla is fine with your mom and dad. Let them have fun.”
“Okay.” I nod as she hands me a red drink.
“What’s this?” I ask her, puzzled.
“It’s a cosmopolitan, just not in the fancy martini glass. Enjoy!” She clinks her glass against mine and takes a sip.
Here goes nothing, I think as I bring the cup to my lips. The sweet liquor slides down my throat and I quickly take one smaller sip.
“This is good,” I yell above the music. She just nods and grins as we stay beside the bar.
I look out to see people dancing to the music, and all I can think is I am nowhere near intoxicated enough to join them. I really hope Nora isn’t planning on dragging us out there on that dance floor tonight. I sure as hell am not bringing the idea up. In fact, I move my eyes quickly away from there. Then I have to do a double take, because I swear I recognize the guy who just walked up to the bar a few people down from us. I just can’t figure out from where until he turns to the side and I see his arm. No, it can’t be—but I’m ninety nine percent positive he was that patient. He looks to have recovered well. He was handsome despite his injuries in the hospital, but now, oh my gosh, he’s beautiful. But what was his name?
Chapter 4
Austin
