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‘How didn’t I see it?’ she asks herself.
‘It’s those damn rose-colored glasses we wear as we fall in love. Some things aren’t worth forgiving, and this is one of them for me. But that’s just my take. I know you love him, so despite what I think, this is a decision you’ll have to make alone.’
She sighs heavily, pointing out the window. ‘This is me,’ she says to the driver.
I get out of the car once he’s parked at the curb, extending a hand to her while asking the driver to stick around to drive me home.
‘How much do I owe you for the ride and advice?’ she asks.
‘Uh, nothing?’
‘I thought you said you were cheap?’ she asks playfully.
‘Usually, I am. But there’s something about you, calamity Jade. I can’t put my finger on it yet, but after tonight, I’ll buy you dessert, drinks, and appetizers any day of the week. Just say the word.’
She purses her lips as if deep in thought. ‘Okay, well, since you wouldn’t let me use my coupon for dinner or pay for our Uber, how about this?’ she asks. ‘One of my mom’s favorite movies is playing at an old theater in the Hawthorne district. Her, my little sister Laney, and I used to go every year. Since Mom’s no longer here and you’re a fan of things older than you, maybe you’d like to join us, unromantically? My treat.’
The truth didn’t scare her away, and she’s inviting me out with her again, with her sister. Unromantically, of course, but I feel like that’s something.
I rock back on my heels, standing on the sidewalk facing her. ‘I could probably squeeze that into my busy schedule. You’ve got my number, text me details, and I’ll meet you there.’
‘Great!’ she says with a smile. ‘It’s not a date.’ She laughs.
‘Perfect,’ I say, backing away as she opens her gate by typing in a code. ‘Oh!’ I say, stopping her in her tracks just after she’s in the courtyard of her building. ‘Tongue. Moisture droplets. Never symbol. Send that back to Corndog. There’s no way he won’t reply.’
‘Dirty, I like it. I haven’t tried that yet.’ She pulls her phone from the pocket of her fur coat, tapping the screen. ‘Update you with the results when I get them?’ she asks, flashing me her lit phone as proof she’s sent them.
‘I won’t hold my breath, but yeah, send me his response. I’m curious.’
‘Thanks for dinner,’ she says. ‘And all the laughing. I’m excited to see you again for the movie.’
She’s excited to see me again? That’s not a bad sign.
‘You’re welcome. I’ll see ya,’ I say, meandering outside the gate until she disappears inside her building, then heading back to my Uber. She’s like no one I’ve ever met, and I want to know more.
10
RIVER
Part of my night last night was amazing. The rest, Jesus, when will invisibility become a thing? What terrible fucking luck to run into Caitlin. Five years spent avoiding that woman, and the one night I’m out with a legit friend of the female sort, she walks in with trash magnet, Derek, the guy she ran to when things between us went wrong.
My mind was legit blown with the baby thing, to the point that I only slept peacefully for maybe an hour last night. The rest was spent in chaotic nightmares that followed the Groundhog Day pattern, circling as our relationship progressively declined on a loop. Worst. Movie. Ever.
Then there was the part where I couldn’t stop thinking about Jade. But when I’d convinced myself not to go there because she’s engaged and trying to fix things with her fiancé, on came the nightmare again. Round and round that went.
I’ve had about fifteen cups of coffee to keep myself awake today. Currently, I’m running on caffeine, booze, and all the tiny pretzel bread sandwiches a guy could want. Mom wanted to go catered for this little photoshoot/rehearsal, and since she offered to handle it, I’m not disappointed in the snack bar she’s paid a fortune for. However, she did make me handle the drinks.
‘You look tired, Riv,’ Mom says as she looks over the food table, picking out a few things.
‘Long night. I’m exhausted,’ I say.
‘I know that feeling,’ Rico, her drummer, says. ‘It’s rough. I got some blow if you wanna—’
‘No,’ I cut him off as he’s reaching into his jacket for something. ‘And considering your age, you better just say no too, dude.’
‘My age?’ he bellows, clearly offended. ‘You think you could do this at my age?’ He storms onto the stage, making himself comfortable behind his drum set and banging out a solo Phil Collins would be proud of.
I’m in no mood for attitude today, so I’m not arguing with him. ‘You win at the drum wars, Rico. Considering you freaks agreed to this gig with a ridiculous rider, I get at least one rule. Here it is. Listen closely. Do not die of a cocaine overdose on my time.’ I wave a finger at all four band members, stopping at Mom. ‘If I find out you did “blow”, this documentary will come to a screeching halt, young lady.’
