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I forgot about that.
A few days ago, Audra and I had lunch at Bruce’s and, over burgers and fries, we laughed about Matt's unhealthy Pokémon obsession and the way he refers to his manhood as Michael Jordan.
"He just kept asking me if I was cold," Audra giggled as she took another sip of Diet Coke, recanting their one-time hookup. "And he wanted to know my favorite color. Then he asked if I was cold again."
I threw my head back and laughed at drunk Matt's awkward attempt at pillow talk. "You know he calls it Michael Jordan, right?"
Audra leaned forward, her face splitting into a huge grin. "Yeah. He kept telling me to ride MJ faster. I just remember thinking, who is MJ?"
We laughed and laughed and laughed. Until my cheeks hurt, and my stomach muscles ached.
"So," she sighed, "who is he?"
I scratched the back of my neck, took a sip of water. "What are you talking about?"
"You're glowing," she said, amused. "You keep giggling and you got over Matt pretty fast. Spill. Who's the lucky guy?"
"I...I can't..."
"If it's who I think it is, I won't tell Matt," she genuinely promised. "Your secret is safe with me."
Secret.
I hated that word now that I knew Diane had lots of them. The way it flowed from Audra's tongue, like honey dripping from a comb, sent a shiver down my spine.
"It's not really a secret," I shrugged. "Matt just...it's complicated. He and I are working on being friends again and I don't want to ruin the progress we've made, you know?"
"I understand," she nodded her head as her curled, oak-colored hair fell over her shoulder.
"Kyle and I are..." I trailed off.
We're in love?
Dating?
Hooking up?
"Whatever you're doing with him," her grey eyes sparkled with delight, "I'm happy for you."
"Thank you," I sighed, wanting to say more, to scream from the rooftops that Kyle Thompson was in love with me, had been in love with me for years. But I wasn't ready to share that part of him with anyone yet. I was too terrified if I let the world in, it would tarnish the newness, the shininess of our relationship. I wanted to keep it locked safely away for as long as I could.
"Are you coming to Florida with us?" I asked, changing the subject.
Before Audra could answer, a handsome stranger interrupted our conversation.
"I couldn't help but notice you from across the room," he said to Audra as he offered her a heart-stopping smile, his blue eyes shimmering as he gazed down at her. "And I was wondering if you were free for dinner?"
Audra shyly tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "I um..." She looked helplessly at me.
"It depends," I cleared my throat.
He ran a hand through his wavy blond hair. "Oh no," he laughed lightly. "I'm not great with interviews from the overprotective friend."
"How long are you in town for?" I questioned. He obviously didn't live here. We knew everyone on the mountain, so he had to be visiting.
Audra glanced over at him, and I watched his cheeks flush pink as their eyes locked.
"For the summer," he answered. "I'm bartending at the Gigantic Pig."
