“My ex-boyfriend. We grew up together… but I had enough of these assholes who think they get to talk to us like trash.”
“Come on, I know just the thing that will cheer you up.” I tuck her to my side with my arm around her shoulders.
“You meansomeonethat will cheer me up,“ she gigglesadorably.
The guys start revving their bikes loudly and hurry us up.
“We’re coming,” I shout.
There’s no dull moment in this place. I guess someplace someone cares. I’m starting to see it and feel it the more I spend time here, surrounded by all of these people.
It is half past nine at night as I walk through the door of the convenience store. It’s been quite a productive day filled with memories I will cherish for years to come.
I pull out a Pepsi and Donna stares at me with a wide grin as I pay for it.
“You had fun today?” She asks as she opens the cash register and hands me the change.
“Yeah, I spent some time with a new friend and went for a ride with some nice bikers,” I shove it into the front pocket of my jeans, “I like it here.”
“I’m happy to hear, hon.” She says softly as she rearranges the stack of candies. “Every time you come in it’s like watching your mom walking around here all over again.”
I smile at her. The sharp pang in my chest lasts for a moment. It will always be that way and I can’t change that.
“Hey Donna, where is Meadow?” I hesitantly ask, opening the tab of the can I just bought.
“I’m not supposed to say.” She twitches her mouth to the side. “But you’re practically family, he… went to Germany for a day or so, attending some business.”
“Germany?!” It comes out less aggressive than the scream in my head.
“Yes, it was very important.”
That only verifies my suspicion if I’m connecting the dots right because I got an email today, saying the next location in the world championship takes place in Germany. But what if I’m wrong and it’s something else or he is a fan who wanted to see the race live?
“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You sure will, hon.”
Swarming with thoughts all the way to my room, I shut the door with my foot once I’m inside. With the Pepsi running in my system, I gaze at the empty wall in front of the bed until my eyes wander to the ceiling.
The silence envelops me and I breathe it in for a long moment.
The knocks on my door startle me and I spill some Pepsi on my jeans, “Shit!” I hurry to get out of bed and open the door.
“Girl, let’s get wasted.” Lai stands at the doorway with another bottle of whiskey.
“No!” my voice is sharp.
“Please, I need this,” she makes a puppy face, begging me with her pale blue eyes. “After I spent hours wrapped around Brook, opening my thighs for him and warming his back in the passenger seat, he took another girl to his room.” She sighs, looking beaten, “Life’s not fair.”
“Lai… I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine.” She bats her eyelashes once as if to say forget about it. “Frankly, I wasn’t looking to sleep with him but we talked a bit and it was fun and real. I thought he would wantto eat dinner with me at the bar… I guess he had other plans.” She quiets.
Disappointment and rejection are part of life and we can’t do anything about them but accept them, and move on.
“Fuck him! You don’t need him. You are beautiful and amazing, and have a weird fascination with whiskey.”
“God, I love whiskey.” She slowly shakes her head dramatically to emphasize her stance. “It solves everything.”
