There’s a small stage in the bar and grill, and unbeknownst to me it’s karaoke night. That’s an activity which is right up my alley. They ask for volunteers as I drink my vodka and cranberry and unpack everything that’s happened to me today with the one person who listens to all of my news whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.
I don’t even know why he puts up with me.
I’m even annoying my own self tonight.
Seven
MIA
“So they letme come in on a Monday morning, park in east bubblefuck, only to come inside and get fired ten minutes later. I mean, who does that?”
“Laid off,” he corrects me.
“I felt like I was fired. No prior notice? Only a week’s pay? Is that even legal?”
“Everybody’s cutting back these days, Bird, and yes, I think it’s legal.”
“That doesn’t make it any better. You just bought your mom and dad their dream house by the shore. Meanwhile, I don’t even know if I’m going to be able to pay my rent or car note next month.”
Oops, I shouldn’t let that slip.
“I can lend you the money.”
And this is why.
“You know I won’t accept that. A Taylor woman gets herself out of her own mess.”
“It’s a loan, Wonder Woman. Pay it back when you figure your finances out.”
“No.”
“That’s stupid, Mia.” His face hardens. “Just take the money.”
“Are you calling me stupid?” I challenge.
“Yes.”
As the sun sets outside, the ambient lighting in the tavern grows brighter and Rush’s cut appears more noticeable to me, or maybe I’m just drunk.
“Who put that cut on your face?”
“Work put this cut on my face.”
“You let somebody beat you up at practice?” I giggle.
“Nobody beat my ass, Mia. It’s football.”
Rush has been playing pro football for over four years and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a scar on his face. He’s too fast, too big, and nobody can touch him. The one time he got into a real scuffle with someone in college, he almost got expelled because he accidentally broke the guy’s wrist. Luckily he was able to plea self-defense, and the school could keep it out of the local press.
Something about his story tonight sounds off to me, but I let it go. He’s a private person and I’ve known for a long time that I have to allow him to have his space. We don’t have to share everything. It’s not like he knows the extent of my financial situation. I would never burden him with that.
“Put a band-aid or something on it later. You look scarier than normal.”
“I’m fine with scary.”
Another woman seated adjacent to us on a bar stool has been staring at Rush during our entire conversation. I can’t blame her. He is looking especially formidable tonight. His training regimen this summer has only intensified and his body has clearly benefited from it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man with less body fat and more definition in my life.
I’m not sure why the woman’s glares are bothering me tonight. It’s nothing new. Women have always been attracted to Rush. Maybe I’m just being needy because of the terrible day I’ve had and I want all of his attention, or like I said before, maybe it’s the vodka.
