She just has this power over me. As soon as I sat next to her, I couldn’t help it. I shake my head as I stride to my truck, my eyes peeled for Lucky, who’s taken it upon himself to dig in the snow right by my front tire. “Get in, boy.” I open the driver’s door and wait for him to scurry into the passenger seat. Then I get in and say to him, “I have a date to get ready for.”
ten
Arielle
The coffee shop is agonizingly slow. I prop both elbows on the counter, rest my chin in my palms and sleepily stare out the window, wishing customers would come in. I honestly think everyone assumes since Graham isn’t here, the place is closed. With nothing else to do, I think about my non-date tonight and now my gut wads into a ball of nerves.
It’s been so long since I hung out with a new guy, especially one this handsome.
What if I say something dumb?
Really, it’s not even a “what-if” for me, but more like how many times something embarrassing will slip out. I don’t want to get all worked up about it though, so it ruins my chances of having fun. I let out a sharp sigh, refusing to let my nerves get the best of me, and I open my phone, ready to scroll.
The karaoke app finds my attention, which makes me smirk. I haven’t needed the distraction since I met Stallone. It’s crazyhow things can change in just a few days. Now it just looks like something I could do to pass some time. With my free hand I drum my nails on the counter. I’m not huge into karaoke but if they are playing the right song, it might be fun.
I might as well check it out.
I tap on the screen to see what my first challenge is, and my song appears: “Fishing in the Dark.”
I let out a haughty laugh. I know that song and could sing it in my sleep. Challenge accepted. Rolling my shoulders back, I do a warm up stretch as I wait for the timer to count down. The screen changes, and I’m thrown into a challenge room, and I start singing.
I’m not going to say I could be rockstar material, but I’ve definitely found my rhythm, and I take down the first challenger—no problem. I really hope he doesn’t cry because he honestly never had a chance.
I advance to another level, and another after that. I just keep going, and my competitive side comes out without apologies. I’m taking out everyone.
All afternoon I keep advancing and leveling up. I sing so many songs, and I dominate. I don’t know why I have never tried karaoke before, but this is really a hobby I could enjoy more often. One thing I figure out is I especially excel at anything Disco.
It’s my genre.
I’m two verses into ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” when Christian calls me. I literally growl at his name on my phone as it forces me to forfeit my round. I hate doing that, but I’m so far ahead of everyone else. Even if I forfeit this round, I can win the overall tournament. “I’m fine,” I assert as soon as I answer the phone.
“Whoa, what’s wrong with you?” His big-brother tone passes through my phone. “I wanted to make sure you had enough cash in the till, since you haven’t been doing any bank runs."
“I’m fine.” I quickly pop the drawer open to confirm there’s plenty of change and cash, especially since no one has come in today. After a second eye sweep, I press the drawer closed. “I know how to go to the bank if I run out.” I sneak a peek at the time. The app sends me an invite when it’s time for my next challenge, and it could be anywhere from one minute to a half hour, depending on how everyone else sings.
I can’t miss my invitation.
“I don’t know.” He sounds panicked. “I really shouldn’t have left you there. I think it’s best if we close the store until we get ready to do the grand opening—”
“It’s fine,” I mutter again as I wonder how many times I can repeat the same exact sentence in one conversation. “I’m getting to know your customers.”Well, only one of your customers, and he’s quite nice.My lips curl into an amused smile at the mere thought of Stallone.
“I know how you are when you are going through a breakup. You get unpredictable mood swings. You keep saying you’re fine, but”—he stalls for a beat— “but are you, really?”
“Yes.” I soften my tone, hoping he finally believes me. “And if it makes you feel better, I promise if I’m not fine, I will let you know.”
“Do you really promise?”
“I do.” I pace back and forth behind the counter, my fingers itching to end the call. “Trust me, it’s so good for me to be here alone, because nothing here reminds me of Tom. I haven’t even once thought of him. I’m pretty much over him.”
A heavy sigh passes through the phone and relief fills his voice. “That’s good to hear.”
“It is.”
“Okay, you’ve convinced me for now, but don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
“Of course.” The edges of my lips bend into a larger smile. “Love you, bye.”
“Bye, El.”
