The conversation flows, including discussions of dating horror stories, rapid-fire bachelorette games, suggestions on where to start, what places will have the best music and last-minute outfit changes. We take one final, obligatory round of pictures and then, we are out the door, ready to take on Nashville.
Our first stop is a newly renovated rooftop bar that offers sprawling views of Broadway below. Vi looks stunning in a white mini dress that shimmers under the patio lights as she orders the first round of extravagant cocktails. Claiming the old adage ‘treat yo’self’.
Iris raises her expensive cocktail, “To Vi. And to the fact that we are not sharing this moment with a single over-testosteroned man tonight.”
I laugh, poor Arch doesn’t know that he will never be able to live his stunt down.
The atmosphere is pure, unadulterated enjoyment. We spend the first hour drinking and playing some of the games the rooftop bar offers. We quickly find out that drunk Elle is absolute shit at giant Jenga. We move to the corn hole boards once they are free, after one too many toes got smashed by Jenga blocks.
Around 10:00 PM, we descend from the rooftop and plunge into the pounding heart of Broadway. The street is a river of people, noise, and cheap beer. We choose a popular honky-tonk bar known for its loud bands and tiny dance floor. The energy is intoxicating. We push our way to the front, staking out a small corner near the stage. The band is phenomenal, blending classic country with rock covers, evenpulling in some pop hits.
Vi grabs my hand and drags me toward the dance floor. We dance, a hell of a lot better than Archer. Moving our bodies to the rhythm, only stopping to replenish our drinks or take a shot.
Vi’s other bridesmaid Maya spots a karaoke bar across the street and shouts her idea over the music.
“Oh my God! I need to sing some Shania right now!” Nia shrieks.
We are all in agreement. It’s settled: we finish our drinks and move the celebration to the karaoke bar.
Chapter 68
Archer
Ibeat Elle home on Sunday. The girls got stuck in standstill traffic.
I use this time to call Dr. Mondary. She picks up regardless of it being a Sunday evening. I tell her everything that happened this weekend and how I would like to up the regularity of my appointments.
She agrees that I need to return to a more frequent schedule, one similar to the beginning of the season. She tells me to call her office in the morning to arrange an appointment. I thank her profusely before hanging up.
I take a deep breath; I can come to the conversation with Elle with that already taken care of.
I walk over to the fridge and get out all the ingredients for dinner. I had checked Elle’s location earlier and saw she was about an hour out. I’ll need to let her know this dinner is on the house and not part of her Christmas coupon. I’m chopping up onions when Elle walks in.
“What are you wearing?” She looks at me incredulously.
“Onion goggles.”
“Onion… goggles…” She repeats, trying to comprehend the absurdity of what I just said. I quickly discovered when I cut onions I full blow ugly cry. I found an old pair of swim goggles from when I cross-train and put them on to cut onions. It works.
“I’m making dinner, on the house, no Christmas coupon cash in.” I grin. Truth be told. I don’t hate cooking now that I’m not only cooking for one.
“What are you making?”
“I’m making pork chops with caramelized onions and asparagus.”
“Sounds delicious.”
I put the knife down and wrap my arms around her. I know I messed up on Friday, I know she forgave me, but damn it still feels good to hold her. She melts in the embrace, her arms wrapping around my torso.
“Why don’t you shower, and then we can talk while I finish dinner.”
“Give me a few more minutes. I missed you.” Her voice slightly muffled against my chest. I pull her tighter against me. We stand there until she’s ready to let go.
“Okay, I’m going to shower and change into comfy clothes, then we need to talk, Arch.”
“I know.” I resume cooking while she’s in the shower. She must take what she dubs an ‘everything’ shower because she’s in there for a while. When she comes out she’s in her favorite pj set.
I set out a plate in front of her and pour her and myself a glass of wine. I sit across from her and we eat in silence for a few minutes, neither of us wanting to rehash Friday, but we both know it needs to be done.
