I should just stay home tonight.
Finally, I peel off the dress.
Then, I put on my favorite hoodie and leggings, and slippers, pour a glass of wine, and park my ass on the couch.
It’s all too much. Too much confusion. It's all social constructs and made-up rituals.
Stepping back and really looking at it, I don’t know what any of this is for except to put people in a box.
Overthinking, thy name is Ari. I’ll admit that. But my predilection for overthinking doesn’t change the fact that I’m overwhelmed and confused.
Later, I’ll go for a walk and clear my head. That’s what I need. A comfy hoodie, some wine, a non-romantic comedy on the TV, and a little bit of exercise to rearrange the mental furniture. Calm my nerves.
That should fix me right up.
And if I happen to walk past the community center and run into Foster organically, then we’ll see what happens.
Chapter
Nine
Foster
The night may suck without Ari, but at least the food is good.
The seafood from Magpie is outstanding, but the bites are too small.
I shove a mini donut in my face from the dessert table, and Evelyn asks how I'm doing.
“Never better,” I say through a mouth full of custard.
“What are you doing?”
I turn around to find my best friend staring at me. His girlfriend, Riley, is elsewhere, probably helping Maddie with something.
“Grief eating.”
“About what?”
“Nothing. Hey, have you seen Ari?”
“I’m sure she’ll be here. She needs to be. Riley told me she’s being presented with an award because of the decorations,” Rowdy says.
I look up at the ceiling, and my heart pounds at the memory of the other night.
“She’s pretty fucking amazing.”
Rowdy is staring at me with wide eyes.
“What?” I ask.
“You have a thing for Ari.”
“Shut up. Do you have any idea how loud you are?”
“I knew it,” Rowdy says. “That day I came to the store to tell you about Riley, and I told you Ari’s name. You had a thing for her already back then.”
“Bullshit.”
