“I don’t think so, why?”
“You didn’t order a…” Plastic crinkles in the background. “Bratz doll?”
I exhale. “Goddamn it. No, it’s probably from my dad.”
Hesitantly, she says, “Why would he be sending her a doll?”
“The hell if I know. He does that from time to time when he’s not busy calling me from unknown numbers.”
“What the fuck, Ash! Why haven’t you said anything?”
“I don’t know. He’ll get the memo and piss off eventually. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”
“Have you seen him?”
“God, no. Last I heard, he was still in Florida.”
She sighs. “Alright, but be careful.”
“I will. Just take it to Goodwill or something. She doesn’t need gifts from someone she doesn’t even know.”
After hanging up, I take to finding something to wear. I settle on a black miniskirt, a dark red satin camisole, and tall, high-heeled boots. I refresh my blonde curls and put on a basic face of makeup with a berry lip.
When Nik shows up, she’s wearing low-rise black cargo pants and a handkerchief top with her hair pulled back in a clip. This bitch looks like a million bucks even with very little makeup.
Walking in, it’s a typical bar—dark and smoky. There’s a band playing and a decent crowd. Tables frame the outside of the room, leaving space in the middle for the dance floor.
“Come on. First one’s on me,” Nik throws over her shoulder, grabbing my hand, and pulling me toward the bar.
After getting drinks, we find a small table in the corner.
“Suck it down so we can dance,” she yells over the music.
I do as she says, taking a big gulp.
“Come on. I don’t need to be drunk to dance,” I yell, dragging her to the dance floor.
One drink turns into three, and suddenly, I realize just how badly I needed a night of freedom.
“That guy keeps looking at you.” She gestures behind me to a guy leaning back on the bar with a beer in one hand. He’s cute. His dark curly hair stops right above his shoulders.He nods toward us, smiling, and I smile back before turning to Nik.
“I’m not in the market for any of that tonight,” I say, shaking my head.
“Maybe not, but a little fun never hurt anyone,” she shouts right as a hand comes down on my shoulder.
The man from the bar stands behind me, smiling. “I’m Collin. Can I buy you a drink?”
“Oh, um, I don’t know…” I grimace.
Nik nudges me.
“Uh, sure. Why not? I’m Ash.”
Leading me to the bar, he asks, “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you around town.”
“Sort of. I used to visit my grandma here in the summer. I inherited her house, so I’m back until I get that sorted out. You?”
“Not originally. I moved to town a few years ago.”
