Page 20 of On Your Life

“Kira! You’re supposed to be on vacation,” he says disapprovingly.

No shit I’m supposed to be on vacation.

“And you’re supposed to be making my drink!” I yell over the loud bass of the speakers. He laughs and grabs a short glass.

The rum and sprite immediately warms my blood. It’s my go to drink. Something I tried one time and it is just the easiest thing to order, plus it saves the bartender time.

I can’t even count how many times I have had to run to the back to search what some pretentious ass drink is just to find out it’s a basic cocktail.

The music changes and I look around. This is my favorite part about this place, people watching.

I always wonder what brought someone in, the way a split decision brings them across my life and lands them here.

In a sea of bodies, I see a tall figure approaching me. His hulking size stands out in comparison to the other patrons, along with his bright blonde hair and tan skin. He looks like he would be a prick on a good day and, lucky me, he’s heading right over this way.

Change jingles in my purse as I dig around for a twenty and throw it behind the bar. My pace isn’t quick enough because I smell cheap cologne before he speaks into my ear.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks, like he already assumes that the answer will be yes.

I will not be going home with some rando that goes bar hopping. Not that there is anything wrong with that but he looks like he is the same age as me and usually that means this is a habit.

I have dated way too many alcoholics to get comfortable in bed with one again.

“No thanks,” I say, as politely as I can.

My keys digging into my hand are the only sign that this guy is making me nervous. I’m not sure why, he hasn’t really done anything wrong. Maybe I really do need to lighten up a little.

“Are you sure? No strings attached?”

Okay, so maybe I’m going to have to be a little rude.

My hand strikes the counter a little too hard before I get up and make my way toward the exit. This was not the direction I wanted my night to go but I guess I can finish my evening from the comfort of my own home instead of playing exposure therapy for my crippling social anxieties.

The door is heavy as I push it open and cold air hits my face hard.

Rain begins to come down in light droplets and I hurry across the lot to my car. Through the large window I can see him searching for me still, unaware that I’m already gone.

Ugh, men.

Chapter 11

Fox

March 23, 2025: The morning after…

Fox

Hey man did you make it home?

Fox

Charge your phone asshole and call me. Don’t be all pissy.

Fox

What’s going on?

Fox