Norah
Thursday passes in a blur. I’ve downed four cups of coffee by the time my second class rolls around, so I’m jittery but no more awake than I was at seven this morning. When I got home last night, I was absolutely exhausted, but I jumped in the shower anyway just to rinse off the smell of dishwater and beer. Knowing my hair would be an absolute disaster if I went to bed with it wet, I put some gel in it and braided it. After brushing my teeth, I fell into bed and didn’t budge until my alarm went off a handful of hours later.
On my way out of the Economics building after class, I pull my phone out and call Layla.
“Hey, what are you doing?” I ask when she answers.
“Not a lot. I work a late shift tonight, so I’m just taking it easy untilthen. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you maybe wanted to give your car-less friend a lift to the store? My cabinets are completely empty. I’m working on costumes all weekend, so I don’t want to starve,” I confess.
Layla laughs. “Yeah, we can do that. Come on over when you’re ready.”
“You’re the best! Have I told you how much I love you?” I ask her.
“Not today! See you in a little bit!” she says, then hangs up.
My phone buzzes immediately with a group text.
Myra:Girls night tomorrow night? Please say yes!
I wince at the thought. Our last Friday night out together did not end well; with the exception of meeting Eamon, of course.
Amelia:You know I’m in! I vote for the pub again! Open mic night turned out well for us! ;)
Charlie:LOL. I’m game.
Layla:I‘m actually off on Friday! Where and what time?
I’m surprised by that. Normally, Layla stays home when she’s off work, claiming that she’speopled outand wants to hide from social interaction.
Norah:Here’s the deal. I HAVE to work on costumes this weekend, so I will have one drink, then head home. Got it?
Myra and Amelia both send a laughing face and I just roll my eyes.
* * *
Two hours later, Layla and I are walking into the grocery store—one that Layla doesn’t work at. We chat idly, placing necessary and random items in our cart. Layla has been picking up some overtime shifts to save money to go back home for the holidays, and even though it’s not technically a vacation, I envy her. I haven’t left the state of North Carolina in four years. While I love it here, I miss traveling somewhere unknown. I daydream about Ireland constantly. If time allows, I search for the best flights and lodging in all of the places I didn’t get to experience last time. Maybe that will be my graduation gift to myself.
When we’re both satisfied that we’ve spent way too much money on things we really don’t need, we load up and head home. It’sso convenient having a best friend who lives next door. I offer to make Layla dinner before she goes to work as payment for taking me shopping. Spaghetti is a quick and easy option. While I wait for the water to come to a boil, I tell her a little bit about dish duty with Eamon last night. I don’t mention our date—or whatever it is. I’d like to avoid an onslaught of questions, but it’s nice to talk to one of my girlfriends about a guy in a positive light.
Layla looks at me knowingly. “Norie, I think something is brewing here. He seems really into you, and you’re definitely into him!”
I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “I hope it’s not that obvious to him. I already feel like an idiot most of the time.”
“Why? You’re gorgeous, smart, and funny,” she admonishes me.
I roll my eyes at her and drain the pasta, adding it to the pot of sauce I’ve been simmering.
“When will you see him again?”
So much for not mentioning our date.
“About that…” I grimace, glancing her way. “We kind of have a date on Monday?” It sounds more like a question than a fact.
“WHAT?” Layla screeches. “I can’t believe you didn’t mention it before now! Who else knows?”
“Just Charlie. I didn’t want to just send out a text to you all, but now I wish that I would have so I could answer all of the questions at once. In fact, how about I just text you all in the group later? Like tomorrow?” I offer hopefully.
