“Yeah, why not.”
Lana heads upstairs and I think about Charlotte. How in love were they?
Another piece of Logan I itch to find out.
Sixteen
Iyawn, more tired than I thought.
“Oh no. There will be none of that.” Lana flags down the bartender. “Joel. Me and Sora would like a beer please, and two shots off your special list today.”
“Coming right up, doll.” Joel winks and Lana pays no attention.
“He’s hot, and he winked at you.”
“Who? Joel?” She shakes her head, plopping down in the stool. “He’s in an open relationship. No, thank you. I don’t share.”
Thinking back to Jason, I was honestly naïve in believing I was the only one. We never discussed it, but I knew deep down inside there were other women. It was an unsaid agreement, almost. Such men lack fidelity. Luckily, he never fought me when I insisted he wear protection. I am on birth control, but who knew what diseases he picked up? Our sex was… torture. We were intimate on his terms and when he wanted. They were infrequent. Jason never aroused me. Not even years later. And come to think of it, the bastard never made me orgasm.
“Fair enough.” I grin, accepting the shot glass from her.
Lana holds hers up. “Here’s to one kick ass friendship.”
I agree before gulping down the liquid. The lingering burn in my throat prompts Lana to offer me another drink to chase it with. Beer. Shots. Not something I’m used to. I’m used to champagne. Expensive wine. Fancy martinis and cocktails.
“Hey. You okay? Lost you there for a minute.” Lana’s eyes soften as she catches me deep in thought.
“Right now, with you… I’m great.” My smile is genuine, a first in ages. Iamgreat. And I enjoy being here with Lana in her adorable little town. Hanging out at the local pub.
My new job also brings me excitement, and I am truly happy for the first time in a while.
“Good, because we’re dancing.” Lana grabs my hand, practically dragging me off my stool toward the middle front where the dance space is located.
The Lana back in high school was shy and reserved. The grown-up Lana I know now is a bit more carefree. And nothing will diminish her joy while dancing. I wish I knew how that felt. Is it as free as riding a Ferris wheel or swimming naked in a lake?
I’m about to find out.
There’s no more reasoning, I Just move. And as I twirl and sway my hips to the song, I grow less mindful of what people thought or who’s watching. Because this isn’t the same dancing I used to do, this is for me and for me alone.
Lana swings her hips, and I burst into laughter as she throws her ass into my side. This is what being carefree is like, and I never want to let go of this feeling. If only I could capture it and never lose the memory.
I’m not sure how long we danced. Minutes. Hours. Itfeltlike hours.
Lana twirls and a random man comes up behind her, positioning his hands on her hips. He smirks and Lana only flashes a friendly, but dismissive, smile, patting his arm and moving toward me. “Let’s go get our beers!” she shouts over the music.
Good idea. This is girl’s time, an unspoken, no boys allowed night. But when we return to the bar, two familiar men are scowling at us. And just like that, girl’s night is over.
Logan stands tall beside the bar like a Viking getting ready for battle and Crew alongside him, arms crossed, glaring overLana’s shoulder. Not sure what or who he’s shooting daggers at, but they’re both annoyed and look angry. Why? I have no idea. Especially since Logan hasn’t been around.
“You two always leave your drinks unattended?” Crew drips venom, gesturing to our bottles sitting on the counter.
He makes a good point.
Lana huffs. “They’re fine. Now please take yourselves elsewhere. We’re having fun and you’re ruining it.” She goes to take a sip of her beer, but Crew intercepts, grabbing it off her.
“You’re not drinking this.”
“Excuse me? What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
