A cool city breeze blows through from the opened bar door, and in walks Jasmine and Lily chatting animatedly. Great the crew is here, and we can start to get our weekend on. As the girl's stride across the wooden floor, I notice everyone in the bar, without exception, is checking them out. Both male and female.
As usual, Lily’s dark brown eyes are darting around assessing the room, her sleek glossy brown ponytail swishing behind her. She glides toward me with an enviable sway of her curvy hips and butt, encased in a tight black business skirt. We often tease her that she would fulfill many a guy’s librarian fantasy, especially when she perches her glasses on the tip of her nose. She is a petite, powerhouse, and what she lacks in height at five foot two, she makes up for in heels. Tonight is no exception as she is wearing her favorite red stilettos. Those spiky five-inch heels should be registered as lethal weapons.
In contrast to Lily, Jasmine towers. She struts across the room like a supermodel on a runway. Her thick auburn hair tossed over her left shoulder. Green eyes popping tonight due to her tight emerald-green dress. Jasmine is our alpha female and scares the pants off most men.
Well, there are certainly plenty who are keen to drop their pants for her. This all serves her well as a high-flying New York real estate professional running the cutthroat residential sales division of her father’s property development company.
Jasmine is mytell it like it isbest friend, always totally straight and to the point. There's no glossing over or sugar-coating the facts with her. I envy her unapologetic directness.
These two girls are strong and independent and the best friends a girl could have. I stand up and give both my girls a quick hug.
“What, no cocktails lined up yet, Cass? Have you been too busy chatting up Benny again,” Jasmine jokes as she winks at Benny, who has turned to welcome them.
“Girls, I’m right on it. And you can’t blame a man for getting distracted by the beauty you girls bring to my bar,” he enthuses smilingly cheekily. “Will I make it three Friday Fancy cocktails for my three favorite customers?”
We agree unanimously, even though I’m still not quite sure about a cocktail called a Friday Fancy. But I see Benny has the tequila bottle in his hand, which can only be a good start.
I love tequila based drinks and Benny knows it. I trust his bar skills, even if his cocktail names are a little oddball.
“Grab your table, ladies, and I’ll bring your drinks over in a few minutes,” Benny tells us, as he starts to vigorously shake the first of the cocktails.
We head to our favorite corner booth and sighing heavily I drop down onto the bench seat.
“What’s the reason for such a big sigh?” Lily asks, always attuned to changes in her friend's moods and the one who will rush to console when she senses someone has a problem.
“It doesn’t sound good whatever the reason is,” Jasmine adds.
Since College Jasmine, Lily, and I have remained best friends, and we've shared everything just like we used to do back then. I guess these days it's more about our careers but sometimes it's about our loves and occasionally we still talk about our hopes for the future. Being back in the same city, living with my friends means I no longer need to rely on social media or FaceTime to chat, we can share anytime.
I look into my friend's expectant faces and feel grateful that tonight of all nights they are here with me.
“My darling mother has been meddling again in my life, and this time she has gone too far,” I tell them, as I pull at the corners of the cardboard drink coaster on the table in front of me.
“What has she done this time?” asks Jasmine, in her usual direct manner and who's obviously not surprised to hear again of my mother’s infamous meddling.
“Well, she found out Luke Steele is now living in Manhattan.”
“What,theLuke Steele? The one who broke your heart?” Lily interjects, concern furrowing her brow.
“Yes, the same Luke,” I confirm, holding up my hand to stop more questions for the moment. “But wait for the worst part—she has passed my phone number onto Luke’s mother to give to him—without even asking me!” My voice rises as I tell them.
The main focus of my anger has been Luke having my number especially when I plan to delete his number as soon as mom sends it to me. I want to remove any temptation to call him.
“I mean why would my mom do that. Now I'm just going to worry he might call.” I let a groan of frustration seep out of me.
The girls lean in from both sides offering me support just like they've done many times over the years.
“You could call him first,” Lily suggests tentatively, thinking she is being helpful.
I drop my hands, sitting bolt upright, and shriek, “What are you crazy? Why on earth would I want to do that?” I'm shocked she could even suggest such a thing.
Lily’s eyes widen at my outburst.
“Whoa, take it easy,” says Jasmine, patting me on my arm. “It’s not a bad idea. Speaking to Luke could bring you some closure. We all know you're not over the man.”
What the hell is Jas saying. Of course, I’m over him, I was over him years ago.
Before I can challenge Jasmine, Benny approaches with a tray carrying three tall, frosted glasses filled with a delicious ruby-red drink garnished with fresh fruit and, of course, a cocktail umbrella.
