“Oh my God, Ev, I think you killed me this time.”
“Hey now. I wasn’t in it alone.”
Her cheeks are tinged with pink, her hair’s a tangly mess, and her eyes look sleepy and satisfied. What I wouldn’t give to be there running a warm cloth between her legs and tucking her head against my shoulder to sleep a whole night together.
“Give me a sec,” she calls, before darting into the bathroom across the hall from her bedroom.
I grab my boxers and use them to clean myself up. I’m spent, but it feels so good.
I watch as she comes back onto the screen in just a tank top and turns off the light.
“Night, Ev,” she whispers, her eyes half-closed.
“Night, Gorgeous.” I end the call, but the image of her warm and sated in her bed stays with me as I turn out my own light and drift off to sleep.
“I’m so glad you could make it out tonight!” It’s loud in here, but I don’t mind the noise. I am finally getting a chance to catch up with Ashley and has stood me up the last few weeks when we made plans to meet up. Not that I’m bitter, or anything…
“I know. I’m sorry, Molls. It’s been crazy lately. Ever since Ethan and I split, I haven’t wanted to do anything. I’m not sure it was entirely necessary for you to key into my apartment, insist on making me get dressed, and drag me out tonight, but I’m glad you did.”
“That’s what sisters are for.” I toast her with my half-full Old Fashioned.
“So, not to be bitchy or anything, but why here? This place is a little grungy for your tastes, no? I mean don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen, like, ten people I know, and we’ve been here for five minutes, so I’m not complaining. It just feels more like—”
“More like a college dive bar than a place your sophisticated, thirty-year-old sister would frequent?”
“Yes. And your use of the word frequent as a verb proves my point.”
“Ha. Listen, kiddo, this is not my first time at The Drunk Monkey, but it is my first time here in years. And, yes, I’m here to drag you back into civilization, but I’m also here to check out the band. They’re another of Simon’s faves, and I have the task of making sure Elaine won’t hate them.”
“Are you seriously planning their wedding? That’s what Dad said. How does that even work? Are you, like, trying on dresses for her? And what about food? Ava said Elaine can barely keep anything down.”
“I’m not planning the wedding, just helping out. I’m going to appointments she can’t make, and I’m bringing info back, so she and Simon can decide on stuff. And part of it is that I know her better than anyone, so I have a pretty good idea of what she’ll like and what she won’t. Last week, Ev and I went to that new hotel on Brockmoor. It was gorgeous. All modern and sleek. Everything was white or gold. I adored it, but Elaine would never get married there. She tends more toward flowery and cozy.”
“But you like all that vintage stuff. Like, all the shirt dresses and pencil skirts and stuff. Your closet looks like you lifted it off the set ofMad Men.
“For my clothes, yes. But that’s because of my tits and ass.”
“Yea, you must’ve gotten that from your mom’s side because, uh,” She looks down at her tank dress and gestures at her barely-there boobs.
“Hey, no complaining. Whatever you’ve got, it’s beautiful. What did I always tell you? Don’t hate on yourself. And don’t wish for what anybody else has. Just be what you are and love it. Are my boobs fabulous? You’re damn right they are. But so are yours.”
She rolls her eyes because she’s heard my lecture a million times, and she smiles because she knows I’m right. “Ok, no more body shaming myself, even if Ethan’s new girlfriend has ginormous boobs.”
“As someone with ginormous boobs, I can tell you they aren’t as awesome as you think. Don’t get me wrong--I love my tatas, but I don’t love that they require bras with thick straps and four hook closures. But enough about boobies. How are your classes?”
“Other than the fact that Ethan and I coordinated our schedules and have every effing class together? Ugh. And I totally wasted an elective by signing up for Video Game Design. That is not going to help me when I’m a NICU nurse.”
I want to hug this girl. I could totally have told her that taking a class just because her boyfriend is taking it is a terrible idea. But, sometimes, you just need to learn things the hard way.
“Ok, that definitely sucks. But I have no doubt there’s other eye candy in there for you to enjoy. Just tell me you’re not still sitting next to him.”
“I am, but only because he comes and sits next to me.”
“Oh, honey.” Clearly, we needed to have a talk about boundaries and assholes. But first, more drinks. “We need refills. I’ll be right back.” I step down off the stool and check my phone, as I make my way toward the overcrowded bar. God, is it dollar beer night? I see a text from my dad, thanking me for meeting up with Ash. I respond with a heart and tell him I’m happy to hang out with my sister, because I am. I don’t see it as a duty, so much as a privilege.
I also see a text from Ev. He’s at the airport and about to head through security.
Ev: Gorgeous, if all goes as planned, we’ll land at 11, and I’ll be back in town before two a.m.. I’ll text you, but put your phone on Do Not Disturb. I need you to be well-rested for what I have planned tomorrow night.
