Page 33 of One More Chance
“Imagine going on a real date. Imagine trying to date after divorce and only ever having kissed or slept with one man,” I say, the last part of my statement turning into a whisper. I don’t exactly want to announce this to the crowd around us.
Lyla nods, considering my words. “That’s fair.”
I nod too, raising my eyebrows in that universal told-you way. Perhaps she understands a little better, but she’ll never fully understand where I’m coming from. With that in mind, I don’t think she exactly has the right to judge my actions or the way I’m trying to handle this.
“So, are you gonna try to go on real dates?” she asks.
“This guy Steve asked me on one for tonight, but I told him it depends on when this wraps up. He’s from the dating app,” I say.
“Oh my god, Harper. If you have to leave this early, then do it.”
“No way. He can wait. What do people say? Chicks before dicks,” I say, laughing.
“That’s fair.” She laughs. “I’m just saying, if you want.”
“Maybe I will just drink and then drunk text him later,” I tease.
Lyla raises her glass up, clinking it against mine. “I’ll drink to that,” she says, and we slam back our moonshine together.
Maybe I can’t go meet up with Steve. Maybe I don’t even want to just yet. But I can certainly step this whole texting thing up, get a little flirty. I can be risky or sexy or whatever.
As long as Steve-o doesn’t flash his dick at me via textual romancing, I’m good. My phone is a no-dick-pic zone. I take another shot of moonshine and think better of a third before having more food. This is a marathon, not a fucking sprint.
Looking through the crowd, I realize there are a lot of people between me and the table full of food. I’ll just wait a minute. I sit and pull out my phone, noticing I have a message from Jensen.
Jensen:Save me some of that moonshine!
Shaking my head, I giggle and look at how much is left. Plenty as long as I can keep Annette away.
Me:I will save you some!
Jensen:Good! Are you going on your date later?
Harper:Probably not. Just gonna brush up on my text flirting.
A text bubble pops up and then disappears and then pops up and disappears again. I go to text Steve, letting him know I can’t make it but I’ll text him later.
Jensen:Maybe I can come by for another grilled cheese and pickles later?
I say sure and then tuck my phone in my pocket and stand, ready to brave the people to get my hands on some rolls and mac and cheese.
After a few steps, I realize I’m a little tipsy for sure. I’m definitely swaying.
Like a sunflower.
I smile at the thought.