Caraleigh

When we get downstairs, Gino leads us to the booth he’s had reserved for us. With a nod to the waitress, he leaves us to settle in. “I can’t believe he did that for us,” I say to the table.

“He didn’t have to, but it’s much appreciated,” Braxton says. “You want another of those drinks?”

“You mean heaven in a glass frosted with sugar? Yes please,” I reply. They’re so yummy but I need to be careful. I’ve never been much of a drinker and I don’t want it to go to my head. Hopefully, a full tummy will help. Plus, he did mention dancing. Another good thing to add to this scenario is that I don’t have to wake up to a rambunctious little boy in the morning, who knows, maybe I will let my hair down a little tonight and have some much needed adult fun.

As our waitress sets our drinks down at the table she compliments my skirt and tells me how much she loves my boots. DJ and I talk fashion with her for a few minutes before she’s pulled away by another customer calling out for her. She seems like such a lovely woman, someone DJ and I could definitely become friends with if given the time. She was so down to earth and funny, she told us funny stories about patrons and some of the things she’s witnessed. As she walks away, Braxton grabs my hand to get my attention, “I’ve been dying to get you on the dance floor, Cara. I want to hold you in my arms as we sway to the music...what do you say, care for a dance, sweetheart?”

“I would love to,” I tell him. I hope my excitement is showing with my smile. I want him to know how he makes me feel with my actions instead of words. Because words are just that words...they can be used for lies and manipulation and I would rather show him with my actions what he’s become to mean to me. When we get out on the dance floor, there is a slow song playing. Braxton pulls me in his arms, places one hand on my hip and the other around my shoulders. We lazily sway at first, then he pulls moves that I wasn’t expecting. Next thing I know he’s waltzing me around the floor to a country and western song. One I haven’t heard before, but it’s a beautiful ballad.

The next song is a faster pace, I’m surprised at how well my man can dance...wait a minute, backup there a second, Cara...your man, since when? I get swung out and pulled back in which immediately gets me out of my head. The next thing I know we’re dancing, laughing and all my troubles disappear. DJ and Hatchet are dancing next to us and we’re all having so much fun that I already regret when the night will come to an end. If I could stay in this moment for eternity, it would be the most rewarding time spent here on earth. I could die a happy lady and look back with no regrets. Holy shit! What has me thinking these crazy ass thoughts? This is not me, I’m down to earth Cara, I don’t daydream, I don’t think outside of the box. I’m always the level headed one, the one that keeps everyone else around me grounded and on track. I need to get my head out of the clouds and enjoy my time with Braxton, but at the same time keep reality from becoming fantasy.

“You ready to sit down and get some refreshments, beautiful?” he asks and I nod my head in agreement. I’ve worked up quite the thirst twirling around the dance floor, not to mention I think I feel sweat dripping where it’s not meant to be.

“Yes please, but first I need to visit the ladies room.”

“I’ll come with you,” DJ calls out to me. “All that maneuvering on the dance floor has jiggled the bladder and it’s begging for a release,” she says to me as we make our way. She always says the craziest things that make me laugh. I haven’t had so much fun in years! We each take care of business and meet at the sink. As we wash our hands we look up at the mirror at the same time and burst out laughing...not sure what’s funny but I’m willing to go with it.

“Are you having fun tonight, DJ?”

“I am having an amazing time. Hatchet is a trip and he makes me laugh and smile,” she says with a huge grin covering her face. “What about you, Braxton doing it for you still?” she asks, teasing me, she knows he is she’s just being a nosey bitch.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun on a date before.” That’s kind of sad if you think about it. I was a married woman and Braxton makes me feel more alive than Graham ever did.

“If anyone deserves it, you do,” she tells me as she applies more lipstick. I’ve never been one to wear it, preferring a flavored lip gloss instead, which I quickly reapply.

“I really like him, DJ. But don’t you think it’s all moving a bit too fast?” I ask her.

“I don’t think so at all and anyway, isn’t that for you and him to worry about?” she fires back.

“I guess so. I’m just worried because it’s not just us, we’ve both got kids to think about.”

“Well, from where I’m sitting, that man’s on a mission and you’re going to find yourself wedded and bedded or vice versa before you know it!” she says before closing up her purse. “You ready?”

I’m still processing her last words. Wedded and bedded? A man like him that could have anyone isn’t going to want to saddle himself to a woman like me who has the sagging boobs and stretch marks from a child. I refuse to get my hopes up. Putting a smile on my face, I say, “After you!”