Ariel

Waiting tables in an absent stupor, I can’t get my mind off Luca. It turned out to be a great first date. My only first date.

“Girl!” Alina snaps her fingers in front of my face. “What’s with you tonight? Snap out of it.” My eyes shoot to hers. “What happened the other night with Luca?” she asks.

“Nothing,” I say defensively. “Why?”

“You’re preoccupied. That’s not like you.”

I shrug. “Got a lot on my mind.” From the corner of my eye, I see Jimmy set my drink order on the bar. “Gotta go. I’ll talk to you after work.”

“I’m holding you to it.”

I hurry to the bar, grab the drinks, take them over to the couple sitting at the corner table. I take a check to another table before rushing to take another order. It’s the same every night. Mundane.

For so many years, I was content with the ordinary. Being with Luca has made me feel alive for the first time in forever. He’s a little older than me, but he’s accomplished so much. What have I done? Nothing extraordinary, that’s for sure. I’ve been afraid for far too long. Maybe it’s time to take the bull by the horns, live a little, experience life. No more being afraid. Be strong, courageous.

I’ve just served the hamburger and French fries to table six when I turn and bump into a hard chest. Strong hands grab my shoulders, steadying me.

A wide smile stretches across my face. “Hey, Matt.”

His face lights. “Ariel.” It takes a minute before he releases his grip. “You’re back.”

I cock my head to the side. The new, bolder me asks, “Did you miss me?” Then I put a mischievous grin on my face.

“I did.” His eyes linger for a minute or so. “Would you have dinner with me sometime?”

Something to consider. Luca asked me out for my next day off. With only one date, we aren’t exclusive. “I’m busy this week, so . . .”

“Friday after next?” I can see the nervousness, can even understand it, but I’m still not ready to go all out, join the social game. Not just yet.

“Look, Matt. I like you, I really do. When I see you sitting on the barstool, my entire evening is better. But I don’t go out.” My eyes will him to understand. “I’ve been going through some things and I’m just not ready . . . yet.”

He glances at the floor and then lifts his eyes. “I understand. Will you let me know when things change?” A faint smile teases his lips.

“I will. Promise.”

 “Okay.” He turns, and with a slight slump in his shoulders, he heads over to the bar and slides onto a stool.

I feel bad for telling him no, but a little part of me wants to see where things go with Luca. Okay, a big part.

The crowd winds down, everyone paying their tab and heading out. In twenty minutes, the bar will close.

“Have a good evening, sir,” I say as I take the older guy’s money and head for the cash register. When I look up, I see his backside just as he walks out of the door.

“It’s almost over,” Alina calls as she passes me, heading over to clear one of her tables.

“Thankfully. I’m tired.”

I start to clear the table and notice a bottle of medicine lying on the floor under the chair. The old guy must have dropped it when he pulled the money from his pocket. Scooping it up, I rush outside, hoping to see him and give it back. He’s nowhere in sight.

I read the label and my heart sinks. Nifedipine 10mg. “Shit,” I mutter, hoping that he realizes that he accidentally left it here and comes back before we leave.

Nifedipine. I know what it is, what it’s used for, thanks to my many hours of TV research. Opening the bottle, I peer inside and see it’s almost full of soft gel caps.

Come Monday, I’ll need to call the pharmacy and return the medicine, unless he comes in before then and asks for it. Heading toward the break room, I slip the bottle into my purse, vowing that one way or another, I’ll get his medicine back to him.

When everything is closed down and cleaned up, Alina and I sit around the bar resting our feet, while Jimmy stands behind it. A rare occasion for us, to hang around after closing.

“What happened with Luca the other night?” Jimmy asks, leaning on the bar with his forearms.

“Nothing, why?”

“That just doesn’t sound like Luca. What he wants, he usually gets.”

One side of my mouth quirks upward. “We had a first date. It was nice. I like him.”

Jimmy scoffs. “I’m sure you do.”

“Hey!” My smile drops. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I just thought you were different.” He leans back and crosses his arms, a scowl on his face.

My blood boils. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Leave her alone, Jimmy.”

“No, Alina. I want to know what he means by that.” I cock my head and fold my arms across my chest, waiting for Jimmy to answer. I always considered him a good friend, but right now, he isn’t acting like one.

He straightens to full height, his arms still folded, and stares me in the eyes. “I didn’t think you would fall for his money, but hey, what do I know.” His jaw clenches tight and I can see the anger shining in his eyes. With a smirk, he says condescendingly, “Mark my words, little girl. After getting what he wants, he’ll chew you up, spit you out, and never look back.”

I feel gut punched and want to kick Jimmy right square in the balls. The one time I go on a date, he pulls this shit? I don’t have to sit here and listen to it.

“Jimmy!” Alina scolds, but I don’t care. Without a word, I grab my purse and march out of the bar. I hear Alina call my name, but I don’t bother looking back as I head for my apartment.

When I step inside, I slam the door shut with my foot, drop my purse on the floor, and head for the bathroom. I’m still angry, and the hot shower does nothing to tamp it down. I grab the bottle of wine Luca left, pour a full glass, and head for the couch and fire up the laptop.

Altruist has left several messages, so I open them up.

Are you awake? (Wednesday night)

Are you there? (Thursday night)

Why aren’t you talking to me? (Friday night)

Syrah? (A few minutes ago)

Hey Altruist, sorry, I haven’t been on my laptop lately.

Is everything alright?

Yep. Fine and dandy.

I take a sip of my wine and stretch my feet out, resting them on the coffee table. I’m still pissed at Jimmy, and I haven’t heard from Luca today. Well, not since he left my apartment. Tendrils of doubt take root and start to grow, and I can’t help but wonder if Jimmy is telling me the truth.

You don’t sound alright.

How do you know? I’m typing, not talking.

Call it a hunch.

Change the subject, what are you doing right now?

Watching TV and drinking a beer. You?

I just got off work and I’m having a glass of wine.

Tough day?

Absolutely!

Did you go out with Luca last night?

I place my feet on the floor and sit up. Staring at the screen, looking at those words also pisses me off. Why am I the one always telling him things when he doesn’t tell me squat!

Who?

You know, the club owner.

Oh, him. I just used a fake name. It’s not really Luca. And no, I didn’t go out. I place my feet back on the coffee table, take a sip of wine, and say, Do you have a girlfriend?

No.

Why not? Are you ugly?

LOL. Maybe.

What kind of work do you do?

Why all the questions?

It just occurred to me that you really don’t tell me anything at all. It’s all vague one-liners and I’m not sure why we even talk anymore.