Page 6 of The Things That Hold Us

I see her eyebrows raise and her chewing slow. She sets her food down and smiles at me.

“Actually, I invited him to your party,” she says, still eyeing me.

“And…?”

“And…he might bring his friend with him.” She smiles sheepishly.

“Don’t even think about it.” I say before she can spell out her master plan to set me up with this guy's friend.

“What? I’m not planning anything.” She holds her hands up in defense. “But, from what he’s told me he sounds hot too.”

“I don’t want a hot guy, Cassie.” I tell her. I don’t want any guy right now. I’m not ready. But I’m not going to explain that to her, she knows. She just hates the thought of me being alone almost as much as my mom does.

“Just, if a strange man shows up, don’t yell at me.” she teases, then shoves a California roll in her mouth.

I drop the subject, knowing I won’t get anywhere with it, and just hope some strange man doesn't actually show up.

The rest of the day is pretty slow. A few people come in and browse, one person buys a few porcelain dolls for her grandma, but other than that it's been dead. I decide to close early, even though I don't really have anything to do. I don’t work tomorrow, and offered to help Cassie and John paint her apartment. My lifeiskinda sad, I guess.

I pull my phone out, cringing at what I’m about to do, and shoot Cassie a text.

Getting into anything tonight? I closed up early -Charlie

Not even 10 seconds pass before my phone vibrates with her reply.

Me and Nathaniel are headed to The Bar around 8. Wanna join us?-Cassie

I cringe. The Bar is a local bar that everyone likes to hang out at, and that I typically avoid. Bars are not my scene, but I also really don’t want to sit at home by myself all night.

Why not. What else am I going to do all night? -Charlie

Cassie sends back a GIF of a lady doing an excited scream, and I can't help but laugh out loud.

“What did you just get yourself into?” I ask myself.

Once I’m home and put my stuff up, I head to my closet, and try to pick out something to put on. I’ve been in a baggy t-shirt and jeans all day, and I’m dying to get out of them.

I grab a black spaghetti-strap dress, some flats and a clutch. Simple, but pretty.

I spray some dry shampoo, refresh my curls, leaving it flowing down to the middle of my back.

Looking at my face in the mirror, I debate putting mascara on, but I honestly prefer my face as it is. You can see my freckles, and my natural lashes are long enough that I don't really need mascara.

I spritz myself with my perfume, then head out the door.

On my way. Please tell me they have good wine there. -Charlie

I text Cassie as I get to my elevator.

Just as quickly as before, my phone dings with her reply.

The best. And there are some guys you can dance with. If Nathaniel saves them for you. -Cassie

I laugh to myself at her text, picturing him hogging all the guys at the bar, and not wanting to share. He’s always been a flirt, and doesn't know how to not be with someone. But I love him all the same. Nathaniel has always been an attractive man, and everyone is drawn to him. His skin is a gorgeous olive color, and his eyes are a bright green. I haven't known him as long as Cass, but I loved him the minute I met him.

The cab drops me in front of the building, and I inwardly cringe when I see all the people.

There's a garage-like door that pulls open, exposing the bar, tables, and a dance floor.

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