Page 108 of Tequila Tuesdays

“I don’t know. I need to start studying for my CPA exam, and I’ve got a few big projects this semester.”

“I’m going to miss you, but I get it.”

Olivia set her wine glass down. “You’ve been a little quieter since you and Damien worked things out. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. We’re fine,” I answered quickly.

She looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”

“We’re getting there,” I amended after a minute. “I… need to work a few things out. Hence the therapy.”

She stared out into the twilight, then finally looked up at the night sky. “I love you, Harley. And I support you no matter what. But I think you should give yourself a chance to love someone again. He’s right, you know. You’re good together, and you’ve been happier than I’ve seen you in years.” There was sorrow in her eyes.

“Thanks, Ollie. I’m going to miss the crap out of you.”

When I dropped Olivia off the next morning at the airport, we were both quiet and melancholy.

“Text me when you get back to your apartment,” I told her as we hugged on the sidewalk at the Palm Springs airport.

“I will. Please check in with Mom and Chippy. He seems like a hardy cat, but just in case. And be patient with Mom. I think she’s really trying.”

I nodded. “You know everything isn’t magically fixed with her, but we’ve made some progress.”

We’d taken Ava to the Palm Springs animal shelter, and she picked out a small male black and white shorthair with a cute little personality. She’d named him Chip, and he seemed scrappy and feisty, but I’d be checking on him regularly.

I pulled Olivia’s suitcase out and set it on the curb while she grabbed her backpack. Then we hugged one more time, and she was gone. When I got back home, the house seemed quiet and lifeless without her.

I wanted to crawl back into bed and mope and sleep some more, but I knew from experience it wouldn’t make me feel better. So I spent the next couple of hours taking Gary for a long walk, cleaning, and doing laundry.

Then I decided to drive over to Palm Desert and do a little shopping on El Paseo Drive for a New Year's Eve outfit. I wasn’t a big shopper, but the weather was bright and sunny, and the flowers and holiday decorations were still up. El Paseo was always festive and cheerful.

For New Year's Eve, Damien and I planned to go to Cha Cha’s for dinner, then to Scott and Iz’s bar for their New Year's Eve celebration.

Damien called me while I was driving back to Palm Springs. “How are you holding up after dropping Olivia off?”

“I’m only a little moody and depressed. I should be good by tonight though.” It felt good to have someone care that I was sad.

“It’s okay if you’re moody and depressed. I’ll make you feel better tonight. What are you up to today?”

“I returned some work calls and did a few chores at my rental in between guests. That’s all.”

For some reason, I pictured him working with his hands and wearing a tool belt. “I like that you’re good with your hands. Do you wear a tool belt while you work?”

I could hear a smile in his voice. “No, but I have a toolbox.”

“Oh, I know you do.”

He laughed. “You make it sound dirty.”

“That’s because what I’m thinkingisdirty.”

“I’m sleeping over tonight,” he told me. “What I have in mind is going to take some time.”

My toes curled. “Oh? What do you have in mind?”

“While I was at the hardware store today, I picked up some nice silk rope. It has a decent tooth, and the friction is good.”

I paused, wondering for a split second why he’d tell me he bought rope. And then it hit me, and my vagina spasmed.

---