Page 17 of Cookie

“Come on, want to see if we can find a seat at the bar?”

“Oh my god, yes,” I said and hoped a mermaid appeared soon. It was cheesy, and a little strange to see everyone seated or working below a big tank filled with water at a nice bar, but I didn’t have it in me to care. I’d never seen anything like this, and I was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

Ryan and I slid onto stools as soon as a couple vacated them and the bartender walked up to us, wiping a glass clean while he stood there. “Can I get you something?”

“Could we have just a minute?” Ryan asked, which I was more than grateful for. I wasn’t a big drinker and typically just chose beer, but I wanted to have the full experience of being here. I grabbed a drink menu and looked at what they had to offer.

“Oh, they have espresso martinis, that sounds so good,” Ryan said as he squeezed in close to read the menu too.

“That’s a Mer-tini,” I said, making him laugh. “I don’t know what to order. They all sound good, but I don’t want to pay for ittomorrow.” Sweet drinks and I did not get along. I loved them, but they did not love me back, and the day after too many pina coladas was never a good one.

“They have a lot of local brews too,” Ryan said and pointed them out.

I was just glancing at the list when a movement in the water above got my attention as a mermaid slipped into the tank. She was illuminated with glowing lights as she slid through the water with a beautiful red and gold tail. I knew it was all part of the experience, but it really was a little magical and I liked it. “I’ll take a wheat beer,” I said, not taking my eyes off the tank. Ryan called the bartender over and placed our order.

It was strange, being this close to the tank the air was cool and a little humid making it feel like we really were close to the ocean, and as the mermaid went about her routine with a big smile and holding her breath the whole time for far longer than I would have imagined, I fell a little more in love with the sweet man who sat next to me sipping an espresso martini while leaning against me sharing his warmth.

Sixteen

Ryan

We woke up early the next morning and decided to go to breakfast in Old Sacramento before going back to Grace. “Are you anxious to go back home?” I asked Charlie after we’d both showered and I was gathering up a few things I wanted to take with me.

“Not yet, I’ve had so much fun. My brothers are going to be so jealous that we went to an ax throwing place, and no I am not going to admit to them how shitty I was,” Charlie said with a big grin while stuffing his shaving kit in his bag. “Do you need to come back to get the rest of your things?”

“Yeah, but not for a while. I’m going to put in my notice today and see how soon I need to be moved out. I’m hoping to have another month just so I don’t have to rush it,” I said and packed a few more things in a box that I’d started. “It’s not like I really have that much stuff, but I do want to either move it or put it in storage.”

“I can bring my truck next time and you can move most of it,” Charlie said.

“That would be great. It would really help,” I said, and once again I was thankful for Charlie and how sweet and supportive he was. “I’m ready when you are.” He stepped closer to me and pulled me into his arms. Things were different here than in Grace. We’d grown closer, and I hoped that didn’t change once we were back in the small town we’d both now call home.

“No problem, just give me a date and I’m there.” He said it like it was no big deal to drive a couple of hours, load up a wholeapartment of belongings, drive back, and unload it again. Then I remembered when I’d moved here and how not one of my friends helped me. We were all around the same age and getting our own places, and while it was fun the first time, that’s the only time moving was fun.

“I think I’m ready to go,” I said and glanced around just to be sure. We took a couple of trips to the car, and he went with me to the rental office to officially give them my notice.

“We’re sad to see you go, Mr. Stone. Where are you moving?” the woman who always seemed to be in the office asked.

“I’m moving to Grace, in the foothills. My aunt used to own a bookstore there, but she wanted to sell it, and I was able to put in an offer. There’s a small apartment upstairs from the store so it’s a perfect setup for me.”

“Sounds like it,” she said, and she printed off some papers before handing them to me to sign. “You’re welcome to give us two months’ notice since we plan to remodel this whole section, so it works out perfectly with that, and don’t worry your car will be safe here until you move.” Another piece of the puzzle fell into place. I knew my car was safe here, but I wasn’t sure if they’d want me to take it once I gave notice. Knowing I had more time was a relief.

I signed the official paper saying I was giving notice and handed it back to her. “Sounds like I’m moving out too early. I’d love to see how they turn out.” Truth be told this place didn’t feel like home to me anymore. Even without all my belongings, the cozyapartment above the bookstore felt like it was where I belonged, and I couldn’t wait to make it my own.

After leaving we drove to Old Town and immediately bought a coffee to drink while we wandered around. “Oh, what’s that smell?” Charlie asked.

“There’s a guy that sells mini donuts that’s been here forever. Come on, let’s see what they’ve got today,” I said and led Charlie to Danny’s Mini Donuts. They were just cooking a new batch, so we stood and watched as they fried and were then dusted with different sweet toppings.

“They’re made fresh?” Charlie asked.

“Oh yes, they cook them all day.” I ordered a dozen to share, and we walked over to a quieter building and leaned against it while we ate. “This isn’t exactly the breakfast I planned,” I said making him smile.

“Good coffee, fresh donuts, and great company, sounds like the perfect breakfast to me,” he said before leaning in for a kiss.

“You’re easy,” I said and kissed him again.

“I guess I am.” We finished eating and walked around the area, window shopping at several shops and stopping to watch the river slowly flow by.

“Are you ready to go?” I asked. “My mind is so full of ideas for the store, I can’t wait to get back and start working on it.”

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