Page 46 of Stick to the Plan
Colin
haha you girls have fun?
Me
always! :)
Colin
good. Let me get changed and I’ll head over. Want any greasy drive-thru?
My brows knot in confusion. Why would I want fast food? I’m literally sitting next to a genius chef.
Me
… you do remember I’m at a restaurant, right?
Colin
yea, but would Anna ever serve greasy nuggets and fries that soak up the alcohol?
Me
good point… better get it on the way home. If Anna smells it on you, we’re dead.
Colin
haha. Good plan - give me twenty or so.. X
My cheeks ache from smiling. I look up to find Anna watching me with a smile ghosting her lips. Ducking my head to hide my warming cheeks, I drain my glass.
“Colin coming to get you?” Her voice is even.
“Yea - in a bit.” I reach over and grab a few items off the charcuterie plate Anna set out earlier. I chance a glance back up at Anna — she’s still watching me. “What?”
Anna shakes her head slightly, the corners of her mouth tilting up more. “It’s just great to see you happy again. You’re so relaxed. I don’t think y’all were this centered even in college.” I open my mouth to reply, but she holds her hand up to stop me and continues. “Ya’ don’t need to tell me this has nothing to do with your roommate with benefits situation. Don’t care what got ya here, darlin’. Just keep making room for joy.” Anna reaches across the distance between us and clasps my hand.
A warmth spreads in my chest. Growing up, I didn’t get much support or affection. It was Anna and Nic that taught me what love feels like. Even after a decade, I sometimes forget how good it feels to have someone in your corner. “As long as you do the same, Anna. Your food is best whenyou’re happy. Just keep wowing those critics and we’ll be able to expand just like you want.”
Her eyes glitter with unshed tears, and I feel an answering burn in my own. Slipping out of my seat, I reach out to her, and we clasp each other tightly. We both sniffle as we fight back tears. We’ve both fought so hard over the last decade to get where we want to be. Just a little more. One more hard push and we’ll be there.
Emotions spent, we lean away from each other, sharing a wet chuckle. We wipe our cheeks and point out where mascara has run. One more shot of whiskey each seems like a brilliant idea - which Anna insists on pouring pineapple juice into.
“To us - chasing our dreams.” I cry as I lift my shot glass, scrutinizing the content.
“To us - choosing joy.” We clink glasses before throwing back the shots. Surprisingly, not terrible!
My cell vibrates on the table.
Colin
Just got here. Waiting by the kitchen doors.
Me
OK - grabbing my stuff.
Colin
