He leans toward the opening leading to the kitchen. “Blue stack and a side of b.”
“Thanks.” I stir the contents of the mug and set the spoon aside, breathing in the delicious aroma. The first sip is hot, nearly melting my damn tastebuds off, but it’s well worth it.
I pull the vibrating phone from my pocket and skim the notifications. The low battery signal alerts me, and I swipe it away.
Cora:HELLO?!? ARE YOU ALIVE?
Along with a bunch of other messages from her, Griffin, and Rosie.
Me:Yeah, sorry, phone died. I’m good.
Immediate dots appear on the screen.
Cora:Jesus, Lord, I thought that guy kidnapped you!
Me:LOL. Pretty sure if he did, I’d be dead by now. Good lookin’ out.
Cora:Hey now, he was pretty hot. I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Cora:Plus, you were all **swoon** JOHNNY.
Me:I was not!
Cora:Totally, I mean, I don’t blame you. He’s got those bad boy vibes and all.
Me:Don’t EVER let me drink that much again.
Cora:Same time tonight?
Me:I’m rolling my eyes right now, just so you know.
Cora:See you at ten.
I click out of her message and onto Rosie’s screen. There are a few in all caps, mentioning Griffin and a lot of exclamation points. I focus on the last one.
Rosie:Are you okay? I’m freaking out. Text me back or better yet, ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE.
Me:Hey, I’m fine. Seriously. Went out with those friends I was telling you about and got a little wasted. Forgot to charge my cell when I got home.
I leave out the part about being pretty much black-out drunk and waking up at a random guy's house.
Rosie:Girl, you had me ready to book a flight and form a search party.
Me:Sorry!!! Love me still?
Rosie:Obvs.
Dots form again so I wait for her to keep typing. They disappear but then come right back. The percent bar drops to one.
Rosie:But hey, we saw Griffin again last night...
The conversation I had with Griffin pops up in my memory. Shit. I finally stood up to him. And I was super intoxicated. Regardless, it doesn’t make anything I said or did any less true. I’m actually grateful for the liquid courage.
Me:It’s fine. We broke up, let him do what he wants.
Rosie:YOU WHAT?!
Rosie:I mean, I’m happy for you, I think? Am I supposed to be happy? No wait, I’m sad. Are you sad? ARE YOU OKAY?