Page 9 of Beauty Of Her

“I’m also your cousin,” I reminded her, deadpan. “At any rate, I think it wouldn’t hurt if you started to date.” Bridgette was about to protest, but I put up a silencing finger. “Just a few dates wouldn’t hurt. Just some simple dinners, and you won’t sleep with them.” Despite knowing better, I popped my shoulders, making it sound so easy. I just wanted to send some hope to Bridgette’s way. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel like doing.”

“When I’m ready to start dating, you’ll be the first to know.” Her eyes scanned the room. “Luckily, work is keeping me more than busy. It’s the best kind of distraction. On the other hand, you should quit breaking hearts on the East Coast.”

As we continued to chat and catch up, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt prick at me. Bridgette was rightI tended to jump from one bed to another without a second thought. It wasn’t like I didn’t care about these women. I did, but only in the moment. Afterward, I retreated into my shell, my walls higher than ever.

“Actually, if you must know,” I began and swallowed. This was a first for me in a long time, confiding in Bridge about someone. “I think I met someone. But not really.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She leaned forward, a renewed light shining through her dark orbs.

“Well, I was working at the store behind the butcher counter, and this new customer named Julia came over and needed help. She had no idea what to make her daughters for dinner. Doesn’t even know how to use her six-burner Weber grill.”

“Here we go about a Weber. You and that company have a love connection.” Bridgette hid a grin. “Sorry, continue.”

“Anyway, I helped her, and I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about her.” I drummed my fingers on the table, desperately trying to figure out how Julia captured me. “Oh my God, and get this…” I trailed off, releasing a quick burst of laughter. “I even gave her my number, offering her a lesson on how to use her barbecue.”

Bridgette laughed, slapping the table because this was so unlike me. “You’re kidding. You gave out your number? Since when do you do that?”

“Never, Bridge. That’s the thing. What is it about her that’s doing this to me?”

“Maybe she caught you at a rare moment at the right time?” She nibbled on her lip, just as stumped. “Is she pretty?”

“Gorgeous.” The word fell from my mouth almost too easily.

“Well, there you go.”

“It’s not just that. Everyone knows looks get you through the door, but there’s more to Julia. She just came off so sweet. It was like this beautiful person was standing before me, and I saw something beyond the beauty for the first time. She has layers that I want to peel away. But I know I’ll have to get there and really get to know this person.” I exhaled the deepest breath I had in me until I was deflated. When I opened my eyes, I found Bridgette’s jaw dropped and understood why. This was a new side I exposed. I had never spoken this poetically about someone. Not even about my most serious relationship years ago.

“Holy shit.” Bridgette ran her fingers through her chocolate locks. “Is this Julia for real?”

I nodded. “And what’s crazier? I have no idea how to get a hold of her. I left the ball in her court because she has my number. And I’m helpless.”

“You need to find her. I can already tell she’s the only thing on your mind.” Her eyes scanned my hopeless form as the thought of never seeing Julia again seeped into my brain.

“I have no idea how, though. What should I do?”

“Go to the movies.” Bridgette fixed her posture, so sure of herself.

“Wait, what?” I did a double-take. This was the last suggestion I’d fathom. “Who am I going to the movies with? You? My friends don’t do movies.”

“No, not with me or your silly friends.” It wasn’t a secret that most people in my family didn’t care for my friends, and I understood. They were a bunch of immature pricks. “You are going to go by yourself. Clear your mind. Eat as much candy and popcorn as you want without anyone judging you.”

“Is this what you do?”

“When I feel overwhelmed with my emotions.” Bridgette flashed a set of guilty eyes. “It works for me as an easy escape.”

I stared at Bridgette, completely unimpressed. Go to the movies? Alone? Was she serious? How was that going to help me find Julia? But then again, what other option did I have? I couldn't just keep obsessing over this woman. Maybe a night out alone was exactly what I needed to clear my head and devise a plan.

“Fine. I’ll think about it. And it can be any movie I want?”

“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know. This is your weird thing,” I smirked.

“Hey, don’t knock it. I think you’ll end up loving it.”

“If anything, now I’m more worried about you. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“All because I go see a movie by myself occasionally? Listen, I’m fine.” Bridgette reached across the table, her pink nails falling across my arm. “And you’re going to be fine, too. Whether you see your dream girl again or not.”

---