Page 19 of Love You Madly

Luke jumps in before I can say anything, slapping me on the back so hard I almost choke on the last sip of my beer. “Our buddy here just finished his Steamfitters apprenticeship. He’s a big shot now, making the big bucks.”

The bartender laughs, glancing at me. “Well, congrats on the big bucks, then. Be safe getting home, boys.” She walks away, and Luke, ever the smooth operator, leans so far back in his barstool, checking out her ass, that he almost tips over. At the last second, he catches himself, grabbing the edge of the table before completely toppling over.

“You are ridiculous, Luke,” I say, shaking my head. “Keep it in your pants, or I won’t be the only one at this table with a kid running around. I think it’s time to call it a night.”

Will nods in agreement. “Yeah, we can’t party like we used to.”

“Speak for yourself,” Luke says, his words starting to slur and holding up a napkin I didn’t notice was even put on the table. “Looks like you’ve still got it, man.”

He hands me the napkin and sure enough, it has the name Heather written on it with a phone number and a simple “text me sometime,” note scrawled on it.

“Yep, that does it. You’re sleeping on my couch tonight, bro. Not a chance in hell I’m letting you get on your bike,” I say with a warning. Will is already planning on staying at my place tonight so he doesn’t have to take a twenty-five mile rideshare back to Iowa City.

As we stumble out of the bar, the cool night air hits me, clearing my head slightly. Will and Luke are both grinning likefools, clearly enjoying themselves. I smile, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. As we walk back to my apartment, the streets are quiet, the only sound is our footsteps echoing off the buildings. I feel a sense of peace settle over me, a rare moment of calm in the chaos of my life.

When we reach my apartment, we opt for a nightcap, and we settle in the living room, nursing our drinks and talking about everything and nothing.

As it turns out, Luke did, in fact, want to hire a dancer for the party tonight. Thank fuck Will thinks with the head on his shoulders instead of the one in his pants and reminded Luke that I have a kid that would be there.

Luke laughs, looking unrepentant. “Hey! I didn’t know that you’d already told Sab we were throwing a party for him. Besides, I just wanted you to celebrate properly and, you know,” he shrugs, “see some titties!”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I assure you, if I was that worried about seeing titties, I can find them myself.”

I lean back, taking a sip of my drink. I had the stereotypical after-divorce hoe phase but the fun wore off after about three months and just left me feeling numb. It’s been a long time since I actually dated anyone.

At one point after the divorce, I downloaded some dating app Luke suggested and it was great for the no-strings-attached flings but I can’t imagine finding someone real through one of those matchmaking sites.

As the night wears on, we continue to talk, the conversation eventually turning to lighter topics. We share stories from the job site, reminisce about old times, and laugh until our sides hurt. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of having friends who have been through the ups and downs with me.

Eventually, the energy in the room starts to wane, and we all exchange knowing looks.

“I think it’s about that time,” Will says, stretching his arms over his head with a yawn.

“Yeah, we’ve had enough excitement for one night,” Luke adds, though he doesn’t look too eager to leave the comfort of the couch.

As we all stand, gathering our things, Luke looks at Will and says “So, who’s getting Barrett’s bed?”

Will smirks. “Rock, paper, scissors?”

Luke beams with excitement. “Lizard, Spock?!”

I burst out laughing. “You guys watch way too many episodes ofTheBig Bang Theory.”

“There’s no such thing as too much of that show,” Will protests.

“Yeah, Leonard,” Luke says, nudging me with a grin, “you know this is the only way we settle things.”

With dramatic flair, they play out the game. After a few intense rounds, Luke triumphantly declares, “Lizard eats paper! Barrett’s bed is mine, Mother Fucker!”

Will shakes his head, laughing. “Well played, sir!”

As I make my way to my bedroom, still chuckling, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for their friendship.

nine

CONSIDER ME GONE - REBA MCENTIRE

CALLIE - MAY 17, 2013

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