Page 59 of Level Me Up

Chapter Thirty-one

Morgan

I surprise them both when I stay true to my word and get ready to go out, instead of throwing on PJ’s. The whole day I suspect they thought I was going to try to back out of going, but I didn’t even bring it up. I know deep down, I need to get out of the apartment. I've become a recluse, again, and I don't really want to be a recluse. I don't really like this "new Morgan" they were complaining about last night, either. I just hope I can find her again.

It's mid-October already, and Fall is in full swing. I don't want to go out of my way to dress up for a trip out to a bar, but some dark skinny jeans and black boots are comfortable. The bright blue three-quarter length sleeve sweater I bought on sale last year at least gives the illusion that I tried.

It's only about eight o'clock when we arrive at a bar that we used to frequent. It's your traditional bar. They have a full menu and they pump out way too loud music, but there really isn't enough room to dance, thank God.

“Hey, let's grab this table before someone else takes it!" says Ruby, as she excitedly climbs onto the barstool.

"I forgot to tell you, Bernie is gonna try to stop by," Ruby says over the music.

I pull my gaze from the menu, look at Ruby and honestly mean it when I say, "Good. I miss her."

"Yeah, she misses you too."

The server shows up, and just as quickly leaves with our order. I have to admit that it feels good to be out.

We make small talk while we wait for our food and drinks. As I drink my first lemon drop, I start to loosen up a bit. Which is good. I'd really like to forget about the shit going on in my head for a while, even if just for a couple of hours.

We’ve gotten halfway through our bacon cheese fries and mozzarellas sticks when Bernie shows up. I'm not surprised at the feeling of happiness that overcomes me when I see her. I really have missed her. We became fast friends, and even though her friendship came from dating Dex, I'm glad to see her again.

She must have stopped by the bar first because she already has a drink in her hand when she sits down. We all catch-up, but steer clear of he-who-should-not-be-named. I've drained my second drink and decide I need another. Gia joins me at the bar to get another drink.

"I know you’re having fun. You can thank me later," she says, trying to get the bartender's attention.

I chuckle because I'm feeling good. Better than I have in three weeks. "Yeah, thank you for forcing me out tonight."

“A little tough love never hurt anyone." Finally getting the bartenders attention, she orders two Lemon Drops, which are my favorite.

Just as we get our drinks, I take a slightly too big sip of the drink, and then I feel someone brush up next to me. Immediately thinking that I might be feeling the drinks a little faster than normal, I turn and see an attractive guy smiling next to me.

"Sorry about that," he chuckles. And I give him a sweet, but non-interested, smile and a "No worries." Then I head back to the table with Gia.

Minutes later I notice that a strange tension comes over the table. Bernie is giving Gia a look that I can't read, and Ruby is furiously texting someone on her phone. Gia looks almost pissed as she glances at Ruby.

"What's going on, guys?" I ask in mock concern. I don’t really care, as I'm three drinks in and feeling pretty good.

Ruby looks up from her phone and with a slightly guilty look on her face, she says, "Ok, so don't be mad, but there may have been a little miscommunication, and…well…Dex is here."

"We can leave, Morgan," adds Gia, quickly.

Everything in the room seems to stand still as I process this information. Dex. Is. Here. Right now.

And then without warning, a bubble of laughter bursts from my mouth. It's the first time I've really laughed in weeks, and it feels good, even if it is alcohol induced.

"Morgan?" Ruby asks, confused.

I'm nearly doubled over in laughter. When I say, "I mean, this is totally ironic isn't it? You guys drag me out of the house for the first time in weeks to help me get over him, and then an hour into your ‘Get Morgan over Dex plan,’ he shows up?" I'm starting to get the hiccups now, from laughing so hard. "Thank goodness I'm tipsy!" I say as I finish off the last of my drink.

All three of them are still staring, dumbfounded at me. Which I find hilarious, as I continue to giggle uncontrollably. "Seriously, you guys, it’s fine. Shit happens."

"I think this is my fault," says Bernie. "I didn't tell the guys who I was going out with tonight, just that I was coming here."

"Well Link asked me what I was doing tonight, and I told him we were coming here. I had no idea that they would show up," Ruby adds, with regret. “I didn’t realize those guys were so clueless. You’d think they’d put two and two together and realize we’dallbe here.

"Look, I'll just go up to the bar and get another drink. They can all come over and say hi, and then when they leave, I'll come back. Sound like a plan, Stan? Well, more like Stans, since there is more than one of you," I giggle, then hiccup.

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