Page 3 of Perfect Three

“Sure does.It’s been so lovely to meet and work with you, Lucy.”

“Thanks, Margaret.I’ve enjoyed being here.”

Lucy wished Margaret goodbye then left the building.The weather had turned humid and wet.A thunderstorm had swept through the area earlier, but now it was raining nonstop as she drove home.

Instead of going straight home, Lucy decided to call in and grab some Chinese takeaway and one of Eddie’s lattes.She ordered some Honey Chicken then walked into the coffee shop while her Chinese food cooked.

“Hi, Lucy.How’s work?”

“Okay, Eddie.Last day today.Hopefully I pick up some new work next week.”

“That’s right, but I’m sure you’ll get something quickly.”

“Fingers crossed.”

Eddie handed her a latte and wished her good luck as she left the shop.She thanked him and picked up her Chinese meal.Returning to her car, she got in and drove home to enjoy her food in comfort.

The next evening, she dressed with care for the office get-together.It was rare that Lucy went out with co-workers, in fact she hadn’t for years.She was a little apprehensive but determined to enjoy herself.She was an average height of about five seven, with dark-blonde, kind of curly hair that reached past her shoulders, and Lucy decided to sweep it up for tonight.She put on some twenty-four-hour red lipstick, then accentuated her bright, light aqua blue eyes with shadow.People had often said her eyes were piercing and amazing.

She was what glamour magazines called a ‘plus size’ but Lucy called beautiful.She loved her curves, loved her big boobs, and she always said she wouldn’t diet for quids.As Lucy told her daughter, if people didn’t like her as she was, then that was their problem, not hers.Anyway, she enjoyed food too much to give it up.Opening her closet, she tried to decide what to wear, finally settling on a LBD, a girls’ standby when she couldn’t think of anything else.This was one of her favorites.A black, A-line dress with three quarter sleeves, it had an off-the-shoulder neckline and finished just below the knee.The empire waist and draped bodice meant her full curves were perfectly displayed without being overtly shown.Lucy slid on a pair of black stilettos, grabbed a clutch, put in her glasses, phone, wallet, and keys, then headed out.

Luckily, Lucy found a spot in the car parking lot behind the place.As she’d driven in searching, someone pulled out of a space.The next parking station was a number of blocks away, and Lucy was glad she didn’t have to walk far, especially in high heels.

The pub was a popular spot that was generally packed on Saturday nights, and this Saturday was no exception.Margaret had told Lucy all about it.How the owner had bought two buildings—the hotel called The Atom and a restaurant named Marco’s.The new owner joined the two via a courtyard.There was a covered walkway leading to either the restaurant and a coffee shop, or into the night spot.As the courtyard joined the two buildings together the complex had a new name—Split The Atom.

After locking the car, Lucy walked down the lane way.She passed the entryway to the coffee shop and restaurant to enter the pub through the front door leading into the jam-packed main room of the night spot.

Lucy edged around toward the bar area.

As well as the usual long counter with stools, lots of tables and chairs circled around the large, crowded dance floor.There was also a quieter but still rather big lounge area with a snack bar.Above the bar counter were framed pictures of famous scientists like Einstein and Newton as well as drawings of atoms and a periodic table.The list of drinks had names like The Atom Splitter, Cold Fusion, The Ionised Atom, and Einstein’s Theory.

Lucy smiled as she read the list.She noticed that there were more ‘mocktails’ than cocktails, and as she passed the bar, she heard people ordering the non-alcoholic drinks more than the alcoholic.There was also a large, chalk-written sign telling patrons the theme of the night—and tonight’s was disco.

It appeared as if everyone who lived in the area was here.It felt rather intimidating to be amongst so many people and she was anxious.This was her first foray out alone since her mother’s death.Her stomach fluttered.In fact, all her insides seemed to be shivering.

She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath while searching to see anyone she knew.Maybe they’re in the lounge area.Fighting her way between the crowded dance floor and the tables around it to the lounge, she heard someone call ‘Lucy’ and headed in the direction of the sound.It was a few of the girls from the office, including Margaret, and there was a spare chair.

“Hi, Lucy.Have any problem finding parking?”

“I was lucky.Someone was just leaving as I pulled in.I got a spot at the top of the alley.”

“Lucky you!I had to park three blocks away in the parking station.”

Margaret nodded her head at the other girl who’d spoken and said, “I got my husband to drop me off.Figured it was easier than bringing the car.I’ll just catch a cab home unless someone I know is heading out my way when I leave.”

Within half an hour the remainder of the office crowd had arrived.Lucy stood to buy a round of drinks for the other three girls she’d been sitting with.She pulled out some money from her wallet and headed to the bar.

A trio from the office were on the dance floor and pulled her into their tight space to join them.She wriggled her butt, waved her hands in the air, stepping from one foot to the other.As a dancer, Lucy was rather inhibited, but she had fun.

She stopped suddenly, sure someone was watching her and glanced around.

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