Page 61 of Third Time Lucky

‘This looks fun!’ Mitzi coos, as she admires the bubbles floating lazily through the air.

‘Thisiscool,’ I say, stopping next to them.

Silhouettes sway to music only they can hear because everyone is wearing big bulky headphones in front of a small open-to-the-sidewalk bar with a counter labeled: Music to Go.

A garage door has been rolled up into the ceiling, revealing standing tables scattered across the sidewalk outside. Bartenders expertly mix drinks, filling to-go cups with vibrant liquids. The air is sweet with hints of vanilla and citrus, thanks to the bubbles. String lights zigzag above us, connecting the building to a closed second-hand furniture store across the street. It’s like stepping into a sparkling wonderland where fireflies have come to life and dreams are made real.

‘Very Portland,’ Ash replies with a smile. ‘Full disclosure, until recently, I haven’t danced since prom.’

‘Until recently?’

He looks stunned at my words.

‘Uh, that part was supposed to be silent. I didn’t mean— oh, what the hell. Aaron offered me a dance lesson and I may have taken him up on it.’

‘That Aaron,’ I ask, spotting him and Madi across the dance floor, off to one corner, grinding like they’re in a dark club.

Ash grimaces. ‘Yeah… that one. But we didn’t practice the art of scaring a woman.’

‘Sure…’ I laugh, but I’m reeling. He had his brother give him a dance refresher course? Is that what he’s saying? For me? No.

‘Maybe you should run now,’ he kids.

‘You guys made it!’ Madi exclaims as she wakes from her daze and spots us. ‘And you brought Mitzi!’ she says, gently giving her a hug. ‘Great idea.’

She’s looking adorable in a flowing skirt slit up the front, crop top, flip-flops and her hair pulled up just on top. The oversized black headphones stand out, and she has one ear uncovered so she can hear.

‘Don’t you seem happy!’ I say, noticing immediately. ‘Could it be this guy?’ I ask under my breath as the guys greet one another behind us.

‘Perhaps…’ she drawls. ‘I think I feel things for him—’ she leans back, her jaw dropped.

‘North or south?’ I ask.

She drops her chin staring me down with shock on her face, not wanting to give me the details right now but if I had to guess, I’m thinking north. Wow. That, I didn’t expect.

‘Fine, tell me later,’ I whisper.

‘OK, how does this work?’ I ask. ‘We’re SBDP virgins.’

Ash chuckles. He’s standing close enough that I can feel his warmth, giving off the impression to others that we’re a couple – on a date with my grandmother. It’s totally not weird.

‘Easy-peasy,’ Madi says. ‘Go to the MTG counter, check out three sets of headphones, and pick one playlist; they’ll sync you. They have dozens to choose from – from hits of the year to genres – even mood playlists – everything you can think of. Then grab your drink and come back here to dance with us!’

Asher leans in close to me, his cologne filling my senses. I swear it’s the scent you imagine Portland to have: blackberries, cedar, sweet tobacco and rain. I can’t get enough of it. ‘But do we have to speak in acronyms all night?’ he whispers.

‘IDK,’ I tease.

He pokes me in the side with his finger, activating the fireflies again.

‘What’s the problem?’ Madi asks, picking up on our conversation.

‘MTG?’ I inquire.

She laughs and points toward the counter. ‘Music to Go,’ she clarifies.

‘Where’d Aaron go?’ he asks. ‘He was just here.’

We all look around, our gaze stopping near one of the rooftop-mounted bubble machines and we see him dancing under a waterfall of bubbles without a care in the world. Eyes closed, headphones on, he’s lost, pumping his hands in the air and swaying his hips like the tune is something sexy.

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