Page 139 of Grounded
"But that was only my drink. I didn't do the whole batch."
"Ehh, sounds like it was worth it."
Wheneveryonemeetsatthe end of the cul-de-sac to watch this infamous fireworks show, I scan the crowd for Amelia. She's near her dad, and he's directing everyone to stand back while Gerald lights them. Of all the people…Gerald? Thankfully, he has sobered up. I hope.
There's nothing wildly romantic about fireworks, but I want Amelia by my side when they are shot into the air. To see the excitement in her response. Or so I can shield her eyes when Gerald accidentally blows his hand off.
Something feels wrong. I saw it in the way she physically responded to all the points we made in the car. How there is some unexplainablethinghappening between us.
Maybe she regrets having sex. Maybe she's also developing feelings. Perhaps we are both combating the irresistible urges that seem to be following us everywhere we go.
My subconscious has been ignoring the little detail that she's fresh out of a breakup. I'm the one who suggested a rebound, but maybe anything that involves passion at any level is too much too soon.
Our eyes meet for a brief moment before the sky is lit up with bursts of white and gold. Instead of smiling her way, I turn back to the endless night that carries so many possibilities and hope the universe is arranging a happy ending for us.
WhenFridaycomes,I'mgrateful for my dinner out with Benny to discuss the events for Roasted. And while I'm sure he will be begging for gossip, I don't have a clue what's going on anyway.
We meet at a restaurant near the ocean, and Benny has his notebook and pen ready as I approach the table.
"What is that?" I point to his drink.
"An Aperol spritz. Wanna try it?"
"I'm okay, thanks. I'll stick to water tonight."
"You're not…" He rubs his stomach to indicate a baby bump. "Amelia, you're not—"
"No, I'm not pregnant. We had sex one time and I'm on birth control. I need to cut back on my drinking."
"You're going through a breakup and quarter-life crisis. I think it's acceptable to have a drink or two."
"I know, but I feel like I'm keeping the garbage men employed with all the bottles I'm recycling each week."
"I hope you don't think I'm going to ignore that bit about how you hooked up with the boy next door version of Jax Teller."
"Jax Teller?"
"Charlie Hunnam.Sons of Anarchy."
"Never watched that. Maybe we can add it to the list."
"A list? You two are hanging out so often that you need a list?"
"It's been a crazy summer."
"That boy has fulfilled every teenage dream. You were his first crush. He had a horrible way of hiding it back in the day, but now? He had hearts in those baby blues of his."
I stuff the complimentary bread down my throat so I'm unable to answer.
"Can we please change the subject?"
Bytheendofthe dinner, we have tentative plans for an adult-themed event after hours. We will be showing the movieForgetting Sarah Marshall. We may not have the Hawaiian vibes as seen in the film, but Del Mar has some exquisite beaches. Plus who doesn't love a good comedy?
As long as the attendees keep their alcoholic beverages off the sand, we can pour whatever we want. The obvious drink of choice would be mai tais, to go along with the tropical theme. But Benny and I brainstormed and came up with bloody marys (a nod to theDracularock opera the main character is composing) and chocolate turtle martinis (a pecan whiskey, crème de cacao, and butterscotch schnapps, in honor of the Turtle Bay resort they vacation at.)
Benny is working out the logistics with the city while I prepare flyers to leave around town. We hope three weeks is enough notice to give the customers. We have no idea what to expect, but are hopeful we'll get a turnout so it's not a total waste of funds.
I researched restaurant data, and liquor sales tend to create the largest profit margins, so even if we don't see the general 65-70 percent output, a smaller event with any payout is a win.
