Page 34 of Back Up Plan

She rolled her head in a circle as she sucked her teeth of the bitter, burning flavor. She wasn’t a “fan” of really any hard liquor, but tequila was a fun type of drunk. And she wanted to have a good time tonight.

She grabbed the bottle, ready to pour another pre-game drink before stopping.

Don’t want to be sloppy, she thought to herself as she put the cap on the bottle and slid her bag off the counter and into her hands.

* * *

The bar was packed when Ari arrived, a crowd of queer people standing on the street smoking a joint to escape the heat of the small venue.

Ari approached the yellow facade, one that mimicked a classic Irish pub, and smiled at the bouncer.

“I.D.” The bouncer, a tough looking butch, demanded.

Ari nodded and dug it out of her bag, “Here you go.”

The bouncer handed the ID back and nodded as Ari walked past.

Inside, the bar was packed with every type of sapphic imaginable. Ari immediately started scanning for Cass. Even though she rarely saw women who looked like Cass in her everyday life, here, everyone had an edgy haircut.

Tommy had said she was just fifteen minutes behind Ari while Cass had already arrived with Gabby.

As she made her way to the end of the bar, Ari stood on her tip toes and searched for her blonde.

Eventually, she spotted a hand waving her down.

As she approached, Cass cackled at something Gabby had said. Ari caught the end of a slap to the shoulder from Cass to Gabs.

“Hey,” Cass said as she took a sip of her drink.

“Hi,” Ari said as she leaned in for a side hug and a kiss on the cheek.”

Cass raised her eyebrows as Ari pulled away.

She extended a hand to Gabby and said, “Hi, I’m Ari. It's great to meet you. I’ve heard amazing things.”

Gabby blushed, “Oh that’s sweet. It’s great to meet you, Ari.”

“Your enthusiasm at the parade was much appreciated,” Ari said with a smile.

“Oh, I ship it,” Gabby joked, though the glace she shot Cass said otherwise.

Cass laughed and nudged her friend, “I’m glad you made it.”

Ari nodded, “Me too.”

Before she knew it, the bartender was taking her drink and Cass was demanding shots once Tommy had arrived.

Ari couldn’t stop herself from watching Cass’s every move… the way her mouth opened to take her shot, the way her hands rested on her upper ass, the way she would look at Ari to check-in.

“So, what did Sydney think of her?” Ari asked Tommy once Cass and Gabby had gone off to dance.

“She was impressed. Obviously she’s less “polished” than anyone expected but Sydney’s queer and gets it. She kind of nailed it,” Tommy said as she put her card down to open a tab.

Ari nodded and smiled.

Tommy turned to her and said, “So, remind me why you can’t just actually date?”

Ari shook her head, “Because, I’m too busy for that kind of a commitment. I couldn’t give her what she deserves.”

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