Page 3 of Back Up Plan

“Ugh,” Ari groaned as she grabbed a pair of simple black heels from the closet. She wouldn’t have time to debate wearing anything else. She took a glance around her room — it was messier than she would’ve liked for potentially bringing someone home, but she couldn’t really care at this point.

She grabbed a small clutch from the coat rack by her front door and walked out of her apartment.

I hope this isn’t a mistake.

2

CASS

Cass’s breathcaught in her throat as she adjusted from the icy air conditioning inside the studio to the hot, city smog of bustling Broadway. The warm weather felt like a cozy blanket, albeit a smelly one, after hours in the frigid soundbooth. She checked her watch as she rubbed her shaved and bleached hair, hoping to stave off the oncoming headache.

It was liberal to call this the East Village since it had become so gentrified by the nearby university, but some of the area’s original charm persevered despite the Sweet Greens and college students.

It was eight-thirty, and the sun setting over the West Side marked another full day spent in the dark, claustrophobic editing bay. She knew it was necessary to keep the rooms well-insulated, but after a long session, she felt like a complete zombie.

All she really wanted was to grab a drink and chat with a stranger, so she headed west. The city’s summer ambience was a welcome break after a day inside, micromanaging every tiny sound wave. Besides, remembering what the real world sounded like was almost akin to research for Cass.

After a few blocks, her field study was interrupted by the ring of her phone.

“Hey, Mama,” she said as she brought the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Sweetie,” her mom answered, ”just wanted to check in on you.”

“Yeah, I’m good. I’m heading out to see some friends after work,” she replied. She hated lying to her mom, but it made her feel like Cass wasn’t drowning herself in work.

And honestly, shewasn’t. She just had a strange schedule, and her mom, who had only ever worked an office job, didn’t quite understand the freelance lifestyle. “You need to spend some time looking for dates,” her mom insisted.

Cass rolled her eyes, checking the street signs as she walked, “Mom, I’ve been single for a few months. I’m taking some time for myself.”

Besides, she had more than seen what was out there. Right now, casual hookups were all she had the patience for.

“I’m just saying, all your friends are going to settle down soon...”

Before she could launch into too long of a tirade, Cass interrupted, “Mom, I’m actually about to walk in. Love you, talk soon.”

She hung up the phone just after her mom returned the sign off, even though she still had a few blocks before arriving at her usual spot.

Her mom had always tried her best, but her questions never ceased to be intrusive. Cass had intentionally hid a lot of her personal and professional… history. She couldn’t help but feel like if her mom ever found out how Cass had spent her early twenties, she would be disappointed.

Lost in thought, the walk went much faster than she had anticipated. As she rounded the corner onto West 4th Street, she was surprised to see a long line outside of Cubbyhole. It wasn’t ever quiet, but usually weeknights were relatively empty.

She hopped in line as she debated even going inside. She poked her head out of the line to evaluate exactlyhowlong the wait was.

As she did, she scanned the fellow queer people in line, some wearing six inch heels, some with short cuts and Vans, and others in jeans and a t-shirt. After performing a similar mental calculation on the wait, a duo settled into line behind her, one in a skin tight orange dress and the other in a loose trouser with a barely buttoned Hawaiian shirt.

Cass’s chest tightened as her eyes wandered down the brunette’s exposed legs. She was stunning, her calves tensed from her heels. Cass looked at her eyes before forcing herself to face forward.

From behind, she heard them start to whisper.

“Cut it out, Tommy,” the orange dress hissed.

The line inched forward, one group at a time. Cass, now standing next to the bouncer, offered a smile to the stone-faced employee. She took a look behind her, the line having grown even longer since she last took a peek.

“Is there, like, an event tonight?” Cass asked.

“Nah, just a nice summer night,” the bouncer replied.

Cass nodded, glancing once again at the stunning brunette with the high and tight bun. As their eyes met, the brunette smirked before letting her eyes drift down Cass’s body. Cass felt her body squirm under the gaze, a feeling she had become unfamiliar with since switching careers.

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