“So how did he take it?”
“He didn’t say much.”
“Oh wow! So where is he now?”
Holy fucking shit girl! Is she serious?
I can’t hide my chuckle at her absurdity.
“I don’t know Kayla. Why don’t you call him?”
“Oh, um…I don’t want to hang out with him I was just wondering…”
Sure Kayla. Whatever you say.
“Okay.” I hide my smile at her bullshit.
“Want to hang out at Dawn’s?”
“Sure why not?”
If nothing else, her bullshit stories will be humorous.
I look down at my phone and see I have a ton of missed calls, all from Jay. There are several voice mails.
“Hillary! What the fuck? I’m over here at The Dublin and Mike is completely fucking drunk and upset out of his mind because of you! How could you dump him? He’s so fucking drunk!”
“Next message”
“Where the fuck are you? Come over to the bar and help Mike. Fix this! He’s really upset! He’s crying!”
Holy shit!
I look up at Kayla.
“Jay’s across the street at the bar with Mike. I guess he was really upset about me dumping him and decided to get cocked out of his mind.”
Kayla just stares at me with her jaw dropped open.
“I should go over there. I don’t see their vehicles. I guess they parked around back. I’m gonna take a look.” I tell her.
“I’ll go with you.”
I don’t really mind, no matter what her motive, if there is one. Even though we could easily dart across the street I choose to drive. Maybe I’m afraid I might need a fast getaway. I drive around back and see both Jay and Mike’s vehicles, so I park my car next to them. I get out of my car but I’m scared to go inside so instead I call Jay on his cell phone.
“Hillary, where the fuck are you?” He shouts at me.
“I’m standing next to your truck. Come outside.” He doesn’t say anything. I just hear a click that he hung up. I see the back door of the bar swing open and Jay comes stomping out.
“Will you please tell me what the fuck happened and why you dumped my friend?” He shouts at me.
“Jay, he took me out for my birthday and drove drunk. Then he proceeded to be pissed because I wouldn’t give him a blow job. We got into a fight. I fell and it went to hell from there. The end.”
“He really liked you Hillary? He’s upset!” He shouts at me.
With my hands on my hips I stare up at the dark starry night walking in circles and taking deep breaths.
“Jay, I’m sorry, but did you not just hear what I said? I don’t know what else to say but that.” I can feel the tears coming. How am I the asshole here?
“What am I supposed to say to him when I go back in?”
“He knows I’m out here?” I yell at him!”
“Yeah, I told him.”
The back door of the bar blows open and Mike comes staggering out. He doesn’t say a word just looks over at us, turns to the side, and leans over the railing and vomits.
“Oh shit, dude.” Jay complains.
“I’m sorry Jay… I can’t … I just can’t… I have to go.”
I feel a small wash of relief come over me. I don’t like it when I know someone doesn’t like me. I tend to be a people pleaser. I guess it comes from not feeling any real love or want from my parents growing up. I look at Kayla to let her know I’m leaving to see if she wants to come with me or walk back to her car.
“I’ll stay with Jay and help him with Mike.” Kayla says.
Not surprised but I don’t really care.
“Okay then. I’m going home.” Feeling like a coward, I drive away.
June 30, 2001
I got it – I got the job at SS Lighting! You’re looking at the company’s newest employee – a receptionist. It’s not much, but I know I can start from the bottom and work my way up. Everyone has to start somewhere.
I love fresh starts.
“You’re not worth listening to.”
September 7, 2001
“H-BOMB! WHAT ARE YOU DOING in two weeks?” I hear Jameson shout from the parking lot at Dawn’s.
“Um, I don’t know. Why?”
“I’m going to Worthington to see my dad for my birthday. Wanna go?”
“Oh hell yes! I love your dad!” I jump up and down, unable to contain my excitement. I had so much fun when he took me there a couple of months ago. I’ve been bugging him ever since to take me back there. “Well, we should bring a designated driver because it’s your birthday and you need to drink and I’m not familiar with that area, so I won’t be able to drive back and I want to drink too! Ha!” I say as a matter of fact.