Page 8 of Forgotten Comeback

We come to a smaller bar with a low-key vibe. “This is more my scene,” Mia says.

“Same,” I agree. “What do you want to drink? First round’s on me.”

“Whatever you’re drinking. I’m going to find us a seat,” Mia says, scanning the room.

I belly up to the bar, ordering vodka shots and two cosmopolitans—which I happen to know is her favorite cocktail. Alright, so I’m toeing the stalker line.

Holding the drinks with both hands, I make my way through the crowd to find Mia seated on a love seat in the corner. “I would’ve helped you carry those,” she says as I set them down on the accent table.

“No worries. I used to bartend before I went to dealer school.”

“Is dealing your dream job?” she wonders.

Admitting that I gave up on my dreams a long time ago sounds too depressing, so I shrug. “It’s a job.” I hand her the shot and hold up mine. “Cheers.” We clink glasses and kick back the vodka.

The next hour flies by with us chatting over drinks, and now full of liquid courage, I lean over and take my shot. “Mia?”

“Yes?” She meets my eyes, her cheeks flushed.

“Have you ever been with a woman?”

She teases her bottom lip with her teeth. “No.”

“You know I’m bi, right?” I move in closer, to where we’re only inches apart.

“Yeah,” she says, her sweet breath fanning my face.

My fingers graze her cheek as I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Ever been kissed by a woman?”

“No,” she whispers.

“Would it be alright if I were you first?’

Mia’s eyes are wide, but she nods, and I bring my lips to hers. She’s trembling with nerves, and it’s so cute as I flick my tongue against her lips. She opens for me, and I move my tongue to her mouth, swirling it delicately around hers.Mmm.Cranberry and vodka and the taste of a woman who’s never been with another woman. I can’t wait to show her what she’s been missing.

I pull back to gauge her reaction, and smile when I see she’s smiling. And then my bladder, which I’ve been ignoring for the past thirty minutes, has to go ruining the moment. “I need a bathroom break,” I tell her with a frustrated sigh. “Be right back.”

I hurry out and down the hall, only to come to a screeching halt. “Is the line for the bathroom?” I ask the woman in front of me.

“Yep,” she says. “Who the hell designs a one-staller for the ladies’ room?”

“Right?” I agree. “Do you know if there’s another bathroom somewhere?”

“Don’t know. This place is like a maze.”

Minutes tick by as I tap my foot in frustration. “Fuck this. I’m using the men’s.”

“A dude was in there for like thirty minutes,” she warns me.

“I’ll risk it.” Inhaling a deep breath, I hold it as I enter and squat over a crime scene of a toilet. Using the bottom of my heel to flush, I quickly wash up, my lungs screaming at me for air.

Taking short, rapid breaths, I fling the door open and exhale. “That bad?” My line buddy asks.

“Don’t do it,” I warn her.

I weave my way across the dance floor, but Mia’s no longer seated on the couch. My jaw clenches when I spot her at the bar, and who she’s chatting it up with.

Chapter