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“Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” —Alfred Tennyson
“I can’t believe this is the same place we used to drink dollar beers on Monday nights and two-for-one Jager bombs every Wednesday.”
I unintentionally grabbed my chest. “Oh God, Ava. I just remembered the taste of it down my throat.”
“You remember that time you ate too many Jell-O shots and threw up in the bathroom after finals too?”
“Why would you remind me of that right now?”
“Those were good times!” she shouted over the huge, loud crowd as she led the way to the bar.
I couldn’t believe this was the same hole-in-the-wall bar in which we spent our college adolescence. It didn’t even look like the same place. If I hadn’t already known what this place looked like before the remodel, I would have never imagined this place falling apart from the inside out.
A big new dance floor was packed to the brim with people, along with four different bars where people were ordering drinks. What I loved the most throughout the open space were the pool tables lined up against the back wall. We used to love to play pool.
The atmosphere was filled with a sophistication but also a really fun vibe. The energy was electric. It was obvious people were there to have a good time.
I grabbed Ava’s hand, quickly following her speedy pace so that I didn’t lose her to the sea of strangers. Once we sat in the barstools, Ava ordered two rounds of tequila shots.
I laughed, shaking my head. “Are you on a mission to make me throw up in the bathroom again?”
“For old times’ sake, Capri!” She clinked her glass with mine, and we gulped them down before throwing back the next one.
It’d been months since I last drank, and I wasn’t much of a drinker to begin with. The fiery liquid burned with delight down my throat, immediately making me feel warm all over. It didn’t take long until guys stood beside us, and one of them managed to make his voice heard.
I turned on the barstool, cocking my head to the side with a smile as I let the effects of the liquor take over as a cute guy offered, “How about I buy you another shot?”
I didn’t usually accept drinks from men, but I was overstimulated with everything, and the memories of Elias were attacking the forefront of my headspace. I couldn’t spend the next few hours feeling this way. I decided right then and there to get shit-faced.
“Sure.”
He nodded toward the bartender, Rick, and raised his two fingers up in the air before setting a fifty down on the bar. He then turned to face me again while Ava chatted with his friend.
“What’s a pretty girl like you doing here tonight?”
“That’s your first move?” I teased.
He licked his lips and leaned forward. “What kind of move did you have in mind? Because I have one that involves me and you. Alone. Fewer clothes. Less talking.”
“Wow. Does that usually work for you?”
“As a matter of fact, it does.”
I watched him grab our shots, making sure he didn’t slip something in mine. After he handed it to me, I placed it out in front of me, and he followed suit.
“Here’s to men and horses and the women who ride them.”
“Cheers to that.” He laughed as I tapped my glass against his, and then we both downed our shots.
This one didn’t go down as smoothly as I’d hoped.
“So… tell me, what’s your name?”
I cleared my throat, my chest burning. “Capri.”
“I’m Felix.” He grinned. “You’re a girl after my own heart, wearing a pretty dress like that. I especially love the slit up the side of your leg.”
“Do you always come on this strong?”
