She held her phone up, giving it a gentle shake.“I’ll just be a minute.”
Claire excused herself, exited the bar, and headed straight for the ladies’ room in the lobby, texting her father with each step.
Claire: Forgot to text you earlier.Sorry!All's well.Love you xoxo
Alone in the ladies’ lounge, she checked herself in the mirrored wall opposite the sinks.Leaning in close, she grimaced at her glassy, bloodshot eyes, their whites looking more pink, matching her sun-kissed shoulders.I blame you, Jefton, and your heavy-handed pour on that refill.The redness on her cheeks?Mostly likely from the easy flirtation she’d been enjoying.Ugh!My hair is a trainwreck.She freed her locks from a scrunchy, flipped her head upside down, and shook her hair for a few seconds before securing it back in place.With a few tendrils pulled down for good measure, she practiced a smile.You’re not just tipsy.You’re borderline drunk.Go back to the bar, thank him for a nice chat, and be on your way.Better yet, you owe him nothing.Go back to your room before you do something you might regret.
"You weren't kidding.I think that was under a minute."Jay stood and balanced on one leg when she returned.
"I channeledmyinner track star," she teased, resuming her place at the table.
A server appeared and Claire ordered another drink, her restroom counseling session immediately forgotten.Another half hour slipped away as she and Jay talked about everything.He kept her laughing, to the point her cheeks ached.The patrons around them melted away until she and Jay were the only two people left in the bar.Her eyes widened with shock when she checked her watch.
“My God.I had no idea it was so late,” Claire said.
“Is it?Maybe that dinosaur watch of yours is broken,” Jay said.
“Do not come for my watch, sir.”She cupped her right wrist and held it to her chest.“It happens to be a family heirloom.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.Especially when we’re on the same team.”He held his right arm out to her, his expression filled with pride.“Mine’s a 2022 reissue—not true vintage like yours—but I’ve always been a Timex fan.”
No way!He wears a Timex?!He looks like he could afford any watch on planet earth.A shiver of nervous energy buzzed inside her and she shifted position to keep this feeling in check.Do not start up a conversation about watches.Do not, or you’ll be here for another hour, which would be incredible,but you should leave something to talk about tomorrow, right?You know he’ll want to meet up again because you definitely want to.
What would Molly say?Leave him wanting more.Oh, who am I kidding?Molly would already be smoking a post-coital cigarette right now.
"Think our friend here would do me the honor of one final song before I make my exit?"She threw a nod toward the piano player.
"You're not ready to call it a night, are you?"Jay asked with a look of disappointment."I thought you might like another drink."
"Are you kidding?I've barely touched this one.I want to leave Jamaicawithouta knee brace.”
"You better think of something.She's ready to clock out," the piano man encouraged.
"How ‘bout some coffee?A latte?Milk and cookies?"Jay offered.
"I better call it a night.Thank you both for a lovely evening."Claire stood, gripping the back of her chair as the last of her beverages kicked in.She sent up a silent prayer to make it out of the bar without falling flat on her face.
Jay stood and tucked his hands in his pockets.“It’s been really nice talking with you, Claire.”
Again she took in his sincere eyes.Though she hadn’t detected a single red flag, Claire willed herself to do the right thing—turn and walk away.But forces beyond that of Jefton’s cocktail kept her feet firmly planted.The crowd had moved out, and the bar stood quiet, except for the sound of her father's words popping into her head out of nowhere, preaching a worn-out sermon.
Claire, honey, it's time to forget the past and start the next chapter.
"I guess one more drink wouldn't hurt.Onealcohol-freedrink."
“You’re reading my mind.Care to try the patio?It’s so nice out.”Jay motioned to an outdoor space off the bar.
“Sounds great.”Claire nodded in agreement.
Jay went to order coffee while Claire headed out to claim a table.She had her pick, finding only one other couple in the outdoor space.Claire watched them for a moment, noting the closeness of their bodies.Completely oblivious to Claire’s presence, their kisses fell in between whispers and giggles.A tiny pebble of jealousy dropped into her gut, creating ripples of envy.
You’ll have your chance when you're a little less tipsy and thinking clearly.I hope this Jay guy doesn’t get the wrong idea though.Talking is one thing.Even a little harmless flirting is okay.But a late-night hookup?Ain’t gonna happen.I don’t care how badly Molly wants it to.
Jay joined her, announcing that coffees were on the way.They sat without talking for a minute, looking out at the ocean.The piano had served them well, acting as both a buffer and a safety net for conversation.With nothing but the light of a small candle in amber glass flickering between them, Claire squirmed in her seat while her mind spun like a Rolodex, hoping to land on an interesting topic.
"Is this your first time here in Jamaica?"she asked.
Boring.God, you’re pathetic.
