Page 2 of Perfect Chaos

“It’s okay; we can stay home if you don’t want to go.”

“No, I want to go. I think it will be fun to get out and have some fun. Plus, it’s Gavin’s first night back. I don’t want to be the one to ruin y’all’s traditions.”

“Gavin would understand if we canceled.”

“We are going, but can I meet y’all there? I want to have plenty of time to shower and get ready. I don’t want you to be late.”

“Of course, Darling Chaos. Do you want to drive yourself or get a ride-share?”

“I can just get a ride-share. Aren’t you supposed to pick up Gavin anyway?”

“Yeah, but we can always meet there if you would rather drive yourself.”

“You don’t have to. I’m going to get a shower and get ready. Go ahead and meet Gavin at the bar. I will see you later.”

He nods his head and gives me a kiss on the forehead. He pauses for a moment, like he is contemplating saying something else. “Just be safe and call me if you need me.”

“Always.”

Once he is out of earshot, I let out an exaggerated sigh before standing and heading to the bathroom. Even though putting on real clothes and styling my hair into anything other than a messy bun was the last thing I wanted to do, I feel maybe I would feel better if I did.

Chapter Three

Atlas

After confirming with Maizyn that she still wants to go out tonight, I grab my keys to the Alfa Romeo Giulia and head out the door. I prefer driving the Supra, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seat three. Even though she is getting a ride-share there, I refuse to let her ride-share home. There is no point in making Gavin get another ride home either.

Atlas: Hey, man. I'm on my way to get you. Are you home?

Gavin: No. I’m not currently home, but can you pick me up from 579 East Clark Street?

Atlas: Of course, man.

I find it a bit strange he isn’t home, knowing we had plans, but I don’t say anything about it. I typed the address Gavin sent me into the maps on my phone to see how far it was.

Atlas: ETA is fifteen minutes.

Gavin: Okay. Sounds good, I will meet you outside.

I follow the directions coming from the robot voice on my phone as I make my way to where Gavin is, pulling into the parking lot fourteen minutes later. It’s always fun beating the estimated arrival time, even if it’s only by a minute. I don’t know where I expected to be picking him up from, but it wasn’t from in front of a hotel. I come to a stop in front of where Gavin is standing and roll down my window.

“Personal driver for Mr. Blackwell.” He forces a fake accent, causing his words to come out nasally.

“Ha ha, very funny.” The sarcasm drips from the words.

“I thought it was. Do I need to get out and open the door for you, or are you going to get in the car already?”

He opens the passenger door, takes in what I am wearing, then laughs.

“What’s so funny, Gavin?”

“If I knew we were gonna be matching tonight, I would have told you to change.”

“And why the fuck would I change?”

“Because I look better in it than you do.”

I punch him playfully in the arm as he plops into the passenger seat and shuts the car door.