AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Soon laughter erupts and the rest of the evening goes by quickly. The conversation and wine flowed. I was all too happy when we called it a night.
My face feels hot. The cold air against my skin helps sober me up as I walk home. I had maybe a half a glass more than usual. All I can think of is my upcoming date with Victor.
It’s just one date.
Victor
“It’s just dinner,” Marie states as she follows me around the roastery. I try to ignore her as I sort through the different bags of beans. Marking off inventory as I walk around. Marie just continues to follow me, my newly appointed shadow.
“Your track record for setting me up on blind dates is not a great one.” I turn to look at her, staring down at her for emphasis.
“Right,” she draws the one syllable word out. “I’m not going to lie. I’ve set you up with some duds. Like Kathy the snore fest or Tracy. I know that one was a true disaster.”
“That one told me, and I quote, my scars made her want to vomit her lasagna and never eat pasta again.”
“Not one of my finer matches, I admit that. But this one is perfect, plus you’ve already met her before. Sally, she’s blonde and works with Violet’s fiancé.”
My interest is peaked, I turn my back to Marie. I don’t want her to read the emotions that may show on my face. I want this date with Sally. Would she be oaky with my work schedule? I’m only in Kastle Harbor half the year and she just moved here.
And then there’s the bit about my scars. Without thinking I’m rubbing my left forearm, massaging the muscle and scar tissue. It’s been years but even with fading, my arms and legs are covered in thin, jagged lines. They’re why Cassie left me. And mainly why I haven’t dated anyone more than causally since.
As if Marie knows where my head is at, she whispers, “It’s just dinner Victor. You eat it every day. Besides, she could use some more friends here.” There’s a hint of sadness in her tone. I’m unsure of if it’s for me, or for Sally.
I turn to face my twin. Our features almost identical. The hair, the nose, our eye color, it’s all the same. But her scars are within. Our histories are tinged with sorrow and pain.
“Okay, one date. And it’s just dinner. No dancing or silly outing.”
Before I even say dancing, she wraps her arms around me. I can feel her laugh as I finish talking.
“You guys really are perfect for each other.”
* * *
Sally
Bethany and Violet are sitting on my bed as I pull my entire wardrobe out one piece at a time. It wasn’t until this moment, as I hold a suit jacket in each hand and am staring at a sea of navy and black garments, I realize I’m a boring person.
As if they can read my mind, Violet comes over and takes the jackets from me. Bethany hands me a glass of chardonnay and pats at the almost empty spot next to her on my bed.
“I just don’t know what to wear on a first date. It’s been literally a decade,” I exclaim, drinking half my glass of wine in one go.
“You have some amazing designer pieces.” Violet shuffles through my section of dresses. “They are just all very businesslike. Which,” she pauses, the soft clicks of my wooden hangers hitting each other as she passes on dress after dress, “I’m sure you look stunning in them, but you should be sexy. And not the whole sexy librarian vibe either.”
“Oh no.” Bethany shakes her head, curls bouncing everywhere. “And not like sexy secretary either.”
“Are we just naming bad Halloween costume ideas or what?” I ask. “I may have some more colorful pieces still in boxes.”
I hand my wine back to Bethany as Violet continues going through the dresses. I head to my living room to quickly look at the stack of boxes lining one wall.
“It’s been months. How are you not unpacked yet?” Violet hollers from my closet.
“I don’t know, just one of those things I keep putting off.” I shrug as I look at the words on each box. There’s maybe ten or so left to unpack but none of them say anything about bedroom or wardrobe.
“Okay, nothing out there,” I tell the duo as I walk back in my room.
“Voila,” Violet pulls out a burgundy cocktail dress. It’s one of those bandage type styles, where it covers everything and fits snuggly to highlight your assets. I bought it for a party the law firm threw a few years ago and then never wore it. It felt like too much at the time.
“I don’t know if it still fits,” I bite my lower lip, trying to imagine wearing it out on a date. It’s shorter, though not by much.
