Tides and Tidings

Chapter 32

Blythe

I knew if Charlie had one more drink, he would finally let loose. With each drink he’s had, his walls have started to break down. I’m not trying to make him drunk out of his mind, I just want him to have a fun time. He’s always worried about Wren and me but never focuses on himself. He’s his own worst critic, and it needs to stop.

As we approached the bar, a small line formed outside, waiting to get in. I glanced up at the sign—Palm Paradise. My best guess is that this is a beach-themed bar.

Within a few minutes, the line moved and we made our way to the front.

“IDs, please?” The bouncer had his hand out expectantly.

We handed them over before a big black X was drawn on both of our right hands. “Enjoy!”

The door opened and my suspicions were correct. This is a beach-themed bar. As I took the place in, all I could see was the Riviera—a bar back in Seattle with the same beach vibe. Why there’s a beach vibe smack dab in the middle of Seattle is beyond me. The Riviera was where I met my ex. The same ex Charlie accidentally brought right to me last summer when we were at a bonfire. That encounter went horribly, and Charlie still apologizes almost bi-weekly for it.

As we made our way to the bar to order a drink, my heels stuck with every step I took. The floor was covered in spilled alcohol. The lights were low, but I could still see the light wood of the bar and floors. Being on the coast and having a coastal-themed bar? Much more fitting.

We waited in line and Charlie bopped his head to the music, which was louder than the last bar.

The bartender finished helping the guy in front of us and we stepped up to the bar. The was clad in the ugliest Hawaiian print shirt I had ever seen.

“What can I get you, beautiful?” he flirted. No one has paid a lick of attention to me in so long that I wasn’t sure how to react.

With that question, Charlie wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into him.

“Can I please have a vodka and club soda?”

“What?” The bartender yelled over the music with a devious smirk.

I raised my voice, “A vodka and club soda.”

He leaned in so close our faces were inches apart. I gulped, not liking the closeness. I like my bubble of space; only Charlie, Wren, and Marsh can be within that bubble.

Charlie sensed my body tense up. Despite being moderately soft-spoken, he could raise his voice if he needed to. “She said she wanted a vodka and club soda.”

The bartender’s smirk faded and he made me a drink. I followed Charlie’s gaze as he watched the guy make my drink, ensuring nothing else was added. Protective Charlie was out and about.

He slid the drink over to me. “And for you, buddy?”

“A bourbon and Coke.” Charlie paused, “And I am not your fuckin’ buddy, that’s for damn sure.”

A moment later, the bartender brought back Charlie’s drink as well.

The bartender’s demeanor had changed entirely, and he was now professional. “Would you like to keep the tab open or close it?”

Charlie looked at me for silent confirmation. I nodded.

“We’ll leave it open.”

“I’ll just take your card, swipe it, and hand it right back to you.”

Charlie handed over his debit card and it was returned a moment later.

“Enjoy, Mr. and Mrs. Hannigan,” the bartender ushered us off.

The butterflies in my stomach danced about. That was the first time anyone had called me Mrs. Hannigan. Growing up, I didn’t have positive relationships on which to base my opinions. My family was riddled with divorce, abandonment, and unfaithfulness—I never knew what a healthy relationship or marriage looked like. Until I met Charlie, I had never even considered getting married.

Charlie didn’t acknowledge what the bartender said. I wondered if he had heard what he said.

“Do you want to go over there?” He motioned towards the edge of the dancefloor, where there was a small space.

I nodded. The songs they were playing were more modern than the last place, but I was having the best time people-watching. Charlie says I’m nosey, but I like to think I’m very observant. If you need to know what’s happening around our small town of Wippowa, I’m your girl.

Being at Sea Reads all day, every day, is great for being informed about so many things. Everyone trusts me and knows I would never share their secrets. Sea Reads is where people come to share their secrets they can’t tell anyone else. It’s where they come to get lost in a book and have a friendly face who will listen to what they have going on.

I looked around the dancefloor and saw people our age—early thirties—enjoying their lives to the fullest. Charlie and I do as well, but it doesn’t look like this. I wonder how many of these people have kids at home. Don’t get me wrong, I’m having fun, but I miss Wren and want to hang out with her.

I came back to the present and swayed to the music while finishing my drink.

The song ended, and the DJ paused the music, “Do I have any Taylor Swift fans out there?”

The crowd cheered, and I yelled as loudly as I could.

“Then y’all will enjoy the next thirty-minute mashup.”

Charlie put his hand on the small of my back and pushed me onto the dancefloor, “Go!”

“I don’t want to leave you standing here alone.”

A grin spread across his face, “I’m gonna get us some refills. You go have fun.”

“Are you sure?” I wanted to clarify.

“I couldn’t be more positive. I’ll bring your drink to you. If a guy comes near you, knee him in the dick.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Done!”

I made my way to the dancefloor, and as I started dancing, I could feel the drinks hit. The sobriety I was so proud of earlier had gone out the window. I sang along at the top of my lungs, and for once in my life, I didn’t care how silly I looked. I was living the life I could’ve never had in Seattle. None of this beautiful life I have would’ve been possible if I hadn’t taken a chance on myself.

Two years ago, I was working a dead-end, nine-to-five job. I was miserable, hated where I lived, and, most importantly, couldn’t adopt a dog. Now, I’m in a bar in Georgia with my incredible boyfriend, singing along to my favorite songs, and we have a sweet Little Bird at home.

There was a tap on my shoulder and I spun on my heel. Charlie stood there with a silly grin plastered on his face.

“For you, my lady.” He handed over my drink.

“Thank you,” I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

He pulled me into him and I stumbled. “Are you having a good time?”

“The best!” I answered honestly. “I think I feel my drinks a little bit.”

Charlie scrunched his face, “Me too.”

“I know this isn’t your type of music, but do you wanna dance with me?”

I watched the wave of uncertainty wash across his face before he shrugged, “Why not.”

I danced and sang until my voice started to crack from being so loud.

“No, nothin’ good starts in a getaway car!” I screamed.

Charlie was slightly swaying to the music, but his eyes were glued to me. He slid his hand into my back pocket and squeezed, “You look beautiful.”

I blushed, “You’re just saying that.”

He shook his head, the alcohol evident on his face, “I’m definitely not.”

“Hold on! I want to remember this night.” I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone to snap a selfie of us.

I took the opportunity to text Rose. The last time I was at the Riviera in Seattle, I was with Rose and my former coworkers. That was the night I met dick-head James. The beginning of the end, if you will.

Blythe: The bar Charlie and I are at reminds me of the Riviera. Which makes me miss you more.

Rose: Why are you at a bar?

Blythe: To have a good time.

Rose: Bee, how drunk are you?

Blythe: It’s really none of your beeswax. Just say you miss me too.

Rose: Of course I miss you. Be safe. Make good decisions!

We’ll see about those good decisions…