The Proposal

Old flames

Debbie's pov
She quickly came over and grabbed me by my waist helping me regain my balance. As soon as I was able to stand on my own I pulled away a little. I rubbed my eyes trying to make sure they weren't playing tricks on me.

When I realized it really was who I thought it was I brought them in for a tight hug. "Woah Woah I'd like to breathe" she said laughing through short breaths. "Tammy! They didn't tell me you were coming!" I said excited.

"Guess i was the big surprise then... ta daaaa" she said making jazz fingers with her hands. We both laughed hysterically and began to catch up. It was so nice to talk to her because I hadn't seen her since college graduation.

She was my first major girl crush and we dated throughout senior year and into college. When I told her I was moving to New York for better opportunities in the fashion industry she was so excited for me.

I had dreamed of her coming with me and us starting a new life there. I had even asked her to marry me but she ended up staying. She said that Sitka was her home and she couldn't imagine ever leaving.

She congratulated me and wished me the best and we parted ways. It took me a while to get over her but I would love her always. "It was so nice to catch up but I need a drink..." she said, I nodded and she entered the bar.

I stayed out for a few minutes longer just reminiscing and taking in the salty spray from the waves on my face. I heard the doors creak open and Lou walked out.

"Hey... you've been out here for a minute I just wanted to check on you" she said moving closer. She wrapped her arms around my waist from behind and began swaying slowly.

The music inside was faint but it didn't even matter. I still hadn't responded to her after what she said earlier today. I still couldn't find the words to. But in this moment it didn't matter, all I knew was that I loved having her arms around me.

That's all that mattered then, and it felt like that was all that would ever matter.

Her head rested on my shoulder, her nose nestled into my neck. I melted into her touch and inhaled the smell of her hair. "Hey..." Tammy said as she came back out to talk more.

I hadn't told her about Lou and I, not that I thought it was irrelevant but I just didn't think of it at the time. I was so consumed in hearing everything about her I barely talked about myself.

Other than the fact that I got a job at a big fashion company and was slowly working my way up. Lou stood up and turned around, her arms removed from my waist and she put her hands in her pockets.

"Tammy this is Lou, Lou... Tammy" they looked at each other for a moment. As if they knew without words having to be spoken. "Nice to meet you" Lou said, a hint of her cold demeanor returning.

"Well I'll be inside" she said not trying to hold back her coldness this time. I nodded solemnly towards her as Tammy walked over to where I was standing.

Lou's pov
I sat back down at the bar away from her family and ordered 3 shots of tequila. I knew from the look she had in her eyes when introducing us. I knew from the way Tammy looked at her that they had been... something.

I know I had just told her about my feelings but I still felt jealous. We were having a moment and that stupid bitch interrupted. The worst part was I felt as if I didn't even have a right to feel that way.

She had been in Debbie's life way before me and probably had treated her way better than I ever did. I downed the shots back to back, I still felt terrible for having treated her that way in the first place.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around, Debbie gave me a sad smile as she sat down. She saw the 3 short, now empty glasses in front of me and her expression changed to worried.