Love Games

Nine: Taretto

I finally get dressed and put on my shoes as I should.

I stand in the hallway in my heels and look in the mirror at the perfect dress that fits me like a glove.

I realise how fortunate I am to have such a friend.

To have the life I have.

That I am lucky that Dave left me.

I am grateful for that.

That everything happened and turned out the way it did because I finally have what I want in life.

Tears fill my eyes for a minute, but I don't allow myself to cry, not for my ex.

Never.

Besides, beauty products are too expensive to be worth the shedding of tears for an ex.

It's almost eight o'clock.

It took Emma and me the whole afternoon to get the best out of me.

Highlighting the things worth highlighting, so as not to look too vulgar, and hiding the imperfections.

I don't know who my blind date is, but I'm curious to see who else is crazy enough to agree to this.

I take my phone and put it in my bag, which is the same colour as my shoes.

It completes the look perfectly.

I am proud of myself.

Today, without a drink, today I give myself courage, I give myself strength, I give myself everything that alcohol gives me.

My hands are sweating, I'm a little nervous, my heart is beating like crazy.

It's time to go.

" Thank you for everything, Emma. "I turn to her and she looks at me, proudly. It's like she's made a work of art.

I hug her.

As if I'm not coming back, as if I'm leaving, when in fact I'm just going on a date.

"Have a nice day, dear. I want to hear all about it in the morning. Enjoy it to the full and don't think too much. "She turns away and lets me out of her embrace.

I want to cry, such an emotional day between us.

" See you later. " I say, courageously opening the door and slowly walking out.

I have my eyes back on Emma, who has her eyes on me.

The smile on her face, the concern in her eyes.

I step bravely, even as I hear the door close, the lock locking.

I step bravely down the stairs; I step bravely forward.

Into the street.

I look into Emma's flat, where Jack usually is, but today, miraculously, he isn't there.

How can this be?

A couple of faces turned in my direction, and I felt so embarrassed that I just wanted to run away.

But it wouldn't be fast in these high heels, so I took a deep breath and walked on.

Sometimes I feel like I'm on a catwalk and the people around me are spectators.

I walk proudly and the restaurant is about a few blocks away

Not too far, but not too close either.

The night is warm, it is still quite bright. I could see the Taretto sign in the distance.