Just a Matter of Time

Amara

Closing my work laptop, I let out a dramatic sigh, feeling the exhaustion of the day hit me all at once. I glanced at my phone and saw a message from Eric, letting me know that he was back from his trip.

I groaned, frustrated that he hadn't reached out during his entire five-day absence but now decided to message. I shoved my phone into my bag, knowing I'd deal with it later.

As I walked into the bar, I spotted Kimberly already seated at our usual booth. She looked up and immediately waved me over with a bright smile.

"Amara!" she called out, her excitement palpable. "You look like you've had a day. Everything okay?"

I slid into the booth with a relieved sigh. "Oh, you know, just the usual chaos. Work has been non-stop, and Eric is back."

Kimberly's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "From his work trip?"

I nodded. "Yep."

Kimberly and I both picked out our drinks, and I headed to the bar to place the order. The bartender looked up with a friendly nod as I approached.

"Two of your strongest martinis, please," I said, trying to sound decisive despite my exhaustion.

As I waited, I glanced back at Kimberly, who was already making herself comfortable, her smile a reassuring presence. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief knowing I'd have a chance to unwind with her.

The bartender returned with our drinks, and I carried them back to the booth, setting them down with a flourish. "Here's to a much-needed break," I declared, raising my glass.

Kimberly clinked her glass against mine. "Cheers to that!"

We took our first sips, and the warmth of the alcohol mixed with the relaxed atmosphere of the pub began to work its magic. The chatter and laughter around us started to drown out the stress of the day. With each drink, I felt my tension slowly dissipate, and I let myself get caught up in the conversation, enjoying the easy rhythm of our back-and-forth.

As the evening progressed, I noticed I was getting a bit tipsy, the world around me taking on a more carefree glow. Kimberly's stories and jokes seemed even funnier, and I found myself laughing more freely, the stresses of work and Eric's return fading into the background.

"You know..." I said, a little too loudly, "it's weird that Elisha is back. I mean, he just up and left for Germany without a word. No goodbye, no nothing yet now he's back like it never happened."

Kimberly's eyes widened, clearly interested in the gossip. "Really? I mean it was weird but I'm happy he's back."

Leaning in closer and taking another sip of my drink. "I am too but one day he was here, and the next he's gone. Just packed up and left without saying a word. It really stung, you know?"

Kimberly nodded sympathetically.

Frustration creeping into my voice. "I mean it doesn't matter though. There are more pressing matters to worry about."

"How are you and Eric?" Kim asked, her tone light but probing. I knew she could sense the weight of the question, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.

I forced a smile, trying to deflect. "We're good," I replied, but I could see the skepticism in her eyes.

Kim raised an eyebrow. "Really? My mom mentioned that yours is concerned because you haven't invited him over lately. It's been a topic of conversation."

Ugh, my mother had a talent for spreading gossip. "She has a big mouth," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Before I could say more, Kim shoved a drink into my hand. "Okay, so our moms are gossipers but let's toast to the day ending and our time together" she exclaimed. I laughed as she tipped her glass back, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Just then, the pub door swung open, and I glanced over to see Elisha walk in. He scanned the room, his gaze locking onto me. My heart raced. "Look who just walked in," I said quietly to Kim

He approached our booth, his smile warm yet slightly guarded.

I felt a flush of both surprise and awkwardness. "Elisha," I said. "I didn't expect to see you tonight."

Elisha took a seat beside me, his gaze steady but careful. "Kim invited me. "

Kimberly, gave me an apologetic look before moving towards the bar. "I'm just going to grab another round. You two catch up," she said, her voice carrying a note of gentle warning as she walked away.

As Kimberly left, I turned back to Elisha, my thoughts swirling as the alcohol took hold. "Free from saving lives?," I slurred, the words coming out in a jumbled mess.

Elisha's laughed at me as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "You're already drunk?"

Before I could responded, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw another message from Eric. My face fell, and I felt a wave of frustration.

I cut him off, my voice wobbling. "Now he doesn't know if he can attend dinner."

Elisha looked puzzled but concerned. "Who?"

I shook my head vigorously, feeling the effects of the drinks making my head spin. "It's like... everything's a mess. And you're back too now, and—"

I stopped abruptly, realizing my words were tumbling out without much coherence. Elisha's expression was a mix of confusion and sympathy as he tried to piece together what I was saying.

I waved down the waitress, attempting to order another round. "I need another drink," my voice more insistent than I meant it to be.

Kimberly came back with another round of drinks, but when she saw me, her eyes widened. She quickly set the drinks down and came over to me. "Amara, I think you've had enough," she said gently, placing a hand on my arm. "Maybe it's time to slow down."

Elisha watched the exchange with a faint smile. "Maybe Kimberly's right. You should take it easy."

I pouted slightly but nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. "Fine, fine," I said, my words trailing off. "No more drinking."

Kimberly sat back down, giving me a supportive look. "We'll just enjoy the rest of the evening without any more alcohol. It's nice to have Elisha back, and we should focus on catching up."

"Like old times... when we used to all hang out together." I began to tear up as Kim and Elisha gave each other a knowing look

Elisha's watched me struggle to focus. "How about this," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "Let me give you a ride home."

I blinked, trying to process his offer through the fog of alcohol. "But I don't want to end the night! And Kimberly's here."

Kimberly, who was still hovering nearby, nodded in agreement. "It's a good idea. You've had a lot tonight, Amara. I'll get home fine. You should go and get some rest."

"You both are boring" I groaned as they chuckled

With some assistance from Kimberly, I gathered my things and stood up, feeling slightly unsteady. Elisha was right there to support me, offering a steadying arm as we made our way out of the pub.

I felt the effects of the alcohol weighing heavily on me. I swayed slightly, and Elisha's steadying arm was a comforting support as we made our way to his car.

Kimberly gave me a warm hug before I left. "Get some rest, Amara. We'll catch up soon."

I nodded, trying to keep my balance, but as I turned to leave, my steps faltered. I lost my footing and stumbled, falling against Elisha. He quickly steadied me with a firm grip, and I found myself leaning heavily on him.

"Whoa, easy there," he said with a chuckle, his arms wrapped around me to keep me upright.

I looked up at him, "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Elisha voice was gentle. "Let's just get you into the car."

With his help, I managed to get into the passenger seat. As Elisha settled into the driver's seat, I let out a sigh, trying to calm my racing thoughts.