Starting Over (A Linstead Story)

Chapter 19

Jay had been looking forward to bowling night ever since Jess had arranged it. Going out for a fun time with his girlfriend, his sister, a good friend and not one but two new people to meet promised to be a night to remember.

At first, Jess had said that her employee Raquel would be coming. Now it was Raquel and her wife Zelina, who had originally meant to have been out of town on this particular night. But her plans had changed and now she was able to make it.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Raquel and Zelina," Erin said from the driver's seat as they headed to the bowling alley. The way she brought that up while he was thinking about it struck Jay as further evidence of the telepathic connection that seemed to exist between them at times. He wished he knew more about that kind of thing.

"I was just thinking that. Don't know anything about them other than Jess told me Raquel is taller than me and probably about as strong. It was after I asked her how they were going to handle heavy lifting. So, she should be quite a sight."

"Damn," Erin said, keeping her attention on the road. "What I meant though, was what kind of people they are more than what they look like."

"I realise that. I was just saying that's all I know. It's probably safe to say Raquel's a good person or I can't see Jess employing her, much less choosing to socialise with her."

"That's a good point. We'll find out soon enough I guess. You're not going to take it easy tonight are you?" The way she asked suggested that she kind of wished he would.

"Hell no. If I bowl, I bowl seriously. Besides, if Kev beats me I'll never hear the end of it. That means bragging rights are at stake."

"Men," Erin said, rolling her eyes. Her reaction made him laugh.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the bowling alley. Jay spotted Jess's Mercedes in the lost and pointed it out to Erin, who was able to park in the spot next to it.

"Jess said she was going to pick up Kevin, Raquel and Zelina, so the whole rest of the group ought to be waiting inside", he said.

"Sounds good. There's probably a bar inside. I bet we'll find them there."

"Are you sure you don't want to have a few drinks tonight? I'm fine with getting Coke and driving home," he offered.

"Thanks, but no. I don't feeling like drinking. You have a few beers."

"Alright, if you're sure," Jay said happily as they got out of the car. Although he had offered to drive, being able to drink was his preferred outcome.

As he joined Erin on the driver's side of the car, there was a moment where she suddenly looked tired to him. He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Haven't slept well the last few nights that's all. Come on, let's go have some fun. I'll be wide awake once we get down to it."

They walked hand in hand towards the entrance. As ever, Jay felt proud and blessed to be with her, but he couldn't get a slight feeling of concern for her out of his head. Was her tiredness due to work? Or was she unwell? Or might she be pregnant? That thought occurring to him made him smile as he opened one of the bowling alley's doors for her. It was possible, but likely it was wishful thinking.

"Thank you, honey," she said, appreciating his good manners.

Jay had never been to this place before, so he took an initial look around once they were inside . Opposite them was a desk where bowling could be paid for. To the left there was a selection of arcade video game machines and a few pool tables. To the right was a bar. Standing near the bar with drinks in hand were Jess, Kevin, Raquel and Zelina. Raquel was indeed tall, he saw. By contrast, her wife was tiny. Five feet tall if she was lucky. An interesting dynamic. They were both attractive Latinas, although Raquel was too big and muscular to be his type. She looked like a wrestler or a UFC fighter or something. Meanwhile, Zelina was too small for his taste and she had a tattoo down most of one of hers arms. There was no quicker way to ruin a hot woman than with tattoos, he thought. It was like covering a Ferrari in bumper stickers. Erin put both women to shame, he couldn't help thinking, to his great satisfaction.