City Girl

Mal at the river

"Hey Meg," I said over the phone, "what are you up to?"

"Hey, Mal! Actually, I'm picking up your outfit for the music video," she replied casually, but I could sense her excitement. "It's really hot—you're going to look amazing."

"Want to meet for a drink?" I chirped. "My treat!"

"Absolutely!" Meg responded without hesitation. "I could use a break from all this running around. Where should we meet?"

I thought for a moment, weighing my options. "How about that little bar near Grace's? It's pretty cute, and I think I can convince the bartender not to card me."

"Sounds like a plan!" Meg laughed. "I love that place, and if you can charm the bartender, even better! I'll see you there in about twenty minutes?"

"Perfect! I'll grab us a table," I said, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of seeing her. After the emotional rollercoaster of the day, I knew I needed some good company and a chance to unwind.

As I hung up, I quickly checked my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my hair and making sure my new nose piercing was still in place. I felt a sense of empowerment wash over me, and I was ready to embrace the night ahead.

I headed to the bar, the warm evening air wrapping around me as I walked. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. I found a cozy table on the patio, the city lights twinkling in the distance as the sun began to set. I waved at Jack the bartender who gave me a nod.

When Meg arrived, she was beaming with energy, her excitement infectious. "Hey! That outfit better be as hot as you say!" I teased, standing up to give her a quick hug.

"Oh, it is! You're going to be the star of that video," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she slid into the seat across from me "But not as hot as this new piercing!"

We ordered our drinks and dove into conversation, sharing stories and laughter as the night unfolded. I caught her up on everything that had happened with Jax, my decision to quit, and my spontaneous piercing.

"Wow, that was pretty badass" Meg said sipping on her water "I actually can't believe you did that!"

"I'm not letting anyone push me around this summer" I said smirking.

Meg raised her eyebrows, a playful grin creeping onto her face. "I love that energy! You're reclaiming your summer, huh? So what's next on your list of 'badass' things to do?"

I leaned in, my voice low and conspiratorial. "Well, after the music video this weekend, I think I'm gonna try and find a job where I don't sleep with my boss — and I want to go to more gay bars!"

Meg's eyes widened with excitement, and she leaned back in her chair, grinning. "Oh, I love it! Yes to more gay bars! You'll have the time of your life, trust me. And I'm all for you finding a job that doesn't involve mixing business with pleasure. You deserve it!"

I took a sip of my drink, feeling the buzz of anticipation mingling with the alcohol. "I just want to be free, you know? Free to explore, to meet new people, and to really figure out who I am without all the baggage—without men dragging me down."

"That's the spirit!" Meg encouraged, her enthusiasm infectious. "And trust me, the gay bars in this city are full of life, and they're a great place to let loose and have fun! You'll find such a vibrant community there."

I felt a rush of excitement at the thought. "I can't wait to dive into that world! I want to embrace everything the summer has to offer—new experiences, new people, and maybe even a little romance without any strings attached."