LDBM

Chapter 28: THE HEART GETS NO SLEEP

BONNIE

I put my sunglasses on my face as I pulled up to The Nice Guy restaurant in West Hollywood. Paparazzi were everywhere, the flashes of their cameras almost blinding me while they yelled at me. I stormed through them to get inside.

When Natalie told me where she booked I became nervous. The Nice Guy is frequented by celebs day in and day out. While I love that they are one of the many places that has a strict door policy, I was still anxious about being seen. I had not been in the public for almost anything major in months. Thanks to its intimate vibe, no one can get in without a reservation or an in, even just to grab a drink at the bar. This made me finally agree.

Natalie waved at me from across the room upon my entrance. The Nice Guy featured comfy booths & dim lighting that set the mood with an old-school feel. It was a classic Italian spot, paying homage to a decadent era of Mafia bars and restaurants, where the owners and their friends could enjoy an evening together. 

Upon entry the vintage marble and brass bar greets you. Its size, scale and shape invite guests to a unique social experience, encouraging conversation and camaraderie. The booths along the exterior wall command intimacy, while the larger booths flanking the room, stimulate a party atmosphere throughout the night. There was even a small, sultry performance incorporated in the classic lounge setting. It felt like a place out of the Godfather.

I arrived at the table and Natalie stood up and we kissed the air on both sides of our cheeks then sat. I took my glasses off and sat them on the far left side of the booth as Natalie smiled like nothing was awkward at all. She broke the silence.

"So, how are the twins?" she asked.

"They're great."

"That's good to hear. How is Bill?"

"I guess he's doing well. I don't talk to him much."

Natalie raised her brows at my sharpness. "Oh, I thought you two were together."

I opened my mouth to speak but then I felt the fire that was burning upon my tongue so I closed it immediately. I let out a breath and Natalie did something I did not expect. She laughed. She let out a soft muffling laugh and I found myself unable to hold in my anger. I smiled then I too started to laugh. We both sat there for a minute just laughing, at what, I do not even know - But it felt good, to laugh again.

After our waitress left we started eating the shared pizza we ordered.

"I meant to call sooner, I'm sorry I did not." She said biting into the square shaped slice.

"I understand. This whole..."situation", has left a lot of people unsure what to do, or feel." I said.

Natalie shook her head. 

"It's just a lot to take in you know? I love you three, truly. You know this. You are like my sister and of course I will support you no matter what, but Georg..."

"I know." I cut in. "You're married now. Certain decisions no matter what you think are no longer just yours to make."

"Georg and I still love you, you know this right?"

I looked down at the pizza on my plate. I started to feel the eyes around me looking at me, judging me. I heard the voices whispering and buzzing on the back of my neck and my skin began to crawl. I'm being paranoid I'm sure, but I instantly regret coming. Natalie quickly grabbed my hands with her greasy ones.