The Unexpected

Chapter 26

Tyler asked to have Alex and Addison this weekend so I used the opportunity to go out. I asked Gavin and Diane if they wanted to hangout tonight at the bar and they agreed. So I spend an hour getting dressed up and doing my makeup before going downstairs. By the time Gavin and Diane arrive, Derek has already served me three beers and a shot. We begin by doing Jager-bombs then move to the dance floor. "You look great." Says Diane.

I smile. "Thanks. So do you."

It has been a little over a month since I gave birth to Addison. I love my kids to death but this was much needed alone time. I've spent everyday with them, occasionally having help from Steven, Tyler, and my parents. Matt helped for a while but he could only stay for a week before he had to go back to California.

"We're going to grab another drink. Want to come?" Gavin asks.

I nod, following them to the bar. When we get to the bar, I sit on the stool and wave Derek over. "Can you get us each a beer, please?"

He nods. "Of course."

After he serves us, he leans toward the guy next to me to hear him. "Jack and Coke."

He nods before getting his drink. When the guy reaches for his wallet I get his attention. "It's on me."

I nod at Derek who nods back. The guy looks at me, raising his eyebrows. "Aren't I supposed to buy you a drink?"

"I have to keep the customers happy." I smile. "Enjoy."

"Do you work here?" He asks.

"Part owner." I answer. "I mostly work in the diner next door."

He nods. "What's your name?"

"Mia." I say holding out my hand.

"Dominic." He says, shaking my hand.

I take a moment to really look at him. He has short brown hair that slightly falls over his forehead, green eyes and a decent looking body from what I can tell. "Where's your girlfriend?" I ask, trying to get him to answer the question that's really lingering in my mind.

He chuckles, a smile playing on his lips. "No girlfriend. I'm single. How about you?"

I grin. "Very much single. Let's dance."

He nods before following me out to the dance floor.

After exchanging our numbers at the end of the night, we both go our separate ways.

*******************************

After recovering from giving birth, I began exercising. I've gotten my weight back down to where it was before I had Addison but it wasn't enough for me. I come to the gym as often as I can because it has become my addiction. It makes me focus on my body instead overthinking things as usual.

Besides the joy of losing weight, exercising has also made me have more energy. I have more energy to play with Alex and take care of Addison. I've also become more confident about my body.

I have my headphones on, listening to music as I run on the treadmill when someone taps my arm. I stop the treadmill and pull my headphones out of my ears. When I realize it's the guy from the bar last weekend, I smile. "Dominic right?"

"Yeah." He smiles. "I thought you looked familiar. Do you come here often?"

I glance around the busy gym. "As much as I can."

"Cool." He nods. "So... I haven't called because I couldn't talk myself into it." He chuckles nervously. "But I was wondering if you'd want to grab something eat sometime."