Wide Open Spaces

Paper Lanterns

Stevie got the call from Brock and she asked him to meet her at Lock'd n Loaded, an alt-indie espresso bar downtown. They have bands that play on Fridays and Saturdays. Lindsey had even played there a couple times. She frequented this little shop, she knew the owners and they knew her kids. Callie vowed that Lock'd would be her first job. The music was cool and the vibe was totally unique. She dressed in a long skirt, a fitted velvet wrap top and boots despite it being early summer. Her long blonde hair fell in natural waves and her bangs were growing out so she twisted them and pinned them to the side with a pretty metal flower barrette. Lindsey was especially lovey, kissing her cheek sweetly and stroking her face. She smiled at the closeness. His touch was so familiar and comforting. She had professed her love for him recently and though she knew nothing could come of it, she almost wished something could. As the time grew closer to her leaving to meet Brock however, he grew more distant and didn't even reply when she told him goodbye. That stung. She left the house in near tears, getting in her car and turning the music up loud to drown out her thoughts. She pulled up and saw his truck immediately, it was unmistakable, show-y. She hurried in, her fringed bag tossed over her shoulder, and waved to him through the window. He got up and kissed her. This was a good sign!

"Hey! You made it!"

"Yeah, sorry I'm late."

"It's okay. You're here now"

"Did you order yet?"

"I just want a black coffee but I guess they don't sell that here" he said, rolling his eyes and Stevie forced a smile. "So I don't know what to do about this"

"About the coffee?"

"No. I want you to come to Dallas with me, Stevie."

"I would love to be there but my kids have to come first. We both know that."

"Yeah, I know" he says, rolling his eyes once more.

"Don't be like that, please. I'm trying. I talked to Lindsey and he's being so great about this. He offered to move to Texas to be close"

Brock's expression changed. "He doesn't need to be close. He's fine where he is"

"They're his children. He doesn't want to miss a moment with them. We have been doing this together since they were babies. He hasn't missed a day since they were born"

"Hm" he says, crossing his arms.

Now I rest my head from
Such an endless dreary time
A time of hopes and happiness
That had you on my mind
Those days are gone, and now it seems
As if I'll get some rest
But now and then I'll see you again
And it puts my heart to the test

So when are all my problems going to end?
I'm understanding now that
We are only friends
To this day I'm asking why
I still think about you

"This music is shit" Brock says, still fuming from what Stevie had said. Her mind was slowly changing about him. He really was immature. She excused herself to the bar to order his black coffee and her caramel soy with a shot of espresso. She stood there talking with Jared, who was making their coffees.

"What's his deal?" Jared asked, flipping the longer wavy part of his hair out his eye. He had an undercut and intricate tattoos that peeked out from under his dark grey tee shirt. He was warm and friendly and would look out for anyone. He and Stevie had bonded over children and books as his daughter was just four years old and he was raising her on his own. His little one had even been over to their house multiple times. Her kids were so good with her.