Wide Open Spaces

Lipstick On Your Collar

It was late in the afternoon and Lindsey was out taking the 'big kids', as Stevie called them, on a long hike. Baby Iris was with her parents on a zoo outing and she was home alone. She tried to paint but felt uninspired, she didn't feel like working on any of her other projects and she definitely didn't want to watch tv. Music made her think too much but she couldn't stand the silence. She poured herself a glass of wine, contemplating her next move when her cell phone rang. She sighed heavily, reading the name on the screen. More than a week had passed and Stevie's mind replayed the conversation with Brock. Though brief, it impacted her. She needed closure.

"Surprise, surprise" she said, answering the phone.

"Hey, you finally picked up!" Brock said, his tone a lot more friendly than Stevie's had been.

"Well, you only called me about a million times. I had to ask Dylan how to clear my voice mail" Her voice showed her irritation, she wasn't even trying to hide it.

"I could have shown you" he offered.

"I wouldn't need anyone to show me if you would have taken a hint." It was quiet for a few excruciating moments and Stevie used it to take several large gulps of wine. She needed something to stop herself from having another panic attack. "I'm sorry"

"No, I should have left you alone but all I want to do is see you. I'm in town and uh, if you're not busy, will you meet me for a cup of coffee? There's this place I know you'll like. It's kinda mystical and they have palm readers and all that witch stuff there." The way he said it showed that it obviously wasn't his scene. "If you're willing, that is. I don't want to force you into anything."

"Is the coffee good?"

"I just get it black and they don't play country so I'm in and out. I don't really know."

She chuckles. "Okay."

"Okay? Really?"

"You've worn me down"

"It's not too far from your place, if you wanna walk. Don't wear those big ass heels, okay?"

"Fine."

"Can I park at your house and go from there?"

"Sure, but don't you dare park in my yard."

"Wouldn't dream of it. So I'll see you in like an hour?"

"Yeah. See you soon."

"See you"

She hangs up and pours herself another glass of wine, taking it up to her room with her. She sips it as she gets ready, darkening her make up in the mirror of her vanity. She quickly changed her outfit from leggings and a top to a skirt and blouse, remembering he said not to wear heels. She decided instead to wear a pair of wore in leather riding boots and grabbed a cardigan, it could get chilly. Before she knew it, the door bell rang. After brushing her hair, she went down to greet him.

"I just have to grab my bag"

"Take your time" he said. He did look handsome. He was dressed casually in a flannel shirt, his white tee shirt peeking out ever so slightly, blue jeans and boots. Somehow his features looked softer, kinder. Life had knocked him down a peg or two and it showed. He was humble, gracious, courteous, even stepping onto the street side as they walked down the side walk. She caught herself smiling at him and his eyes flirted in response. She had to look away, he was a new man. Music flowed out when they turned a corner, headed to the coffee shop. They both stopped dead in their tracks and looked up to the kitschy neon sign hanging above. "Betty's"

"Milkshake and Burger Bar"

"I'm gonna have to check this place out sometime" Brock says. "They have a dance floor"