In the Middle

Chapter Five

After a day of swiping her debit card far too many times, Grae happened upon the perfect outfit, which included a beautiful pair of shoes she'd had her eye on for weeks, but could never convince herself to take the plunge and purchase them.

When Sienna returned home and saw Grae admiring her plethora of purchases, she couldn't help but comment on the fact that all of this was very out-of-character for Grae, but Grae just shrugged it off. She didn't want to think too hard about it. She didn't want to feel regret. She didn't want to to feel irresponsible. She just wanted to forget it all and have some fun.

Sienna decided to join Grae and Rose, claiming it had been ages since she'd had a girls' night. Grae didn't question her, but deep down she knew Sienna wanted to keep an eye on her. The whole afternoon, Sienna had been treating Grae like a china doll that was teetering on the edge of a wobbly table. Knowing it was just in Sienna's nature to mother all those around her, Grae went about her business, getting ready for the night ahead.

__

Grae had been out with Rose's roommates in the past, but she'd forgotten that they were professionals at the consumption of alcohol. Grae could throw back with the rest of them, but even in her early days of college, she typically tried to get home before 1 AM. However, the clock was currently nearing 1:30 AM, and they were on bar number three, with drink number who knows. Sienna was seated at a table near the door of the dimly lit bar with a drowsy look on her face. Rose and her roommate, Leslie, were near the stage where a four piece band was playing Nirvana covers; Rose's eyes were trained on the drummer and Grae was sure that Rose's obvious flirting coupled with her "painted on" dress would catch the drummer's eye. They had left Rose's other two roommates at the previous bar, as they'd happened upon a couple of potential suitors.

Standing against the bar, Grae was waiting to catch the bartender's attention so she could grab a couple of drinks for Sienna and herself. She didn't mind waiting; it felt nice to just stand for a second. Absentmindedly drumming her fingers on the bar and looking toward the band, Grae hadn't noticed someone walking up behind her. The stranger cleared his throat, causing Grae to jump with her hand to her chest, "Oh my gosh!"

Once Grae was completely turned around, she saw Jefferson standing behind her, two beers in hand. He pushed one toward her with a small smile on his face, "I saw you waiting for the bartender. It took me forever to get his attention, so I thought I'd grab you one, too."

He really was such a nice guy, and she wished she felt more than friendship toward him. "Uh, thanks, Jefferson. I appreciate it. I just need to grab one more for Sienna."

Jefferson nodded, making no move to leave Grae to join his table of friends, some of which Grae recognized from Sienna's senior showcase. "So what are you guys up to tonight? Sienna looks like she's had almost too much fun."

Grae laughed, "Yeah, I think she is more tired, less drunk. My coworker from the library invited us out tonight. Kind of a last hurrah, you know?"

"Yeah, that's what we're doing tonight. Well, I guess we're celebrating; I got a job at this amazing production company. Well, I am just an assistant, but it's a start."

A genuine smile formed on Grae's face, "Wow, that's so awesome! You definitely deserve a celebratory night out!"

"Thanks, I'm really excited and also so nervous," he said with slightly red cheeks and a small chuckle. Jefferson continued, "I'm really glad I ran into you tonight. I've been meaning to get in touch with you."

Grae was unsure what to say "Oh, yeah, well it's good to see you, too."

The bartender finally came up to Grae, halting her conversation with Jefferson. "What can I get you?"