everlong

an unexpected guest

I felt all eyes in the room shift onto my presence as Dave closed the front door. I wanted to huddle behind him and not be in plain sight.

"Julia!" Ginny cried happily, breaking the insecure silence that had fallen over the room. I smiled and hugged her tightly. "How have you been?" Lisa asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I've been alright." I answered, nodding.

"Did Dave pick you up? What happened?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows. "Well, we ran into each other at the liquor store, and I wasn't doing anything, so he invited me here." I explained, my anxiety through the roof.

"Well, we're just glad you're here." Ginny said, smiling warmly. "Thank you." I looked over at Dave, who was in the kitchen, having what seemed to be a fight with Rosie. I frowned.

I felt sudden guilt, realizing the argument was most likely my fault. But in a sick, twisted way, I felt some satisfaction with myself, for causing unwanted friction between them.

I crinkled my nose, a wave of disgust with myself coming over me.

"Here," Lisa's voice said, snapping me back into reality. "Oh, thank you." I smiled, taking the glass of wine she had kindly offered to me. I took a tiny sip, which calmed my nerves a bit. I then swished the red substance around in my glass.

I took a seat on the sofa, looking around. It seemed like Rosie had cooled off. She was drinking some wine and socializing with Ginny and Lisa. Dave was sitting alone, his chin rested on his hands.

He caught my gaze. I didn't even look away.

He rose from his chair, approaching me. I blushed bright pink. He plopped down beside me. "Hi. Enjoying yourself?" He asked politely.

"Mhm." I managed, my mouth full of red wine. He let out one of his laughs, one of those laughs that could bring light to any situation, no matter how dark. I swallowed, then giggled.

As he opened his mouth to speak again, Rosie tapped his shoulder. He turned around, meeting her glare. "I'm gonna go to bed now I think." She said cooly, crossing her arms.

Dave cocked an eyebrow upwards. "Are you feeling ok? Its only 9:15." He said, concern in his voice. "I'm fine. Goodnight." She planted a shallow kiss on his cheek, then went away.

I sat in silence, feeling out of place. I took another swig of my wine, which was now nearly gone. "This is some good stuff," I muttered,  nodding.

"We could definitely use more of it."