The Good and The Bad (Complicated Love Story)

Chapter Seven: If Only

“Cause we find ourselves in the same old mess singing drunken lullabies!”

Dotty reached for her phone, hesitantly. Judging by the ringtone she already knew who it was. Flogging Molly was one of their favorite bands to see in concert. Dotty was seated on the couch next to Scott playing Call of Duty. The phone call saved her from losing again.

“Hello?”

“You actually answered!”

“Umm…why wouldn’t I?”

“Oh, I don’t know, I just figured…”

“Shut up, Cal! What did you want?”

At the sound of Cal’s name Scott glanced over and Dotty shrugged. The incident with Cal had happened a little over a week ago and she had told Scott about ‘bumping’ into Cal in Langley. She also informed Scott that she and Cal might set a hang out date soon. Oddly enough, Scott didn’t seem to mind, which made her happy. Of course she was glad she and Cal were friends again but, what happened last time could never happen again and if Scott ever found out…yikes, Dotty thought. Dotty had the right morals and Scott to think about. Of course, Cal was not going to simply forget about their last visit together.

“So, what do you say we hit up the Indian place in your area?”

“You do realize that’s an hour and half away from you, right?”

“Already on my way!” Before Dotty could protest Cal hung up.

Dotty turned to Scott, “Well, looks like I have lunch plans.”

“Where to?” Scott asked.

“Cal wants to hit up that Indian place downtown.”

“I heard that place was gross.”

Dotty sighed. Of course Scott would find some way to complain without really complaining. She kissed Scott on the head and went to wash up. She and Scott had been lounging around all day playing video games so Dotty was glad to be getting out. She cut the shower on and welcomed the hot water.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

“Hey, hey.”

“Hey, Cal. C’mon, I’m starving!”

The entire lunch was filled with laughter and large amounts of flirting. Dotty seemed oblivious to Cal’s obvious toying around. She just thought the moment felt right. It was so good to see and hang out with Cal again. In that restaurant, nothing else mattered to Dotty.

When they headed towards the parking lot Cal mentioned they ought to do something else.

“Like what? Dotty asked.

“I don’t know. This is your town, what’s fun? Or we could just make out?”

“Cal!”

“What?” Cal put on his puppy face.

“Look, Cal…” Dotty started.

“Oh, no you don’t.”

“What?” Dotty asked, clearly confused.

“Don’t say you regret what happened. I felt like we were actually getting somewhere.”

“I shouldn’t have done that…with you. It’s just…you bring out…something in me.”

“I get it. Your need to act rebellious is taken out on me and I’m okay with that. I bring out the bad in you. That’s sexy!”

“No, seriously. I’m dating…Scott and you’re supposed to be my best friend. I don’t want to confuse you…or myself. And I don’t think I’m succeeding so well.”

“How about we go get a drink?” Cal asked, avoiding Dotty’s words.

Dotty sighed. Her and alcohol and Cal did not mix, she thought. It seemed half the time she engaged in wrong doings with Cal when she was drinking.

“I can’t. We should do this again sometime, though.”

“Whatever.”

“You’re seriously going to be mad? Because I won’t…what, have sex with you?!”

“When have I ever asked you to have sex with me?! All I want is for you to give me a chance. I love you Dotty and I can’t help that I want you. And you haven’t exactly helped the situation by that little stunt you pulled last week.”

He was right, Dotty thought. She felt as though she was leading him on but, it seemed as though there was nothing she could do about it. Having Scott and Cal in life seemed right. But Dotty didn’t believe in polygamy so she was going to have to figure this out the hard way.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Dotty pushed open the apartment door and headed to the bathroom. Tears were forcing their way through her tear ducts and she didn’t want Scott to see them. Cal had stormed out the parking lot without a word of goodbye, leaving Dotty speechless. She felt horrible for accusing him for just wanting to sleep with her. But Cal did have history. Tears streamed down Dotty’s face as she mentally screamed at herself for getting in this situation. If only she hadn’t of gone to that concert. If only she hadn’t kissed him. If only she didn’t agree to seeing him today. If only.

“Are you okay in there?” Scott asked, sounding worried. Bless him, Dotty thought, it wasn’t fair what she was doing to him.

“You were right, that Indian place was shit.” Dotty ran water over her face and patted her eyes.

“So,” Dotty started, “want to kick my butt in Call of Duty some more?”

Doty yelped in surprise as Scott hauled her over his shoulder to the living room. He was so good for her. And that is what Dotty needed…not someone who brought out the bad in her, no matter how fun it may be. Dotty was placed on the couch and came to the conclusion she didn’t have to decide now. Who says you can’t be bad and good? Any thoughts of Cal were quickly wiped away by the battle on the T.V. How ironic. If only life was a video game. But, Dotty sucked at video games. That's ironic, too, Dotty thought.