Ugly Truth (SAMPLE)

One

WALKING INTO THE BAR, I take in the sight of the crowded place. It is so packed I feel like I'm suffocating. This is a lot coming from me because I'm not normally claustrophobic in crowds or tight spaces.

It might have to do with the fact that there is barely enough space for a mouse's shoulders in this small, body-heat insulated dive. Not to mention the stage...it's not a stage. It's like a small cliff for the band's equipment, is what it is.

Or it could just be nerves, I haven't seen my cousin Gabe since we were kids—not that it was so long ago but it feels like it's been forever. Granted, we've always kept in touch through calls, texts and social media, but it's not the same. I attempt to search for my cousin in this sea of bombshells with eye glitter, beer breaths accompanied with beer bellies, and bubble butts with too much cologne. To say I'm having a little bit of trouble squeezing my way through the throng and navigating all at once would be an understatement.

I guess being short has some perks, seeing as I am currently slithering under arms, expertly dodging elbows, and only missing body collisions by mere inches.

Now that I'm further inside the venue, I can easily spot him a little to the left of a high-rise table. Sitting on a stool at the far end of the bar, chatting with the bartender. And that is the end of my short-girl perks. He doesn't notice me until I'm within speaking distance. In this overcrowded place, the distance is two bodies. Give or take. No thanks to the surrounding figures that shamelessly swallow me up with their average—tall—heights.

Lucky bastards. The whole lot of them.

Staring at Gabe, I suddenly have absolutely no strength. A slight buzz fills my ears, and my palms start to sweat. Clammy. This moment...it's crazy.

After years of just seeing his face through a screen and having nothing but old memories to fall back on, it's pretty nerve-wracking. And just watching his eyes light up upon sighting me, seeing the crease in his skin form, allowing his mouth to spread into a huge smile. It's an amazing feeling, to realize that you have been missed by someone out in the world. It's even better to actually witness it. See it unfold across their face.

Unabashed. Clear as day.

So, I—without a second thought—throw out my plans on dimming down my giddiness and flash the wide grin that has been threatening to take over half of my face since I first stepped into the bar.

"Vic! Holy shit, is that really you? Get over here, girl! I really fucking missed you. I'm so glad you came. Shit, this is so awesome." His arms slip around my waist and contract, squishing me to death.

Well, I guess it wouldn't be so bad. Going like this. However, I would change the fact my face is trapped between Gabe's bear paw and his chest. I'm almost positive my makeup transferred over onto his shirt, leaving my cheek with clothing crease marks streaked across.

He rapidly fires questions at me after the rocky jostling he incorporated in his bear hug. Although, it was more of a slight, quick shake, given the currently uncomfortable and close proximity we're in with everyone else.

I forgot he has a motormouth. Oh no.